The Pros and Cons of Smart Meter Technology
Are you tired of paying high energy bills every month? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment? If so, you’d be the perfect candidate for smart meter technology. Smart meters are gaining popularity for home and business owners due to their energy management capabilities.
Adding smart meter technology to your property is a big decision, and you have to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. As the premier group of licensed electricians in the Santa Clara Valley, the team at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric wants to help you understand everything involved with this electrical upgrade.
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital device that measures energy usage in real time. Smart meter technology is an advanced version of the traditional analog meters in most homes today. These meters use wireless technology to send the data about your energy consumption directly to your utility company, making it more convenient and accurate than manual readings. You can better understand your energy consumption habits and make the necessary adjustments with real-time readings of your energy usage.
As you can imagine, smart meters offer a host of perks. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021 saw about 97 million smart metering infrastructure installations, which shows that smart meter technology is gaining momentum.
Here are the four most critical perks of using smart meters on your property.
Cost Savings
One of the most significant benefits of smart meter technology is cost savings. Smart meters can help customers save money on energy bills by providing more accurate readings. That means customers will only pay for the energy they use rather than an estimated amount. Smart meters can also help customers identify areas where they can reduce their energy usage, leading to even more cost savings.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Smart meter technology can also help customers reduce their energy consumption. By providing real-time data on energy usage, customers can identify areas where they consume more energy than necessary. This information can help them change their energy usage, such as turning off lights when they leave a room or using more energy-efficient appliances.
Improved Customer Service
Smart meter technology can also help customers receive better customer service from their energy provider. With real-time data on energy usage, energy providers can identify issues more quickly and provide better customer support. This can lead to faster resolution of issues and a better overall customer experience.
Environmental Benefits
Smart meter technology can also help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. By reducing energy consumption, customers can reduce their carbon footprint. Lowering energy consumption not only decreases utility bills but can also help to slow down climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
Cons of Smart Meter Technology
While smart meter technology might sound like a field of roses, you must consider some thorns. Fortunately, most of the cons associated with smart meters can be overcome with the right Gilroy electrician.
Here are the most common downsides to smart meter tech:
Privacy and Security Concerns
One of the biggest concerns with smart meter technology is privacy. Smart meters collect a lot of data on energy usage, which can be used to identify when people are home or away. Anytime data is shared, it can be a concern for people worried about their privacy and security. Hackers could try to access the equipment to obtain the data collected by the meter or take control of the electrical grid.
Many smart meters can be equipped with a special cover or shield that helps block radio frequencies emitted and received by the equipment. They can also create schedules using smart-home tech that hides their electric patterns and explores limiting what data is shared with the utility company.
Health Concerns
Smart meter technology can also raise health concerns for customers. Some people are worried about the electromagnetic radiation emitted by smart meters. While the radiation levels are low, some people are still concerned about the potential health risks.
In reality, the amount of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a smart meter is less than other common sources, like cell phones and Wi-Fi devices. The World Health Organization has plans to fully assess the health effects of RF exposure, but no evidence exists to cause alarm at this time.
Technical Issues
Anytime you add new technology to your home, the worry that something might go wrong is present. Customers worry that something as innocuous as an internet outage could impact their ability to use electricity. The good news is that something as simple as losing Wi-Fi would only mean data isn’t shared with the utility company.
More importantly, when you work with a reliable installation team like Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric, you can rest assured that if something goes wrong, we will fix it.
Compatibility Issues
Some property owners worry that a new smart meter won’t be compatible with their current electrical setup. The last thing you want to do is purchase a piece of equipment to find out it won’t work. The good news is that most smart meters will work on the majority of modern homes.
An experienced electrician can help you determine the status of your current electrical grid. You can take advantage of an on-site pro to upgrade other aspects of your home, such as a new electric panel or additional lines for new electrical appliances.
Let Watson’s Help You Explore Your Options
While smart meter technology can help customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, it can also raise several concerns. If you want to learn more about the possibility of adding smart meter technology to your property, call Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric to schedule a free consultation.
Swapping your analog meter with smart meter technology is not a DIY project. We have served the Gilroy, CA, and Santa Clara County area for years and would love to help you explore your options.