The smart grid can be one of our best 21st century friends -- or our worst nightmare. Which one will it be? Read below.
smart grid
Sunrise appeal rejected
Court rejects effort to stop construction of SDG&E's unnecessary power line. Full story.
SDG&E's Proposed Smart Meter Rates Aren't Very Smart
Just because the smart meters are smarter doesn't mean the way SDG&E plans to use them will be particularly brilliant. Based upon UCAN's analysis of SDG&E's Dynamic Pricing application, it turns out SDG&E's planned use of the meters is downright dumb. And UCAN's four teams of experts have a field day exposing SDG&E's not-so-smart meter pricing scheme.
Smart Meters/Smart Grid -- Why Bother???
By mid-2011, SDG&E will have spent close to $600 million installing over 1.3 million smart meters throughout its service area. A boondoggle or an act of brilliance?
From UCAN's perspective, the move to smart meters is a step that California can't afford NOT to do. Just as this country couldn't have afforded NOT to take the lead in the development of the Internet, history will likely show that we can't afford not to play a leading role in forming the Intergrid.
Xcel's "smart grid" won't make the honor roll
Energy giant Xcel energy planned to be an example for the nation in its deployment of smart grid technology, but the company's giant leap forward has resulted in a horrific budgeting bellyflop that will be paid for Xcel ratepayers. UCAN has worked hard to make sure that California learns from, and does not repeat those mistakes. MORE.
Consumer Protection rules for the Smart Grid era
In 2011, smart meters will be fully deployed to SDG&E's million+ customers. The rest of the country is following suit with mass deployments of smart meters and creations of Smart Grids, microgrids, and other forms of "intelligent" two-way electric distribution systems. What does all of this mean for consumers? And how will consumers fare in this new energy service world? The California PUC put those questions to stakeholders in its effort to fashion utility Smart Grid deployment plans. Here's UCAN's take.
SDG&E billing disputes or complaints about SDG&E smart meters
Do you have any complaints about a recently installed smart meter? Or do you have concerns about an imminent installation of a smart meter? Even if you are just disputing your gas or electricity bill....share your story here. Our advocates will be monitoring this page and taking action against any systemic problems with smart meters or billing issues.
Like what you see? Go ahead and show your support! UCAN is a truly independent non-profit watchdog organization, dependent on grassroots donations like yours!
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
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