Smart Metering
Submitted by Aguanomics Blog
ID asks:
One of the structural issues I see with regard to pricing water is metering.
- I’m sure the technology exists or could easily exit to monitor my water usage tied to a dollar amount.
- I would like an easy to read display: Gallons used, unit cost, total cost. Generally metering is on the side of the house or apartment not particularly convenient for the consumer.
- In apartments they tend to spread the cost across the units; no sub metering: I’m thrifty with my water my neighbor is not - I subsidize him.
- The cost of putting effective metering in place seems to me a hurdle that needs be addressed. I think the same could be said of electricity too.
ID asks lots of interesting questions, and I suggest that he (and others) read these posts on metering errors, how NOT to use meters (measuring a house and not the people in it), and how to meter businesses.
So here are my answers:
- Yes, the technology exists, but the benefit (saved water) is far less than the cost.
- Yes, engineers design for their convenience, not the customers — also see (1).
- Read why landlords want to avoid sub-metering.
- Same as (1), but note how electricty is more valuable, therefore justifying smart meters/grids.
Bottom Line: Water conservation is much easier when we know how much we are using.
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