The BBC has an article today stating the British government intends to have every household equipped with smart meters by the end of 2020.
These are devices that monitor and display gas and electricity usage information to householders while also having the ability to signal the usage to the utility company, usually by a wireless transmission to say a vehicle going down the street (or by phone).
The advantage to the company is that they get cheap, timely and accurate data (fewer arguments with consumers), while householders get information on consumption and cost so that they are more aware of the expense. Cut backs in usage would save 2% of current energy use, it is hoped.
As usual inventors have been working on equipment that could be used for this purpose, and a number of trials are being carried out. Below is the main drawing from a Utility monitoring device, system and method by a Canadian inventor.
Industry sources, say the article, estimate the cost at £7 billion, or about £15 per household. Even if the householder had to pay that, it would quickly be recouped by lower energy bills.
I think this is quite a smart move on the part of British Government. Indeed in this age of global warming monitoring monitor gas and electricity usage becomes important.
Posted by: Cell Phones | 14 June 2009 at 12:26