Smart Meter Stimulates Maine Unemployment

I'm sure that was the government's intent at this point -- especially when they continue to lie about their stimuloot.

"The union contends that stimulus money should not have been used for something that has the potential to eliminate jobs"

And to set up a system that will enable power companies to cut your power anytime they want.

"Maine power company to install smart meters" by David Sharp, Associated Press | July 16, 2010

PORTLAND, Maine — Central Maine Power, the state’s largest electric utility, has selected a California company to supply 620,000 so-called smart meters to be installed by early 2012, reducing costs for CMP and allowing consumers to monitor their power consumption, the companies said yesterday.

Trilliant Inc., based in Redwood City, Calif., said the nearly $200 million smart meter program will be funded by CMP with $96 million in federal stimulus money and matching funds from CMP’s corporate parent, Iberdrola USA.

The electric meters will be connected to a high-speed secured network, enabling CMP to read the meters remotely and to eliminate meter readers.

Customers would be able to monitor their power consumption in real time, and the technology could open the door to different pricing plans down the road....

All told, the US Department of Energy has awarded $230 million in federal stimulus funding, matched by the recipients, for smart meters in New England.

For CMP, smart meters will bring an immediate cost savings by eliminating the need for meter readers, who drive 2 million miles a year to check meters, said John Carroll, CMP spokesman.

The system could also speed CMP’s storm response and eliminate the need for a site visit when service is turned on or off, he said.

The smart meter plan was opposed by the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers because it calls for layoffs of 141 full- and part-time employees, including 85 meter readers.

Jobs Obama didn't save or create.

The union contends that stimulus money should not have been used for something that has the potential to eliminate jobs....

--more--"

Maybe someone will stand with them?

"Activists block wind turbine building site

A group of environmental activists is blocking the entrance to a western Maine wind power construction site. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department had officers at the site where Maine Earth First was blocking access to TransCanada’s Kibby Mountain construction site early yesterday. Police say there have been no reports of problems. TransCanada is building an additional 22 wind turbines on the mountain. Earth First says projects like TransCanada’s threaten to permanently change the face of Maine’s North Woods (AP)."

Related: Wal-Mart Cuts Cape Wind

Someone light a match.