[Tech1] SSE, OVO, OCTAPUS

[Dave Plowman]

In article <7ee37b7c-cb9c-3df2-e541-6a7910699174 at chriswoolf.co.uk>,
   Chris Woolf via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk> wrote:
> Longer term, the purpose is to provide the feedback loop that allows 
> dynamic pricing and control. If it can be made to work as intended, the 
> system can provide variable off-peak metering far more effectively than 
> timer driven systems. If demand is low but, say, wind generation is 
> high, the kWh price can be dropped for as little as half an hour, and 
> (if smart demand is enabled), heat-pumps, EV car charging etc can be 
> remotely switched on. That is a massive benefit to balancing the grid, 
> and worth paying customers for. Likewise instantaneous over-demand - the 
> none-too-mythical half-time football match kettle switch-on - can be 
> covered by dropping the EV car charge for 30 minutes, avoiding 
> brown-outs or the need to switch on inefficient diesel generator sets.

> This does all make sense, even if smart-grids etc still have to happen. 
> But fitting smart meters that monitor what's going on is an essential 
> initial part of the infrastructure.

To have some sort of smart distribution within a house - that could switch
non essential things off during peak demands, like car charging or
whatever, is a whole new ball game. And likely to be met with considerable
consumer resistance. Since some faceless entity telling you you can't do
something you feel you need is so open to abuse.

-- 
*No radio - Already stolen.

    Dave Plowman     dave at davesound.co.uk     London SW 12