Exstatica

We just got one of those Edison SmartConnect power meters. They are all digital, and now the electric company can read the meter from the central office. Its got some crazy wireless 2 way system, that is government encrypted system, but i’ll get to that in a minute. Basically they sample your power usage every five minutes. Store that data, and then they can tell when they can shift power away from you and give it to other areas, Its suppose to reduce your rate if you opt in.

Edison has to pay for these things right, so what do you think they are going to do? Power rates are going to go up 1.3 percent over the next few years while they finish upgrading everyone to thise new system. This new plan called something like SmartGrid is suppose to save you money, which I’m all for. Whats the drawbacks? I don’t know, it might mean you will get reduced power during a bad month or something. The kind of data that Edison can get from this is almost futuristic. Think about it. You could display every house in the entire power grid, every business, everything. And know when they go on and off, and where the biggest zones are, the heavy hitters, and then also remotely turn off power as needed, or unpaid. Its like Lo Jack for electricity. Government will probably have access in some form, be able to turn off a grid or a single location in seconds.

I think its a great idea. I just wish the power data was opened up a little more. They will show you your data on their website, but only what they want to see, like daily usage. I want to see the raw 5 minute data. Imagine if you could just play with your house and watch your usage and figure out what is causing that major drain that you could get rid of. For all I know my power bill is high because of the printer i have plugged in and don’t use, haha.

What about using something like this for a large open internet? The government is sitting here trying to find ways to build a new national infrastructure for broadband everywhere. Why not use every power metter as a hot spot, bridge them all together, and you have the largest wireless network.

Think about bit torrent for the internet. Edison sets up these larger pops, they are the main backbone feeds. You have the smaller transformers handling relays for long distances.  All these wireless carriers buy into it to get access to the grid. You now have a universal platform for all kinds of networks, from cell phones to internet, to anything really.

You essentially build a giant fully redundant meshed network. Sure you still have to deal with power outtages, and blackouts, but have a small backup battery in each unit, that way the power company can use it to diagnose power issues and find exactly where the power problem is.

I’m just saying…