BGE's "smart" meter plan
Looking for a way to cut down on your energy bill? BGE has a suggestion: It wants to hand out devices, including energy meters, that will "inform consumers when they could gain the most by conserving electricity and gas," as Liz Kay reports today.
There's debate about how much this will really help customers, since the devices aren't free. You can read more about that in today's story. But here's what BGE is saying:
Under the proposal, smart meter rates would go into effect in 2012, and BGE customers would earn rebates by choosing to conserve energy during the peak hours of 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on specific critical use days, such as high heat days. BGE said even those who didn't cut peak usage would benefit from lower prices as a result of reduced overall demand.
Have you been trying to reduce your bill by dialing back the air conditioner or leaving it off entirely at certain times of the day? Or have you found other ways to cut energy costs? Do share.
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Comments
Thanks BGE for trying to help me payless (by conserving) while spending more money for upgrades??? How dumb do they think we are, where is our governor on this issue...
Posted by: ML | July 14, 2009 9:47 AM
Of course they want you to pay less; because they want you to PAY. If everyone is able to pay their bills, then they can spend for upgrades.
This isn't a matter of stupidity; it's a matter of finding the price point in this economic climate. Given deregulation, this is almost a minor miracle.
Posted by: steegness | July 14, 2009 10:13 AM
Perhaps I'm missing some wonderful new whiz bang technology feature, but...
It seems to me that anyone interested enough in taking action toward achieving these results would have enough on the ball to be able to read a clock and know if it was a peak or off peak hour of the day and act accordingly.
What is so complicated about adjusting the setback thermostat on the furnace & ac or to cooking and eating dinner a bit later or a few other minor adjustments in "lifestyle".
I'll ask some electrical engineer types what other **features** these meters have that make them so appealing to BGE.
Posted by: MrRational | July 14, 2009 10:15 AM
I have a programmable thermostat that I have set to keep the house how I like it only when I'm home and only use the AC when it gets unbearably hot and humid. I also air dry half of my laundry and have power strips attached to my computer set up, my stereo set up, and my home theater set up that are all always turned off unless in use (to prevent zombie appliances doing their thing). I also have replaced most of my light bulbs with CFLs and have purchased newer energy efficient appliances out of need (rather than want). Lights mostly stay off unless in use. Finally, I'm on budget billing. What does this all add up to? A monthly electric + gas bill of just over $100, which is more than reasonable if you ask me. So, do I need a smart reader that I have to pay for against my will? My answer is no.
Posted by: Bruce | July 14, 2009 1:27 PM
I don't like the lack of personal control. of what goes on in my house. This technology is fairly new, ugly from what I have seen, subject to upgrades?? I think that the house meters could be put on new construction and replace old meters in time. I am very suspicious of the additional monthly charges. I hope the PSC is really cautious on this one and the people's counsel well prepared.
Posted by: CarmanK | July 19, 2009 12:45 AM