When I originally read about smart meters--the newest breed
of electrical meters that track your usage patterns--I never
though about the home privacy aspect. I just thought it was a
nifty new invention that might help us cut our energy use. When
I saw the following video though, I was a bit shocked at how
much these meters do and the extent to which they truly are an
invasion of privacy.
I am including that link because there is a letter the speaker
used to stop them from putting a smart meter on his home, and
he invites you to copy the letter and use it.
It is bad enough that the power company can have a complete
record of when you are in the house or out of it, and information
on when you use more electricity (therefore tracking when you
are awake, for example. But the fact that they can sell that
information to anyone is a bit frightening. And the fact that
the information has been used as probable cause for searching
a person's house (because of patterns indicating marijuana grow
lights, for example) tell me that this is not a technology I
want to see in my area.
Apparently the information gathered is broadcast as well.
Watch the video and you'll see the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) number on the meter. It is a low-power signal, but
could be intercepted from next door if someone there had a device
to do so. Then they get to know when you are home or when you
are awake.
I had to run outside to see my own meter, and sure enough
it has the FCC number on it. I am using the computer and doing
laundry right now, so the power company knows from the amount
of power being used and the tracking of our patterns of usage
in the past, that I am home and awake. I'm not sure I like that
kind of home privacy invasion, and I tend to agree with the speaker
in the video that this is not just a meter, but an illegal surveilance
device.
If they haven't put a new smart meter on your home yet, don't
let them.
Was this page interesting or useful? Please let others know
with one of these...
