Smart meter?

Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?

TenOC wrote:
Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?

They never said anything about that and I don't *think* the bill is structured to show that but I will ask my buddy about it.

Thanks,
Scott

You need to ask the PoCo how they would handle that....SM's can't throttle voltage or create brownouts. In S&B homes large draw appliances like a/c and water heater can be fitted with relays so the PoCo can shut them down during peak demand.

In your case I would think the 2 options are to shut your power off, or raise the kWh rate when you exceed the limit. 7000w is only about 60a, so with 3 a/c's going and maybe a HW heater or microwave, you are almost there.

Interesting article about smart meter's in the PNW.

FWIW, those pole transformers are like roman candles when they blow, hope it's far enough down the road where it can't get your rubber roof....

It's my understanding that if you have a load limiter, when you exceed the max limit it simply shuts you off and then stays off and doesn't auto-reset. There is supposedly some kind of button on the meter and you're supposed to shut off all your heavy draw loads and then pull the button on the meter and push it back it in to restore power. That's all I know and can't find more on the internet. I wonder if it's instantaneous or has a delay of some sort?

Maybe he could benefit from a demand controller of some sort to shut off non-essential loads in a priority sequence? I made my own for our TT to shut the electric heaters off while kitchen appliances, hair dryer, etc. are turned on. 7KW isn't all that low. Is this a larger 50 amp RV with electric heating and 2 or 3 AC units? Voltage may be good now but what about mid-summer with customers on the same transformer all running AC units?

Yes, odd that the poco had no issue with a 200 amp service and then decided to choke him off at 7KW. I'd be wanting a reduced rate if they didn't say anything up front. At least the larger wire helps with voltage drop.

Perhaps you could find some info. on the Mike Holt forum.

Is 7 kW really not enough? I would ignore the restriction and live normal. Deal with the issue if it actually festers into something. Otherwise they can replace the transformer.

If this is a 50 amp RV check that the loads are balanced. Such as if he has two A/Cs check that one is on each side of the panel in the RV.

Thanks for the input everyone.
The transformer is on the ground about 100' up the road. Power then runs up a pole and to a new pole (we set!) on his property.

I think it will always be enough. His TT is 30A and even though mine is 50A, I don't have enough to really push the limits other than a second air.
we're a little concerned that if we ran all three AC's, tow WH's, coffee machine and a toaster oven, we could drift into the twilight zone.
Probably not likely we would ever do that though, especially in the morning when it's always cool out.

The PoCo said it would be $10K if he want's full 200A capacity for his RV lot but if he builds a house, they will not charge him for the upgrade.

Thanks again,
Scott

"You're dealing with the phone company, Mr. Veedle. We are not bound by city, state, or federal regulations. We are omnipotent."

Change that to power company, re house lot vs RV lot

(Lily Tomlin as Ernestine)

BFL13 wrote:
"You're dealing with the phone company, Mr. Veedle. We are not bound by city, state, or federal regulations. We are omnipotent."

Change that to power company, re house lot vs RV lot

(Lily Tomlin as Ernestine)

A golden oldie! :B
(Wonder how many on here don't know who she was. :@

"Snork - Is this the person to whom I am speaking?"

Get a 100-amp service drop to the temporary. Then there will be (100) L1 -N and (100 L2 - N