Smart Meter vs Analog Meter

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D-n-Tyke

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Looking for someone that is very versed in (or can point me to info) regarding the advantages/disadvantages between Smart Meters and Analog electric meters. Specifically dealing with SDG&E. I am trying to figure out if I go back to having a Analog meter does that make it so they can't see what time of the day power is going onto the grid and when it is coming off the grid. After seeing a 750% increase in our bill last month (after they switch the time of use charge codes/times) I need to find a way to get this back under control.

Backstory. Put solar on our house 5 years ago and after our "grandfathered period" they switch the TOU times so the expensive time is now 4pm to 9pm (you know when there is no sun out). The past 5 yrs we broke even or got a credit at the end of the year, now we are looking at $150/mo bill again. Basically close to where we were BEFORE we put solar on the house. All I have to saw is F SDGandE

 
Some utilities are swapping out the meters so they can remotely disconnect your service. 

 
I had the same issue with PG&E. I opted out and went back to analog a few years ago. That requires them to send a meter reader. I swear I never saw anyone come to check the meter. I would call and speak to a Supervisor and complain and they would give me some BS excuse. Finally I just said eff U and pay whatever I want every month. This has been ongoing for several years and they've never shut off my power. 

 
D-n-Tyke said:
Looking for someone that is very versed in (or can point me to info) regarding the advantages/disadvantages between Smart Meters and Analog electric meters. Specifically dealing with SDG&E. I am trying to figure out if I go back to having a Analog meter does that make it so they can't see what time of the day power is going onto the grid and when it is coming off the grid. After seeing a 750% increase in our bill last month (after they switch the time of use charge codes/times) I need to find a way to get this back under control.

Backstory. Put solar on our house 5 years ago and after our "grandfathered period" they switch the TOU times so the expensive time is now 4pm to 9pm (you know when there is no sun out). The past 5 yrs we broke even or got a credit at the end of the year, now we are looking at $150/mo bill again. Basically close to where we were BEFORE we put solar on the house. All I have to saw is F SDGandE
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Hit up @McGruff38 he used to work for Edison with meters and electrical. Works with a solar company now.
He knows his stuff.

 
Not an answer to your question, but have you thought of getting a battery system for the solar? Even a smaller one should help take up the load during peak hours and help put your panels to full use. And if you buy it after Jan 1st, there are some killer tax credits available.  Still more than the fees for a analog meter, but over time will be better. 

 
D-n-Tyke said:
Looking for someone that is very versed in (or can point me to info) regarding the advantages/disadvantages between Smart Meters and Analog electric meters. Specifically dealing with SDG&E. I am trying to figure out if I go back to having a Analog meter does that make it so they can't see what time of the day power is going onto the grid and when it is coming off the grid. After seeing a 750% increase in our bill last month (after they switch the time of use charge codes/times) I need to find a way to get this back under control.

Backstory. Put solar on our house 5 years ago and after our "grandfathered period" they switch the TOU times so the expensive time is now 4pm to 9pm (you know when there is no sun out). The past 5 yrs we broke even or got a credit at the end of the year, now we are looking at $150/mo bill again. Basically close to where we were BEFORE we put solar on the house. All I have to saw is F SDGandE
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Wait, how'd thay swap your plan to TOU without your permission...?  Grandfathering is supposed to be 20 years...

 
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Rockwood said:
Wait, how'd thay swap your plan to TOU without your permission...?  Grandfathering is supposed to be 20 years...
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20yrs Grandfathering was until like 2015 I think. After that they changed it to 5yrs.

 
Can you get off time of use and go to domestic rate.  

 
FIREMAN said:
Can you get off time of use and go to domestic rate.  
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I don't think so.  SDGE calls every now and again and tries to sell me on switching to TOU as that's what all solar installations have to be on, I politely decline.

 
FIREMAN said:
Can you get off time of use and go to domestic rate.  
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Not with a smart meter installed.

That is why I am trying to figure out the ins-out of having a analog meter re-installed.

 
I understand that with an analog meter, they have no idea what time you are using the power. However, a friend of mine who also has solar panels is of the opinion that the crooks at SDG&E are just going to use your recent TOU history to guesstimate your usage even with the analog meter and your bill will remain the same, even though they only read the analog meter every 2 months and guesstimate in between. They've taken the business of screwing customers to a fine art form.

The best solution would be to buy a good size battery backup and let the panels charge that up during the day and run off the battery during peak hours.

 
D-n-Tyke said:
Not with a smart meter installed.

That is why I am trying to figure out the ins-out of having an analog meter re-installed.
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I Have a smart meter, solar and I am on domestic rate.  I am Socal Edison though not sure if that makes any difference.  

 
Any update on this? I am in the same boat as well and have become quite accustomed to not giving a flying eff about when and how much power I use due to my solar panels. It will suck to have to go back to worrying about thermostat settings. Which reminds me, it's November, I should go turn off my AC.

 
AlpineFunco said:
Any update on this? I am in the same boat as well and have become quite accustomed to not giving a flying eff about when and how much power I use due to my solar panels. It will suck to have to go back to worrying about thermostat settings. Which reminds me, it's November, I should go turn off my AC.
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Haven't pulled the trigger yet. Still trying fully understand the impact of the change.

 
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