Just say no - "smart" grid

From CNS News:

Smart Grid Technology, Now Spreading Across U.S., Will Raise Energy Prices to Reduce Demand
The Obama administration is spending billions of dollars to modernize the nation�s power grid, with the goal of changing the way Americans use energy. Your electric bill will go way up, unless you allow the utility to control your energy load at times of peak demand.

�Smart grid� technology involves a wireless, two-way flow of information between individual homes and the power plant. This allows the utility to charge more for electricity, depending on when it is used; and it enables the utility to manage energy for the consumer, to reduce the impact on the grid.

For example, customers eventually will be able to program their �smart� appliances and thermostats so the utility company can turn them off at times of peak electricity usage.

Fine -- you want me to install these "smart" appliances? Give them to me for free. I am all about saving energy and not wasting resources. I paid out of my own pocket to replace most of the lighting in my house with LEDs. Now that they are a relatively mature technology, the cost has come down to where I can see some savings in each monthly bill that will offset my capital expense in two or three years. I predict that these smart technology devices will be eminently hackable and defeating this onerous micromanagement will become commonplace...