Smart Meters...

[Anak]

Has anyone had experience with these new smart meters that the electric companies are so desperately wanting to install, my replacement is supposed to happen in the next month or so.

I'm interested in either personal experience from having yours changed or maybe a family, friends, or neighbor.

My supplier is PPL and their contractor already has one strike against them. I was scheduled for a swap between the hours of 8am to Noon today and I received a call at 12:10pm from customer service letting me know that unfortunately the mechanic received my schedule a little too late but was available if I was.
I told the lady that no I was not, I scheduled my time to convenience them and I had errands and chores to do so no, just put me on the regular schedule when they are in the area, but, make sure you or the mechanic calls and knocks on my door before s/he does anything!! As I have equipment that I want to shutdown before s/he gets started.

If you haven't already seen the experiences of customers they run the gamut of increasing power billings to incidents of fires and not just at the meter base, some involve the owners home. I will say that it seems? these incidents have lessened since the smart meters introduction here in the States back around 2005.

One item that really burns me is, even though the meter is the suppliers responsibility we have to pay for it, (about $300. USD).

Google Searches:
Problems with Smart Meters in PA
Can I opt-out of Smart Meters in PA

btw: Some of you will see this post over on TenForums for increased visibility.

 

[Digital Life]

I live in Ontario Canada and we did not have to pay for them.

As far as I know they do not save people or the utility money, quite the opposite really.

I honestly believe that there are some serious kickbacks going to somebody somewhere for all these units.

Also if you pay for it does that mean you can take it with you if you move. LOL

 

[Mellon Head]

I live in Nova Scotia, Canada and we have them as well. I didn't have to pay for mine. I don;t really see them saving the utility (or me) all that much money. If anything, now the utility can screw up my bill with a lot less effort.

 

[Anak]

sml156: Thanks, yea, just follow the money. I'd like to see me get away with taking the meter! ...

Mellon Head: Agreed.

 

[poorguy]

We have them where I live Gas and Electric Smart Meters and I have no problems with mine and as far as I know didn't cost me anything.

They are designed to replace the meter readers.

No complaints they just sent everyone a letter and said they were to be replaced between this time on this date and they did it no hassles.

 

[Anak]

Thanks pg, I've been looking into this more and see that as time goes by the incidents of failure goes down because of better equipment and experience.