SmartMeter® / PG&E / Electric Legal Question(s)...

I got a letter in the mail from my local power company telling me how excited I should be that they are in the process of switching all 'older' electric meters to these new fancy SmartMeters® that they are ordering from PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric).

This thing looks rather cool, for the average electric customer... But, I'm pretty sure I speak for most when staying "I'm not an average electric customer".

I'm a bit worried that this will give the electric company one hell of an ability to know more about what's going on in my house than I want for them to know. After Googling "SmarMeter" I found a few graphs that show what it will see and it's pretty damn freaky. That picture is attached below.

My "Legal" questions are....

• How much harder is it going to be to hide a 400w light?
• What's the largest that can be hidden while one of these SmartMeters are being used?
• Are there any PG&E customers out there that already have one of these things and how has it effected you and your equipment use?
• Has anyone else had to deal with these things, are they a problem and if so, how did you overcome it?
  

Here's some more of what they had to say about the SmartMeter®...

Current Smart Meter customer benefits include:

• We will be able to read your meter and generate your bill without having a representative visit your property on a regular basis.
• Gives us the ability to check your meter remotely to ensure it is working properly.
• Enhances our ability to respond promptly to meter service requests as our customer base continues to grow.
• Since in-person meter readings will not be required, we'll reduce the number of vehicles on the road, reducing pollution and traffic while saving fuel.

Future Smart Meter benefits include:

• As Smart Meters are installed and enabled, the time needed to handle service orders, such as starting or stopping power, will be reduced.
• Power outage notification — In the event of a power outage in your area, Smart Meter will help us better manage power restoration.
• Access energy usage information online — You'll be able to better understand and monitor your own energy use.
• Once the program is installed, we'll be able to offer innovative rate options that meet your lifestyle — You'll be able to better manage your energy usage and control your energy bill.
• The system will help reduce electricity theft.
• Additional features will come as technology advances.

Thanks for looking!

400W hps used less electricity then a computer. you fine man keep it small and simple. you would be supprised how many plants you can grow under a 400w hps.

I have had a smart meter for over a year and a half now.I have started and finnished a grow,and have started another and another and no problems here.I have three times the lights you do with cfl's and hps.
I do not think you have any problem with your electricity useage that will get you busted.I have freinds who have $500-$600 a month electric bills and have not been visited by cops.It is not the electric company that will bust you,but someone snitching on you.OPH

Cool... Thanks for the responses.

I just saw that and got a little worried that they would be able to get a better picture in to what's going on inside.

That and the fact that the letter from the power company arrived on the same day I was shopping around for more & bigger lights.

Thanks again for putting my mind at ease!

+Rep for all.