February 10, 2009

Google crashes the smart-grid party | Green Tech - CNET News

Google crashes the smart-grid party | Green Tech - CNET News

Wait until the paranoid privacy wonks get their heads around this. The smart grid/meter will enable Google (do no evil) to remotely monitor every electrical meter. Will the next step be control of the flow of electrons through that meter into a home or business above and beyond the control of the customer?

Think about the implications. People who don't/can't pay their bills would get electricity only during certain hours. If a household used more than the 'acceptable' amount, they would pay exorbitant prices for those extra KWH used at peak times. Of course, this is possible now as an option in some places, but what if it becomes mandatory to 'save the planet?"

This will be a fun debate!

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