Any examples of smart meters being used to bust grows???

[poindexterous]

With smart electric meters becoming the norm now and their disturbing ability to track detailed power use in real time I'm wondering if anyone has any real information(not speculation, I already know how to be paranoid) on IF and HOW utilities use them to flag growers.

I know this would vary by location but any examples will be enlightening.

Perhaps they look for 12 hour cycles? Or is there a total KWH threshold? Or something else? Or do they never look at electric use until they're already on to you by some other means? Any info that may help one avoid red flags who's power use in under the microscope of smart metering would be great to know...

 

[OrganicOzarks]

I just found out I will have one by the end of 2012. I do not like the idea at all. Even if I did not grow I do not want someone being able to track my life. I don't own a cell phone either. I also use Tor for the interwebs. Damn hippies.

 

[Lazyman]

I have one in California, and 21kw of total lighting, no hassles yet.

 

[supermanlives]

havent heard of one yet. but i have no doubt it will happen. with all that information available i bet they will use it against us. i just refuse to believe they aint wrote software looking for 12/12 then doing trash pulls and drive by and possibly stakeouts checking your record ect. having list of people with 12 hour cycles in same area then doing ir flyovers. personally aint really worried got my rec and i aint running 21k LOL. its just another tool for em tho. it would suck to have to only run autos to avoid the pattern

 

[Bazarocka]

They had them in Florida,,,,,and I never had a problem, running 5 k @ 12/12 non stop for 8 years. But they only had them the last year I was their. sorry I can't give you more input.....IM IN Europe now.

 

[poindexterous]

Several U.S. states offer an "opt-out" option since so many people don't want them, it's worth checking if you can choose that before letting them install one.

 

[BiG H3rB Tr3E]

if your that worried you can always get a generator...