The power company here is already dying to put one of their “smart” thermostats in every home. They can control it to balance supply and demand.
I always tell them hell no.
Partially true, but it is done more so to shave peak (i.e. saves $$$$$). Most distribution utilities are billed on demand, with some having energy adders on a per substation usage basis.
As for what Ras is saying, he should know better. They can’t trip breakers, and it will never get to that point. MCBs are not remote-controlled devices, they operate when exposed to an overload condition (current and/or thermal). Further, most loads behind the meter are not distinguishable with 100% certainty, with resistive loads being the easiest type to distinguish.
Large motor loads are easy enough to distinguish due to, obviously, the load being drawn, but at steady state conditions, and taking into account the dynamics behind a residential meter, the utility wouldn’t know if you’re running an air compressor or a refrigerator. Meters, at this time, are not capable of capturing real-time, graphed data. To attempt to distinguish loads, a plot of voltage and current would be needed (in a real-time, trend line fashion), and even then it would be hard to determine what exactly is going on behind the meter. Imagine, without any user input, how many devices/appliances are automated or are continuously on. From there, envision how often these devices switch on/off in a day and at what times they are on/off, having coincidental overlap with other devices. Just off the cuff, this would include: heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators, deep freezers, clocks, electronics, etc. None of these require you to do anything for them to operate, other than give them a source and provide some programming/setup. Now, imagine you are home, cooking supper, your kids are playing video games, your wife is blow drying her hair, all while these automated loads are still functioning without your physical input telling them to do so. Paints a much different picture than the
Mona Lisa Ras penned, right?
Many utilities have been utilizing load control switches for decades, allowing them to control water heaters, heat pumps and other approved appliances. This is accomplished via peak interrupters and/or relays, which are controlled by a load control switch that receives a remote signal (PLC or RF). After the remote signal is received, the LCS then sends a low voltage signal (12VDC or 24VAC) to the controlling relay, taking that load offline. It is not done subversively, as the customer requests the service and agrees to the conditions of the service being provided. Typically, the customer will receive a kickback in the form of a modest credit, for implementing the use of a load control switch.
The smart thermostat works in the exact same way (controlled via WiFi), only it is viewed as more invasive because of the intimacy, and I’d agree. Utilities, like virtually all other industries, are tightly governed. Rates are set by BODs, city councils, or other, and they are approved by that state’s Public Service Commission. That’s a wet dream for Luther....checks and balances.
Some have apparently been watching too many Twilight Zone reruns.
TL;DR version:
Ras is wearing a tin foil body suit. Electric utilities can’t see behind your meter. Loads are dynamic, even without your input.
Love ya mean it, Ras.
