DISADVANTAGES OF USING SMART METERS
As it’s said that,” every coin has 2 sides”, same implies in the context of smart meters.
Though there are a series of advantages associated with their use, there are several pitfalls of the device. The criticism of smart meters has been fierce, particularly in areas where their installation has been compulsory. The major reason for opposition of such a utility device is that they have large cost based issues and privacy conflicts.
Though the device is highly potent technologically, it is not available at throw away prices and, cannot be afforded by all. Thus, causing a gulf between the rich and the poor, and also creating technological divide among them, as they are unable to install the device due to monetary constraints. In addition to this, there’s a measure where in energy companies/utilities can proceed in installing the meters on their own, however, due to financial issues, pass the cost on the customers directly.
Also, due to less use of this technology right now, less number of skilled labour is employed, which sometimes fail in making customers agree to buy the smart meters and some people back out as they foresee the device to be the reason behind escalated bill prices rather than saving energy.
There have been a series of questions pertaining to impact on health, due to the wireless nature offered by them, though there is no evidence to support this statement.
Lastly, having an energy meter in your home means the energy companies can see your energy usage, so there are some privacy concerns.
Therefore, there’s a speculation that the device despite of having a great technological significance, has its own drawbacks and several rounds of discussion have taken place all over the globe regarding the negative impacts caused by it.
