[RTC List] Smart grid & broadband

[Harry]

It sounds like their "SmartAC" program.  A wireless "SmartAC Switch" 
receiver is attached outside the house and connected somehow to the new 
thermostat they give you http://tinyurl.com/SmartThermostat) which 
replaces your existing one.   It receives radio (paging) signals sent 
out by PG&E to cycle your central air conditioner on and off every 15 
minutes during periods of peak demand during summer months, for no more 
than 6 hours per day and with a maximum temp increase of 4°.  You can 
opt out of participating on days you want to.   Equipment and 
installation are free.

http://tinyurl.com/SmartAC
Flash demo:
http://www.pge.com/includes/video/shared/smartac/index.html

Harry

William Van Hefner wrote:
> Michael,
>
> Speaking of which, has anyone/everyone else on the list gotten a
> "special invitation" from PG&E to install a new, electronic
> thermostat in their homes for "free"? It supposedly gives PG&E the
> ability to fiddle with your heating and/or air conditioning during
> electrical shortages.
>
> Last I checked, PG&E still uses meter readers to walk around town and
> check electric and gas meters every other month. So, how are they
> magically going to be able to reach into my home and adjust the
> thermostat? Maybe they will just send a meter reader knocking at my
> front door when they want the heat turned down? :-)