(05-16-2016 11:57 AM)21-17 Best Time I Ever Ha Wrote:  And I used to date a meter reader.

(05-13-2016 06:44 AM)Latilleon Wrote:  Nothing wrong with a smart meter. If you trust your cell phone company to keep track of your data usage, why not MLGW to keep track of your utility usage?

The only reason people have been trying to keep them away is to protect the jobs of meter readers. But that's just denying technological progress.

We had a mandatory conversion to those in DFW area about four years ago. I don't remember having an option.

(05-16-2016 12:16 PM)21-17 Best Time I Ever Ha Wrote:  Thanks for all the input, guys! What I have heard is that the smart meters can monitor how much electricity each of your appliances uses and somehow use that to up your bill. I'm not too concerned about any one of the problems mentioned, but as a group, I think I will just pass on this for now.

Thank you!

Not possible without monitoring each circuit in your house.

(05-16-2016 10:35 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(05-13-2016 10:15 AM)MemTigerFan Wrote:  that's possible, but anecdotally I've never heard that argument. The only thing I've heard is people not wanting further intrusion from government into peoples' lives. You're the first I've seen mention anything about the meter reader jobs.

Yeah, the local IBEW union office has been partnering with the anti-smart meters people because switching to smart meters will cut meter reader jobs.

I dont think they are cutting current jobs. They just are not re-filling those jobs as these guys retire/leave.

(05-13-2016 08:25 AM)MemTigerFan Wrote:  uh no, the main reason people are trying to keep them away is because it gives even more data for eventually implementing peak-time usage premiums, thus costing customers even more money for utilities.

So, just use electricity at off peak times. No big deal.

The most significant reason for utility companies, both public like MLGW or private is to reduce theft. It costs MLGW many millions of dollars annually from theft. Pull the meter, place jumpers inside the meter center and you are getting electricity without it registering on the meter. Or placing the meter in upside down to make it run backwards. Whatever the method of theft it is huge and those costs are passed on to customers. Theft cost MLGW many times more than the combined salary of all the meter readers annual salary. Smart meters will reduce theft greatly which has been a serious problem for long time, long time. Also there is "NO" service charge for replacing your old meter with a smart meter. And peak usage charges have been around for decades in other parts of the country but mostly only by privately owned utility companies. MLGW is publicly owned and is doubtful peak usage charges would be approved. But I have learned to never say never, so there you go.