Smart meters: “They’ll never be controlled remotely by energy providers—that’s just paranoia,” they said. But reality hits harder. In Queensland, Australia, nearly 170,000 households are living proof of this so-called “conspiracy theory” becoming fact. Under the PeakSmart program, Energex and Ergon Energy have remotely turned down air conditioners multiple times in recent months. Often, residents didn’t even know it was happening.
Air conditioners, vital in the blistering Australian heat, were switched to energy-efficient modes, slashing cooling capacity by 50%. Over 8,000 households found themselves without cooling altogether, their air conditioners disabled remotely. The explanation? Reducing electricity network pressure during peak times. But for residents sweltering in the heat, the lack of transparency feels like a betrayal.
SMART METERS – Of course they won’t be controlled remotely by energy providers, that’s just a conspiracy theory – they said.
Exhibit 1.
This is Queensland Australia & thousands of citizens have had their air conditioning turned off remotely by their energy providers..oh. pic.twitter.com/LNmj2Q1gA7
— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) December 30, 2024
This isn’t just about energy efficiency; it’s about control. Smart meters give utility companies the power to enforce measures unilaterally. What’s marketed as cost-saving convenience hides a darker reality of diminished autonomy and privacy. Residents rightly fear what else these technologies might be used for in the future.
In 2024, smart meter adoption is accelerating worldwide, with promises of innovation and efficiency. Yet, as the PeakSmart program shows, the potential for misuse grows alongside it. The real question: who’s really in control of your home?
Sources:
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/fury-erupts-over-queenslands-remote-aircon-shutoffs-129183
https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/smart-meter-report/
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