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<H1>Smart Metering Implementation Programme Consultation</H1>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>The UK <STRONG>Department of Energy & Climate
Change</STRONG> (DECC) is holding a consultation on Smart Meters. There are
fears the meters could use polluting <EM><STRONG>Power Line
Communications</STRONG></EM> (PLT/PLC).</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>The Smart Meter plan envisages two-way communications to
the meters that will be installed in every home in the country and possibly
links to other devices within the house. This would provide the utility
companies with a means of continually monitoring peoples homes. In theory
employees at the utility company could determine if a particular house is
unoccupied by checking the amount of electricity or gas being used that
day.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>The best approach to implement two-way communications is to
use Wireless technology, both within the home between various devices as well as
between the Smart Meter and the utility companies data collection point.
Suitable systems have been developed using the 864 MHz and 412/422 MHz bands.
Another good Wireless approach would be to use the cell-phone
network.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>There is, however, a danger that inappropriate technology
such as Power Line Communications (PLC/PLT) may be used. This could result in
widespread pollution of the radio spectrum ruining peoples enjoyment of their
favourite radio show.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>The DECC is seeking views and comments on the proposals
from the public. The deadline for responses on a number of the consultation
questions is 28 October 2010. However, they are also seeking responses on a
number of key consultation questions on a shorter timescale – by 28 September
2010 – to facilitate earlier decisions where this is possible and
appropriate.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>The DECC Smart Meter consultation, with links to DECC &
Ofgem supporting documents, is at<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/smart_mtr_imp/smart_mtr_imp.aspx"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/smart_mtr_imp/smart_mtr_imp.aspx</FONT></A></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>Smart Metering Implementation Programme PDF<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=Consultations/smart-meter-imp-prospectus/220-smart-metering-prospectus-condoc.pdf&filetype=4"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=Consultations/smart-meter-imp-prospectus/220-smart-metering-prospectus-condoc.pdf&filetype=4</FONT></A></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>Communications Business Model - mentions PLC<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=Consultations/smart-meter-imp-prospectus/226-smart-metering-imp-comm-business.pdf&filetype=4"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=Consultations/smart-meter-imp-prospectus/226-smart-metering-imp-comm-business.pdf&filetype=4</FONT></A></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>ZigBee to be wireless standard for smart meters in
Europe<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2009/05/29/46180/zigbee-to-be-wireless-standard-for-smart-meters-in-europe.htm"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2009/05/29/46180/zigbee-to-be-wireless-standard-for-smart-meters-in-europe.htm</FONT></A></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>Arqiva testing Long-Range Radio for Smart
Meters<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.smartmeters.com/the-news/1080-arqiva-testing-long-range-radio.html"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.smartmeters.com/the-news/1080-arqiva-testing-long-range-radio.html</FONT></A></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>BT and Partners propose secure long-range radio for
national smart meter rollout<BR></FONT><A
href="http://www.detica.com/news-and-events/press-releases.html?task=asset&Artid=652&id=1"
target=_blank><FONT
face=Tahoma>http://www.detica.com/news-and-events/press-releases.html?task=asset&Artid=652&id=1</FONT></A><BR><BR></P></BODY></HTML>