"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
news
On 19/08/18 08:54, harry wrote:
On Sunday, 19 August 2018 07:36:34 UTC+1, Broadback wrote:
They are being advertised on TV as saving electricity. Now we all know
that adverts are all accurate and never lie. But how exactly do they
save electric? Or do they mean that customers can use the information
given to save it?

Their ultimate real purpose is energy demand management, in the new world
of renewable energy.Tariffs will be instantly adjustable depending on
electricity available.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_demand_management

Not quite. instantly adjustable up, long-delayed down. Just like power
supplies and petrol/diesel at present.

That is an interesting Wiki article, though. I thought the examples
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_demand_management#Examples) were
particularly informative, and a bit worrying: "The utility companies in
the state of Queensland, Australia have devices fitted onto certain
household appliances such as air conditioners or into household meters to
control water heater, pool pumps etc. These devices would allow energy
companies to remotely cycle the use of these items during peak hours."

What is the point of having an air conditioner (or heater in cold
climates) if the electric company decides they will switch it off?

The point is that its better to turn those off for a short time at
the peak of demand that to turn off everything in entire suburbs
when the supply can't keep up with demand at peak times.

It would be bad enough not owning an air conditioner in a heatwave, but
actually having one and just sitting there watching it do nothing because
someone else is controlling it would be especially galling.

Not when its only off for a short time when supply can't keep up with
peak demand. Much better than no power at all.