Uncovering the Truth Behind Smart Grid & Smart Meters

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns and perceptions regarding smart grid technology and smart meters, particularly in North America. Participants express varying opinions on the necessity, safety, and implications of these devices, with some questioning their value and others defending their use.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the need for smart meters, questioning whether the benefits justify the costs and potential risks associated with their installation.
  • Others argue that smart meters are safe and beneficial, suggesting they eliminate human error in meter reading and provide valuable data.
  • A participant mentions concerns about privacy and the perception that electric companies may misuse the data collected by smart meters.
  • There are claims that the mainstream media does not adequately cover the topic, leading to a lack of public awareness and understanding.
  • Some participants caution that responses may be biased, as individuals working in the industry might not present fully objective views.
  • One participant humorously notes their surprise at the number of smart meters connected to their home, indicating a personal experience with the technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the safety, necessity, and implications of smart meters, with no consensus reached among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern and skepticism, with some relying on anecdotal evidence and others referencing external sources. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and broader societal implications without resolving the underlying issues.

BenVitale
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In North America, awareness of smart grid/smart meters remains low. Mainstream media doesn't discuss much about this technology. People who protest against it get arrested. So, I got curious.

Could you describe your biggest concern relative to smart grid/smart meters?

I was told to search for "Citizens Against Smart Meters" website to read their views, but couldn't find the website.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
That's because there is nothing about the meters that is harmful.

If you search for information from crackpot sites, all you will get is crackpot information.

Here is information on smart meters...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_meter
 
BenVitale said:
In North America, awareness of smart grid/smart meters remains low. Mainstream media doesn't discuss much about this technology. People who protest against it get arrested. So, I got curious.

Could you describe your biggest concern relative to smart grid/smart meters?

I was told to search for "Citizens Against Smart Meters" website to read their views, but couldn't find the website.

Smart grid/meter? You mean something to monitor electricity consumption :rolleyes: why would anyone protest that?
 
Evo sent a private message on this issue, and I've answered back. I'm waiting for a confirmation before I can post, here, in this thread, the reasons of this protest.
 
Do you really need a meter to tell you how much electricity each appliance is using? Most people realize that the highest level of consumption is during the day. For this knowledge should we have to spend billions, and have a dangerous device on each home and apartment? Frankly, this seems a "luxury" that can't be jusitifed.

People must be cautious -- many posters work for the industry and not all responses are completely valid.
 
BenVitale said:
Evo sent a private message on this issue, and I've answered back. I'm waiting for a confirmation before I can post, here, in this thread, the reasons of this protest.
They are safe Ben. Your fears are unwarranted. Do not post unscientific nonsense in this forum.

http://www.ccst.us/publications/2011/2011smart-final.pdf
 
Sharon2 said:
Do you really need a meter to tell you how much electricity each appliance is using? Most people realize that the highest level of consumption is during the day. For this knowledge should we have to spend billions, and have a dangerous device on each home and apartment? Frankly, this seems a "luxury" that can't be jusitifed.

People must be cautious -- many posters work for the industry and not all responses are completely valid.
The meters are to elliminate costly human meter readers. It will eliminate a lot of human error. I don't see any down side.

Of course kooks are everywhere and love to scare themselves and others over non-existent issues. People were protesting because they think the electric company is using the meters to gather information on them. Gee, you think? :smile:
 
Last edited:
Sharon2 said:
Do you really need a meter to tell you how much electricity each appliance is using? Most people realize that the highest level of consumption is during the day. For this knowledge should we have to spend billions, and have a dangerous device on each home and apartment? Frankly, this seems a "luxury" that can't be jusitifed.

People must be cautious -- many posters work for the industry and not all responses are completely valid.

Welcome to PF, I'm afraid I find the ignorance of this post is astounding! If you are going to claim something you are going to need to back it up with references from peer-reviewed literature.
 
I went out to my meter to find out if it was one of those smart-meter devices. What a surprise, there are about 30 smart meters hooked up to my house. Everything going in and out is being monitored. No wonder I've been getting all those emails about Rolexes. However, the one that scared me the most is the one that is monitoring my PF usage.
 
  • #10
LOL Jimmy.

I think it's time to close this down.
 

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