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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: energy in UK
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:50:27 -0700
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On 4/17/2025 4:36 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
> Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
> 
> [...]
>> I've heard rumors that some can also be used to disconnect power
>> (for non-payment) but think that would be hard in the volume
>> typically set aside for the meter (?)
> 
> In the UK, that appeared to be the main reason the electricity compaines
> rushed to install them; anyone who didn't pay or disputed their bill
> could be threatened with being cut off without any necessity to gain
> access to the premises.  Rather late in the day, this was made illegal
> and the drive to fit 'smart' meters suddenly vanished.

What are they using to disconnect the (typical) two 100A legs?

Here, there is value in having solid state metering.  It allows
different monitoring schemes to be implemented without requiring a
completely different mechanical metering system.  Eliminates
the meter reader.  Provides dynamic load monitoring at the customer
level.  Remote fault detection.  etc.