Smart Thermostats

[DebE]

Our local electric company is offering free smart thermostats with "program enrollment."  They promise to save "up to 25%" on your utility bill.  But I have questions and, of course, there's no info. on the electric company's site.

These thermostats work via Wifi.  What happens if your modem dies and you're unable to get one immediately?

Will it enable the electric company to control your settings?  (I'm sure it will.  But is there a way to prevent it?

If anybody has any advice I should know, I'd appreciate the input.

[Jerseygal]

I’d get their information in writing.  How can you know they won’t manipulate your settings without your permission?  If using my Wi-Fi, what other devices may be susceptible to unauthorized access?  What assurances do they give for your privacy?

Here, we get a ‘shame letter’ every other month.  It tells me I’m using more than my neighbors, and suggests ways to reduce my electricity usage…I’m to just call, they’re happy to help. 

[DebE]

Thanks!  I hadn't thought about the Wi-Fi connection to other devices.  I just have an overall bad feeling about this.  What happens if the govt. decides you're using too much electricity?  And what could they turn off if they do? 

[Lawrence Brown]

I hear from others that electric companies will control temp they want. I would never allow it in my home.

[DebE]

Those were my thoughts exactly.  Thanks for the confirmation.

[Duke]

This goes along with "Smart Meters", if you are using one the gov't could manipulate your electricity. There was one on my house when I moved in. The second day I called them to replace it with an analog meter, they did in three days with no problem.  So get rid of the smart meters, they also emit RF radiation, so that could cause health issues also. All these new wazu gadgets can be monitored by someone else with this wi-fi thing, don't be lazy, don't use any of them! Duke 

[DebE]

Our gas co. installed a meter they could read from the street rather than having to go into the back yard.  It was my understanding that it's a "read only" meter vs. a smart meter.  Now I'm wondering if they lied to me.  How would I find out for sure?

[Watchman]

They're baiting people. For now you will be in control of it, but eventually someone else will be controlling it for you. This is what technocracy is all about.