FREE Smart meters for homes?

Post by **UBT - Timbo** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:06 pm

Hi all,

Just found this on the BBC website - basically it's the idea of making the gas and electricity meter (usually kept under the stairs) show in real time (and the real cost!), how much energy you are consuming....:

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6550361.stm

and the older news story is here:

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4754109.stm

What a simple idea....and so easy to implement, if they can agree a common standard to make them all interchangeable (which becomes relevant if you switch suppliers).

regards,

Tim

(Edit - updated with correct link URL)

UBT - Halifax-lad · Post by **UBT - Halifax-lad** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:58 pm

Was just about to say they have been talking about this for ages now, then I noticed the date of the article

Post by **UBT-mark3346** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:54 pm

A "simple" smart meter has been used for many many years---customers with the old coin in the slot meter knew exactly what their gas/ele was costing as they used it (and they could be plunged into darkness if they didn't keep an eye on the meter or enough change handy).

Post by **UBT - Timbo** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:17 pm

UBT - Halifax--lad wrote:Was just about to say they have been talking about this for ages now, then I noticed the date of the article

Yup - my fault - pasted wrong URL link (but updated it now).

The reason why it's now relevant is that energy suppliers may be giving these new smart meters away free of charge...not sure if they will charge for relocating the new meters in a "viewable" position, instead of being hidden away in some dark corner

regards,

Tim

UBT - Halifax-lad · Post by **UBT - Halifax-lad** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:39 pm

Would be better if it was a smart meter as opposed to real time monitoring