Interesting thing happened yesterday that got me thinking about the Smart-Grid efforts by our utility companies, the government and President Obama, et al.
A friend's Internet connectivity went down for nearly 18 hours... Not common place, but it does happen on occasion and can effect hundreds of people depending on where and what is the problem. No Internet communication can be a troublesome, but not deadly issue...
Then I started thinking... How exactly is our electric "Smart-Grid" going to talk back and forth? Information has to be transmitted and received and commands must be issued in both directs, just like an Internet connection.
So, if the Smart-Grid uses our ISP, poof... no communication... not saying we could lose our power, but if the computer "SYSTEM" cant talk and regulate.. what happens?
If the Grid doesn't use our ISP (for those without an ISP) and uses some NEW technology, is it going to be more stable than the Internet? (Boy would that be nice, especially if our ISP can use this new more stable communication)
What about those who don't get a steady or poor quality link? Will they have power issues or have to PAY MORE?
Technology is a wonderful thing, and I work with it everyday, but it is only as good as programmers and engineers and does rely on hardware that does fail from time to time.
I am not saying that we will be so stupid to place our entire house's electric supply on the Grid and be at the mercy of the SYSTEM, but many are talking about it going that direction... Here are some points to consider...
- If your electric cuts off, like your Internet, what will happen to you?
- What about long-term care facilities or hospitals?
- Air conditioning in the hot areas or Heat in cold climates?
- Food spoiling because our fridge won't turn on or can't talk to the SYSTEM...
People should be asking these questions BEFORE we pass some Bill or Invest BILLIONS in something... The "How are you going to do it?" questions... Research is important, but the actual impact on the consumer should be really well thought through before we commit HUGE sums of money...