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How Smart Meters will help you conserve electricity and energy.
As utility prices continue to rapidly increase, the search for technology that gives consumers the technology how to conserve energy and lower sky high electricity bills is becoming a top priority. The simplest device for lowering energy bills and one that is growing in popularity is the “Smart Meter”.
Because consumers using smart meters are charged more for consuming electricity at peak times, and less for using energy at non-peak times, using smart meters is an effective way how to conserve electricity.
The Smart Meter is an advanced electrical meter that transmits electricity consumption back to the utility company through a network. It also provides a much more detailed record of energy usage, such as power outages, real time reads, and the quality of power being transmitted. According to studies, implementing a Smart Meter can help consumers save over 10 percent on their energy bills, and lead to extensive electricity conservation. They save electricity by allowing utility companies to offer multiple energy usage plans that will best meet consumer needs, and offer options such as electricity discounts if you use more electricity in the evenings, or on the weekends.
Already in use in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the Smart Meter has seen a rise in popularity in the United States and in green orientated states like California. Even in Austin, Texas, the Smart Meter is used in over 200,000 homes and another 300,000 homes are expected to conserve electricity with a smart electric meter by 2009.
Some of the benefits of a Smart Meter include :
- New electricity rate options. As a result of Smart Meter programs, utility companies will be able to offer you more rate choices designed to meet your needs and help you conserve energy.
- Faster power restoration. Companies will be able to pinpoint power outages and restore electricity faster.
- Faster problem resolution. Utilities will be able to resolve service problems in much less time and, in many cases, without even needing to have a service person visit your home or business.
- Energy usage data. You will be able to monitor your own energy usage via the Internet and see when you are using the most energy and where you have the largest opportunity to conserve.
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