A bit harsh mate!:DQuote:
Originally Posted by tombraider
Just because other countries aren't like us, does not mean we have to change to be like them!
I challenge that it is not us that are paying to little, but they who are paying to much!
Regards shifting the peak load, this merely buys time, it does not solve the problem (what is it again?). Remember peak hour on the roads? It is now peak 3 hours in melb. What happens when when it is peak 6 or 8 hours?
More electricity must be generated. I do not wish to start anyone off as to how it is to be generated, but it must!:eek:
The risk of smart meters (as identified by studies in other countries) is that when users tighten up (good), peak load yield shifts (fair) and profits drop (bad for shareholders). Slowly but surely, off peak becomes peak in usage and rate and current peak becomes premium in usage and rate and we the punter are left with nowhere to go.
Regards browsing other nations for prices, look what you get for the pleasure of user pays. In Singapore, the hotel I stayed at had coin slots for water in the shower and laundry. In the US, many elderly don't have electricity or running water as they can't afford it. In the EU adequate heating is the domain of the affluent (a generalisation):mad:
Whilst we must do something, there is a limit to peak load shifting and raising tariffs to reduce use.
My advice, invest in shares of utility companies as the dividends will at least contribute to your next bill!:D:D:D:D
I may be a tad pessimistic but as a former Howard Battler, and now a Rudd Working Family, I fear smart metering.
Merry Christmas all
Ralph
