Smart metering...

[Marijuanasaur]

if your power company gave you the option to be on a usage-based payment plan (where times of peak usage are more expensive then say, at night, when less people are using power), does that mean you are on a smart meter? even if you opted for the flat rate option?

thanks.

 

[humble1]

it means they want to come and change your meter to a smart meter and may do it regardless of whether you want it or not. as to whether it's already been done, just go out and look at your meter. is there a spinning wheel? if not, and there's a digital usage readout, you've got a smart meter. not the end of the world.

 

[Strainhunter]

..... just go out and look at your meter. is there a spinning wheel? if not, and there's a digital usage readout, you've got a smart meter. not the end of the world.

Correction there:

Digital readouts (vs. spinning wheel meters) do NOT always/automatically indicate a Smart Meter.

Either can be one although most Smart Meters do have digital read outs.
However there are Analog read out Smart Meters as well containing a communication chip but allowing to read the usage through a analog display.

Best way to find out is note the model numbers on the meter and Google them...or call your electric supplier.



Edit:

Below a picture of how a Smart Meter reading can look like:

A 18/12 or 12/12 cycle would look really interesting on it...

 

[Marijuanasaur]

I'll try the model number approach when I get a chance.

in the event of having a smart meter, do regulated power supplys with digital flip flop timers have consistent looking power draw?

 

[Strainhunter]

.....do regulated power supplys with digital flip flop timers have consistent looking power draw?

The draw (usage) always is there.

Once something is running...it'll show the draw.

If you run 12/12 in TWO ROOMS with a flip flop or ONE ROOM running 24/24 flowering..the draw will show either way...but as a consistent curve w/o spikes.

 

[Marijuanasaur]

I checked, and i have an analog meter, but you say that means i may still have a smart meter?

 

[Strainhunter]

I checked, and i have an analog meter, but you say that means i may still have a smart meter?

Yes, that's correct.

Just call your electricity company and ask...tell them something along the line of:
"Hey I heard they now have these great new smart meters and I was wondering if I have one of those as well" and they'll tell you.

 

[Jaybird2203]

not to mention that even if you have a smart meter they may not be doing the actual smart metering as in you have the hardware but they may not be actually charging/recording you by the hour. I know in Ontario Canada they are rolling it out later this year but have installed hundreds of thousands of smart meters.

 

[mrred]

whats the cheapest/best flip flopper? when magnegtic ballasts start up they use more power, is that spike noticable?

 

[GardenCaress]

how much wattage would it take to raise suspicion or obtain a warrant on a 12 hour cycle? both without a tip and with a tip trying to gather evidence? where would also probably be pretty important

 

[GardenCaress]

delete me

 

[Stoner Chick]

I own my house. Can they attach a smart meter to it without my permission??

 

[]A[Boss]

yes

 

[Strainhunter]

I own my house. Can they attach a smart meter to it without my permission??

Of course they can.

You either agree to having one put on when introduced or find another electricity provider not using Smart Meters.

You will (very) unlikely be able to get another provider...and they know that.

 

[Strainhunter]

how much wattage would it take to raise suspicion or obtain a warrant on a 12 hour cycle? both without a tip and with a tip trying to gather evidence? where would also probably be pretty important

Without a rat it depends on where you live...with a rat your screwed either way.

 

[Stoner Chick]

Hmm...well that bites.

I wonder what sort of priority smart meters are in rural communities.

 

[watson540]

Hmm...well that bites.

I wonder what sort of priority smart meters are in rural communities.

from what i have seen, its equal or MORE probable. My guess is that the rural companies want to set up smart metering ASAP, because that means thwey dont have to pay a meter reader or his vehicle or gas costs. ( i have a buddy who is rural, and part of a "co-op" he has had a smart meter for a few years now..it makes sense from a cost standpoint)

 

[Strainhunter]

from what i have seen, its equal or MORE probable. My guess is that the rural companies want to set up smart metering ASAP, because that means thwey dont have to pay a meter reader or his vehicle or gas costs. .....

^^^^^That.

However there are different types of Smart Meters with the two major differences being:

Type 1 showing only how much has been used within the billing cycle (but not anything else)

and

Type 2 showing everything as previously discussed.

 

[mrred]

how do you tell which one you have

 

[Strainhunter]

how do you tell which one you have

If you're lucky you can find out by Googling the #'s on your meter.

The short cut and guaranteed answer:

Call the electricity company and ask.

If you're afraid raising a flag with your question...call as your neighbor!