Smart Meter

We have seen the culprits, and it is us. The effects of climate change is affecting the way we live, work and function.

The picture shows the old meter on the right, and the new "Smart Meter" on the left. These devices will be installed in every household and commercial building, in Ontario, before the end of 2008.

What are "Smart Meters"? ... good question. I will try to put it into layman terms and then refer you to pages with more details.
Smart Meters control how and when you use electricity. If you use too much in the "peak" period, the distributor can remotely cut off your electricity for period of time; also they will charge you higher amounts depending on your TOU (Time Of Use).

Highest price - refers to when demand is highest
Mid price - refers to when demand is moderate
Lowest price - refers to when demand is lowest


Day of the Week Time Price Period Price(cents/kWh)
Weekends & Holidays All day Lowest price 3.0
Summer Weekdays(May 1 - Oct 31) 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mid price 7.0
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Highest price 8.7
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mid price 7.0
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Lowest price 3.0
Winter Weekdays(Nov 1 - April 30) 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Highest price 8.7
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mid price 7.0
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Highest price 8.7
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mid price 7.0
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Lowest price 3.0

To meet this criteria and pay less, ALL residents MUST change their useage habits. We now have to think about the TOU in terms of Time of Day, by day of week and by season.

Shift your electricity usage to periods when the prices are lower
Do laundry on weekends and wash in cold water
Turn the dishwasher on after 10 p.m. and select the Economy setting and air dry cycle
Lower your electricity usage during periods when the prices are higher
Set the air-conditioning a few degrees warmer during the afternoon
Turn appliances such as the computer, radio and TV off when they're not in use
Most common but sometimes forgotten, turn lights off when not in use

Reference:
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Big Brother is watching.

Peace


The days of UNlimited electricity use is over and we now have to pay the piper.