I've just visited an elderly relative who has just had smart meters and the obligatory table top display installed. Now if you can detect a slight tinge of scepticism in my writing then you're right. So why do I feel like this?
Well I'm interested in smart meters because my energy and cost reduction work at home (documented at www.conserveandsave.co.uk) requires me to take daily readings from the gas meter. It would be so much better if I could automate this and a smart meter would appear to be the answer. My expectation has been that these meters will have an interface that is open for use by the consumer but I'm confused and a little dismayed by my first research.
I may have misunderstood what I've read but the initiative seems to be focussed towards the energy supplier. With respect to the data from the meter it will be communicated to an independent company that will disseminate the data collected to authorised organisations. I couldn't find any information regarding an open interface from which I could directly obtain consumption data. (I hope the intention is not to have to apply to access it via the internet from this company!) However, the mechanism for local access must be there because it is being used by the table top display. It's not a revolutionary concept either. Since 2000 it was introduced in cars which through legislation must include a standardised open interface from which data such as engine temperature, speed, fuel used, fault codes etc. can be obtained to check correct operation and efficiency.
I hope my fears that this initiative is founded on bureaucracy and big business is ill founded!
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