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Smart Grid Brings Powerline Broadband Back?
judgecorp writes "The UK is giving powerline broadband a serious trial once again, in up to 1000 homes in Liverpool. The technology was once hailed as an alternative to ADSL, delivered over the electricity mains, but lost out because of radio interference and price. The UK government is backing the installation of smart meters across the country, and it seems a new generation of 200Mbps powerline broadband could ride on that, cutting the installation costs. What about the interference issues? A recent FAQ from the regulator, Ofcom, says it has not found any evidence of a breach of EMC rules, but is keeping an eye on it."
They cost a fortune to install & maintain, much more than any reduced electrical consumption.
The real scam of it, is the purpose is to create a confuseopoly in the billing department.
Rather than $X per month for a meter, and $Y/KWH, the want all the customer friendly transparency of a cell phone contract.
"OH I'm sorry sir, your monthly contract is $200 for 2000 prime KWH and every KWH over that is charged at a very reasonable $50/KWH. I'm sorry your bill is $2000 this month. Would you like to sign a new 5 year contract for more KWH, perhaps $400 for 4100 KWH?"
"I'm in a friends and family electrical contract, so only one of us can run our air conditioner at any instant, or else they bill all of us triple rates"
"Why am I running my space heater on the patio? Well, I've got a 1000 KHW contract, its the end of the month and I've only used 950 KWH, so I figured no sense wasting my money"
F those money grubing scum.
"Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
I know thats different in other places, but I never saw a power meter OUTSIDE a house over here and no firefighter is pissed of about that fact.
Power cables run directly from the main branch below the street into the basements along with water, phone and cable tv.
This never has been an issue with the firefighters I know of.
Oh they're probably pissed, but even if they change the building code its not going to fix itself instantly so, don't worry be happy.
The logic is, if the house is on fire and you intend to fill it with water and firemen, by far the fastest and safest way to pull electrical power to the site is to pull the meter. Every other option, like giant fiberglass bolt cutters, calling a lineman, etc, is slower, more expensive, less safe...
"Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
We have the meters inside, but a box with a fuse per household outside. You can cut the power to any floor by taking the fuse out.
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