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Consumers May Find Smart Appliances a Dumb Idea
theodp writes "As GE readies appliances that communicate with smart meters in the hope of taking advantage of cheaper electricity rates, CNet asks a big question: Are consumers ready for the smart grid? Right now, most utilities only offer a flat rate, not time-of-use pricing, so the example of a drier that reacts to a 'price signal' about peak rates by keeping one's clothes wet until a more affordable time is pretty much a fantasy. And longer-term, a big question is whether consumers will want to deal with the hassle of optimizing household appliance energy usage themselves, or be willing to relinquish monitoring and control to utility companies — with a concomitant loss of privacy. After all, losing one's copy of 1984 is one thing — losing one's lights and refrigerator is another thing altogether."
Don't worry, the same inconvenience is coming to the U.S. The Congress is already passing a bill that will fine people ~$1500 for not having health insurance (I don't want it damnit), so it's only a matter of time 'til they start punishing people who use too much energy. Either through a similar fine like the health fine, or just flip a switch and off goes the water heater, or the a/c, or the heat pump.
I've read the Constitution a couple times, and I can't locate any clause that gives Congress authority to fine people for lack of health insurance, or to turn off their heaters remotely. I guess I need to pull-out the magnifying glass. That law has to be in their somewhere, because the politicians wouldn't do anything unconstitutional, would they? ;-)
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
And, 3rd shift workers get paid a premium for the inconvenience and medical problems that come with a nocturnal lifestyle.
This is just one more inconvenience. Talk to your employer if you think you deserve more money or fuck off. Your lack of ability to use your brain to make a living is not anybody else's problem but yours.