said by tkdslr:Yup... smart meters can be programmed to rip you off..
I know the ones deployed in FPL's service area have the rip-off mode enabled as a default.
I.E.. Double bill for reactive loads(transformers) which return power back to the grid.. (Instead of crediting for returned power, they bill you for it, again.)
Besides that and the privacy issue..
Smart Meters can remotely shutoff a customers power at any time..
This makes them vulnerable to hackers and hostile acts/governments.
Imagine enemy agents deploying a few dozen radios.. Commanding all the smart meters in their area to turn on and off the power in sync.. 5 seconds on. 5 seconds off.. Such variations in load would quickly destroy the power station generators and other infrastructure.. thus collapsing the grid without firing a shot.
Me personally.. I refused the installation of a smart meter.. I don't like taking stupid risks like that.. I.E. You're on trip away from home for a few days and someone commands the meter to shut off for a couple of days... then turns it back on.. Know one would be the wiser.
Your freezer and frig contents would be ruined.
Same goes for alarm systems, after a day or two with no grid.. no more battery power, no alarm. And your neighbors wouldn't have a clue(as their power remained on).
