Smart meters not smart enough for consumers
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy on Tuesday released results of a survey finding that energy use feedback tools are more important than smart meters in reducing consumers’ energy use.
Analyzing 57 residential feedback programs since 1974, the ACEEE concluded that “smart meters†are not smart enough to slash residential power use and significantly reduce consumer electric bills. No utilities, they said, have sufficient end-user tools, such as more detailed billing or giving real-time feedback through Web pages or in-home displays.
Programs that give people more control over their household electricity use and help them reduce waste can ultimately cut consumption 4 percent to 12 percent, according to the ACEEE, which said the [USA] savings could add up to $35 billion over 20 years.
