Any disadvantages to installing a smart electricity meter?

[jagnet]

Britain's spare generating capacity:



Eggborough power station, supplying 4% of the UK's electricity is set to close in March.

Longannet is also closing next year.

And Ferrybridge also closing at the same time, but SSE is considering reopening the gas-fired power station at Keadby by the end of October, possibly.

But it's all good, Hinckley Point is supposed to be generating by 2023.

I can't say that I share your confidence about our generating capacity.

[Condi]

From memory the lights didnt go out in 2005, when we had less spare capacity than we do now?

[jagnet]

But if memory serves, we weren't busy shutting power stations as fast as we are now either. So whilst this winter is "tight but manageable", what of future winters?

[herewego]

If suppliers were able to switch off some items at demand peaks I think it would be equal in effectiveness to an increase in generation capacity while at the same time reducing consumption/cost/emissions. I'm thinking about such demand peaks as the kettle switch on at the end of a popular show.

[KTF]

herewego said:

If suppliers were able to switch off some items at demand peaks I think it would be equal in effectiveness to an increase in generation capacity while at the same time reducing consumption/cost/emissions. I'm thinking about such demand peaks as the kettle switch on at the end of a popular show.

And how exactly do you think they are doing to magically turn off everyones kettle using the wizardry of the smart meter when demand goes up a bit?

For those who are interested, here are some graphs showing current and historical demand: http://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/

[Dave_ST220]

Those against this have you considered this may actually benefit everyone by flattening the peaks in demand? Most "heavy" appliances these days have timers, dish washers, tumble dryers, washing machines etc could all be set to work at night. This would take the strain off the grid at peak times. I'd wager power stations are generating a LOT of wasted electricity at night?

[CrutyRammers]

Dave_ST220 said:

Those against this have you considered this may actually benefit everyone by flattening the peaks in demand? Most "heavy" appliances these days have timers, dish washers, tumble dryers, washing machines etc could all be set to work at night. This would take the strain off the grid at peak times. I'd wager power stations are generating a LOT of wasted electricity at night?

I'd always envisioned that in the 21st century, we'd have enough power to deal with demand, rather than having rationing so that I have to run my noisy appliances overnight when I'm trying to sleep.

[Dave_ST220]

CrutyRammers said:

I'd always envisioned that in the 21st century, we'd have enough power to deal with demand, rather than having rationing so that I have to run my noisy appliances overnight when I'm trying to sleep.

It's not really a question of that though is it? We only have finite resources and right now we are wasting them. Until clean cheap power becomes available (nuclear fusion). Noisy appliances? Modern machines are very quiet as well as being A rated for energy. Besides, this is PH, surely you have a dedicated wing of you mansion for appliances?

[emicen]

Condi said:

From memory the lights didnt go out in 2005, when we had less spare capacity than we do now?

Less spare capacity but also not as much of our generating capacity was wind, which extremely rarely hits anything like its rated capacity.

The data from the whirly they installed at my work showed actual electricity generated was under 12% of capacity. Also prone to being shut down right when it would be most useful [very windy or snowing].