Should you make the switch from the traditional electrical monitoring system to the smart meter? Do you have a choice at all? The answer to both questions, are “No.” What if I told you that even the United States Stimulus has backed the modern innovation with funds of $3.4 billion, are you convinced? I would hope not. Smart meters were designed by energy suppliers, such as General Electric and PG&E, and are said to more precisely monitor power usage in households all over the world. According to its creators, the meters wirelessly send information back to utility companies, so that they can analyze electricity consumption each day. This, they say, will save their customers money in the long run. Despite the potential benefits, are these smart meters worth jeopardizing a customer’s privacy and security?
The controversy over smart meters became apparent as residents complained of inaccurate readings, resulting in them paying more than usual for their typical power consumption. When brought to the attention of energy suppliers, they argued that this was due to “rising oil and gas prices being passed onto consumers.”[1] Keep in mind that these smart meters were supposed to be more accurate than previous monitoring units, reducing mistakes and saving their customers money. Unfortunately, homeowners in California had similar issues with the new innovation, and have filed a lawsuit, accusing their utility company of overcharging them since their meters were installed. Joshua Hart, a Californian against the meters stated, “The meters don't benefit the consumer; they cost a lot of money, and we can't opt out.”[2] So, not only are energy suppliers overcharging each month on their electric bills, but the initial installation process is costly as well.
Those who oppose the new smart meters argue on behalf of their privacy and security, not just their wallets. Who’s to say that the wireless networks transmitting information from homes to energy suppliers are secure? They aren’t. Criminals can easily hack into the system and obtain customer’s private information. Computer-security researchers say that the “flaws could let hackers tamper with the power grid in previously impossible ways.” Best case scenario, “attackers could jack up stranger’s power bills” not to mention, “give hackers the ability to turn someone else’s power on and off.”[3] It would also be fair to say that hackers could use the transmitted information to learn the whereabouts of other customers, further exposing them to danger. Do we really want criminals to have access to personal information?
I understand that we are living in a technologically advanced time period and it would be impractical for me to tell you that these smart meters don’t have potential advantages that could contribute the world of information technology. At this point in time, I must be frank and say that the disadvantages of the smart meters seem to far outweigh the advantages. My suggestion to utility companies would be to work out the kinks before highly recommending that customers make the switch to smart meters. Yes, they may be more convenient than the traditional system, but there is no point in forcing a flawed system on hesitant customers, causing uproar across the country. Is it really worth it?
[1] http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/70679.aspx
[2] http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_39/b4196044842103.htm
[3] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/29/smart-electricity-meters-at-risk/
Article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_39/b4196044842103.htm
Nicole Silvestro
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