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California Utilities to Control Thermostats?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the bet-those-will-never-get-tampered-with dept.

TeraBill writes "It seems that the California Energy Commission is looking to give utilities in the state the power to control the thermostats in private homes via a radio signal. The idea is that during times of significant energy crunch, the utilities could force thermostats to higher temperatures rather than having to implement a rolling blackout. The thermostats have been around for a while and new ones were on display at the CES show in Vegas this week. While I can see the argument for it, we just had a kid take over a tram system with a remote control, so how long before our thermostat gets hacked by the neighbors. And I'd almost rather have the power drop than have someone significantly raise the temperature in my home if I had a computer running there. (UPS and a graceful shutdown versus cooking something.)"

2 of 503 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Reasonable idea by baboo_jackal · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Yes, of course we can build more infrastructure, and we may have to, but that's not what TFA is about. TFA is about a solution to high peak loads.
    And how is deregulating energy providers which would allow competitors to build infrastructure and provide alternatives to state-run energy providers not going to solve this?

    Building more infrastructure (generation and transmission) is an expensive solution
    ... but only if you expect the government to do it. A private company who chooses to invest in infrastructure in order to improve their ability to deliver power more cheaply will have to be able to provide cheaper (or comparably-priced) energy to established companies, while growing the necessary infrastructure.

    It's very unlikely that you'll ever be forced to participate in such a program against your will.
    And this is the sort of naive, knee-jerk reaction that makes sense when you don't understand how government works.
  2. Re:Why not build more capacity? by DerekLyons · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I also contest the cost position

    Do you also contest the law of gravity?
     
     

    I would say that this is a question about valuation. Do you value more on saving a few dimes and not build enough capacity, or do you spend more and make sure that in any situation there is enough power.

    I would say, as you abundantly prove, that you have no idea what you are talking about.