Not so smart
Contrary to the opinions expressed in `Every home needs a smart meter’ in last week`s Free Press, I believe very few homes need one.
Leaving aside the issues of reliability, safety, privacy etc, are we no longer capable of monitoring our own behaviour without the use of technology? I can accept large families with several TVs, PCs and other appliances may benefit from monitoring usage. However, smart meters are superfluous in single person or low occupancy households.
I live alone. If there is a light on it is because I need it; if the cooker is on, then I am cooking; if the shower is on then obviously I am in the shower! I know exactly which appliances are in use and why. I do not need a smart meter, nor will I ever have one. Proponents of these gadgets harp on about the time we will save by not having to send a reading to the utility company.
It takes five minutes to take a reading and send it once every three months. Compare this with the time that would be spent checking ‘real time’ usage. If a household is using only essential energy what is to be gained by constantly checking a meter?
Miss Doreen Clarke
Sutton St. James