In this Wisconsin town, you get the smart meter or they shut you down

The Wisconsin Reporter ^ | 7-11-13 | Ryan Ekvall

[afraidfortherepublic]

They have been pricing my electricity by time of day for 27 years. At one time I had the option to opt in, or out, of this program. I just let stand what the homeowner before me did.

I do so little wash (just 2 of us) and do it at all kinds of crazy times of day, or night, that it doesn’t really matter. I have an extra large machine, so it’s generally 2 loads per week. 3 at the most.

But, I was in danger of a lawsuit from a meter reader slipping down a rocky hillside to read my meter, so I’m happy to have them read it from the street.

[Monitor]

If I had an indoor garden (caugh caugh!) I could understand being opposed to a meter that can record a large and consistent electrical load change during the same 12 hour period each day. Otherwise, I don’t really understand the opposition to these meters, other than not wanting big brother collecting any more information than he already is.

But then, the utilities already know how much electricity per quarter you use versus your neighbors, so the electrical load of your indoor garden would still stand out next to your neighbor’s, even if they leaves all of their lights and televisions on 24/7.

That said, if the meters are to help the utility company cut costs, I think they should be offering a monthly opt-in credit, rather than an opt-out charge.