| Kill Switch: One of Many Issues with Smart Meters
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The Elster Rex2 Smart Meter being deployed on residential units in Naperville has an interesting feature being affectionately referred to as the KILL SWITCH.
Sound kind of scary? Well it is.
The switch, called a service control switch, gives the city the automated ability to turn your power off at any time, for a specified period of time, remotely should you reach your predetermined "load limit" (ie: the amount of electricty you are allowed to use at any given time).
It is unclear if the city plans on using this feature and it is unclear what our individual "allotted" amount of electricity will be. In a recent article, Doug Kreiger said the city won't be using the switch.
What is clear is this: the service control switch is an additional feature that was specifically requested in the RFP for the smart meters. It is not standard on the Rex2 residential meters. It is also not a feature that will be found on the commercial meters, as it was not requested.
What does this mean to residents?
Think hot summer day, hosting a summer party, music blaring, A/C cranked up, kids in the basement playing every electronic game you own, parents spread throughout the house, lights on everywhere, oven and stove both in use, fridge working overtime....and you reach your allotted electrical usage.
Now think about that snow storm we had last winter.
Many are concerned that even if the city does not intend to use it, the capability is there. The intention is certainly there. And one day, they just might decide to use it or be forced to use it by the federal government.
Others are wondering why we paid for an additional feature that we don't intend on using, comparing it to the city's decision not to use the "time of use" pricing feature that smart meters offer.
- $22M project
- $11M bond
- $3M interest expense paid by ratepayers
- $1.35M paid to PR firms to help quell the dissenters
- time of use pricing
- minute by minute surveillance of your electricity usage
- radiation exposure
- cyber security concerns
- Contractual obligations with the DOE = ratepayers to be guinea pigs for the DOE
- penalty charge to protect your safety
- no referendum
- KILL SWITCH
Do you still need a reason to oppose smart meters?
Tell the city to stop the installation of smart meters in Naperville. Sign the petition:
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Sign the Petition
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Tell the city to stop the install of
smart meters in Naperville.
Sign the Petition
and
Call Bernie Sabin to get on the "opt-out"list.
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East & West Highlands
Residents & Business Owners
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The pilot program is underway.
The approximate pilot boundaries are: 5th Ave Station (North) 75th St (South) Olesen (East) West St (West)
If you are in the current pilot program or were in the 2009 pilot program, we'd like to speak to you. We'd like to hear your story; why you chose to be part of the pilot or why you chose to opt out.
Please contact us at napervillesmartmeters@yahoo.com
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