Could the new Smart Hydro Meters Explain this!?

[Nir]

Hi All,

In a recent thread I mentioned a huge increase in hydro usage.
I just noticed it started the same month as new hydro meters were installed by the city.

Is it possible the "smart" meters show an artificial increase in usage for some reason!? or is this probably just a coincidence that the increase in usage started at the same time new meters were installed? If I understand Housedoc correctly, he recently mentioned new meters "time of use" billing increased usage shown(?)

Also, unrelated question: few tenants complained high efficiency bulbs I provided them with, stopped working months after starting to use them instead of years as advertised/were supposed to last(!) any idea what could cause this 10 times shorter life?
I think I heard somewhere you should leave them on for 30 minutes first time using them. is this correct? if Yes, perhaps this explains the issue.

THANKS,
Neil

 

[housedoc]

Smart meters charge depending on time of use (TOU) Highest Price (On-Peak)9.3 cents/kWh
Mid Price (Mid-Peak)
8.0 cents/kWh
Lowest Price (Off-Peak)
4.4 cents/kWh

This can only save on discretionary usage, eg.Laundry, dishwasher etc.
But anything on 24/7 (fridges/heating fans or coils/air conditioning) will cost more now when averaged, compared to pre-smart rate of 5.8 cents/kWh.

All other things being equal, this alone could account for an increase close to 20%.
pre smart: 24hrs x5.8 cents/kWh = 139.2 cents/day
smart winter: 10x4.4+6x8+8x9.3 = 166.4 cents/day
smart summer: 10x4.4+8x8+6x9.3 = 163.3 cents/day

 

[invst4profit]

Have they in fact actually initiated the time of use charging at this time or have they actually only installed the meters in preparation.
In my area the meters are in but the time of use charges have not yet been applied to my knowledge.

I guess all LLs will be applying to the board next year for an above allowable rent increase. I did this year for tax increases and definitely will next year if my hydro costs go up as expected. And they said tenants would not have to pay for the increased costs. Tenants pay for everything.

 

[housedoc]

I believe TOU billing starts Monday.
Since it`s a holiday (family day) it`s off-peak all day, WOOHOO!

 

[Nir]

Thanks everyone.

Housedoc, wanted to clarify as mentioned above my question is about increased USAGE, not amount to pay.
I`m assuming the new smart meters are obviously NOT supposed to increase usage shown on your bills. Am I missing something?
The confusing part in my case is that the huge increase in usage is shown the same month new meters were installed. otherwise, I wouldn`t even think smart meters can
somehow be related(?)

 

[jcab256]

QUOTE (investmart @ Feb 13 2010, 02:45 PM) the huge increase in usage is shown the same month new meters were installed.

Maybe you have a leak after the meter?