Smart technology change

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I know one thing that will never change: the reaction to change, particularly when the change involves digitization. It always surprises me that in the age of digital everything -- from televisions to cell phones to coffeemakers -- people still get somewhat hysterical about the arrival of a new digital technology. Smart meters are certainly no exception as illustrated by the Pacific Gas and Electric "backlash in Bakersfield" and Oncor's Smart Meter Verification Plan. This mistrust, however, seems to be helpful because it is ultimately pushing people to get better acquainted with the fundamental element that enables many of the wonderful technological marvels out there: electricity.

The Pacific Gas and Electric example has been talked about a lot, so I won't bore you with the details on that one. Let's take a little bit closer look at Oncor's smart meter woes. Hundreds of customer complaints about high electricity bills raised questions about the accuracy of newly installed smart meters and caught the attention of state Sen. Troy Fraser. Responding to concerns expressed by Fraser and others, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and Oncor are undertaking the Smart Meter Verification Plan. The plan aims to ensure the accuracy of the utility's smart meters through actions such as the independent testing and review of smart meters and their related systems.

What's interesting about all of this is not so much the testing and review plan, but who was complaining about high bills. Of the customers who called to request meter tests, about 75 percent of them had traditional meters. Apparently, December was the second-coldest one in 20 years and February was exceptionally cold, too. Certainly, some mistakes were found in final readings made before installing the smart meter, but it was also just pretty darn cold in the area. And, as this situation reminds us, weather can significantly impact your electric bill. Working with its customers, Oncor is finding that common reasons for the recent high bills include very cold weather combined with inefficient heaters, electric resistance heat and insufficient weather stripping and insulation.

The hysteria and significant media attention surrounding smart meters has, in a strange way, provided an opportunity for people to remember (or learn) that extreme cold and heat mean that electricity bills will likely go up. And, in the future, the currently criticized smart technologies will ultimately enable electricity customers to better understand the impact of things such as weather in real time, and then be able to take action to avoid the sticker shock they are complaining about now. That is, if they actually have a smart meter.