€3 million netted from tampered meters

edward bartolo

Nov 10th 2009, 10:19

Quote: "But the problem isn't with Enemalta, it's with those idiots (yes, they are) which give Enemalta reason to safeguard their assets. (this comes down to what E. Azzopardi said)."

Those are better described as thieves. I agree with you for not blaming Enemalta.

Christian Sciberras

Nov 10th 2009, 09:17

@edward bartolo - I agree, except for one part. The old meters where fallible, when even a good enough kick could bring the meter to zero (and before I get a whole discusion on this, it's just a metaphor).
However, how do you suppose people muck up smart ones? You need to at least reprogram the meters. I'm sure that 99% of people think it's just some magic box with strange-looking components, let alone reprogram it.
Even if cmputers do fail, there are lots of ways to make them not to, whereas they simple need to be reprogrammed, mechanical ones need to be redesigned.

Something besides the point of this topic, I wouldn't have agreed with Enemalta to spend money on meters.
But the problem isn't with Enemalta, it's with those idiots (yes, they are) which give Enemalta reason to safeguard their assets. (this comes down to what E. Azzopardi said).

Kindest regards,
Christian Sciberras.

E. Azzopardi

Nov 9th 2009, 22:56

When tampering with meters it is obvious that one makes them move more slowly or not at all, which simply means THEFT. Honest taxpayers are fed up when dishonest ones are just made to pay up for the theft and not prosecuted and given what they deserve. Theft is criminal and I was always taught that when you steal you go to prison.
No wonder we have all this deficit.

edward bartolo

Nov 9th 2009, 22:04

Quote: "Smart meters fail less frequently than mechanical ones..."

The simple rule is: the more components you have, the less reliable it will be.

Smart meters must employ some form of software, so in essence, they are small computers. Everyone knows that computers fail, and that simple mechanical devices have lower failure rates.

At the end, I am only exposing a disadvantage of microprocessor controlled meters. In other words, the purpose of my post is discussion.

Galea. L

Nov 9th 2009, 19:11

J Martinelli There are meters that have been installed 50-60 years ago and are still going strong. Joe Borg They report the readings to data collection centres on 868MHz. Let's hope that they do not interfere with other transmissions and that they are not interfered with by other transmissions. Let's also hope that they will justify their expense and that we won't be lumped with lemons. Otherwise its good to embrace new technology.

steve elliott,uk

Nov 9th 2009, 18:29

Is it legal to tamper with utility meters because i don't see any mention of prosecutions?

c. camilleri

Nov 9th 2009, 17:14

Only abusers are against Smart meters. Those who pay their correct bills welcome them as they will not long have to make good for those who fiddle with their meters.

Chrissey Zammit

Nov 9th 2009, 16:57

Smart Meters may be the way forward in Malta. BUT for those who are finding it hard to pay the high bills when they arrive. WHY !! not introduce PAY AS YOU GO meters, where you can top up at the corner shop etc, just like mobile phones

Joe Vella

Nov 9th 2009, 15:31

Toronto Hydro installed smart meters only a few years ago. The following link illustrates how smart meters works; http://www.torontohydro.com/sites/electricsystem/residential/smartmeters/Pages/HowSmartMetersWork.aspx

J Oatmon

Nov 9th 2009, 14:04

@ edward bartolo - One point of using these meters is than should be able to be remotely interrogated and any failures detected immediately without the customer having to notify Enemalta.

@ Joe Vella - Agreed, also I think any household not wanting these smart meters, probably have things to hide.

P.Cassar

Nov 9th 2009, 13:56

Every time that there is a saving of a few thousands or a few millions of euros we hear reports heralding this aS some great contribution to Malta's coffers. But then out come the official statistics and these invariably show higher deficits/ debt levels. Added to these we have reports (and not ONLY in the labour media) of several millions going down the drain because of govt./ govt authorities inefficiencies!!!!

Aren't these all cases of penny wise pound foolish AT OUR EXPENCE???

J Martinelli

Nov 9th 2009, 13:47

@ Edward Bartolo

Smart meters fail less frequently than mechanical ones and usually are capable of reporting the malfunction themselves, therefore a fix is done sooner rather than later.

Every gadget, mechanical or electronic is subject to failure at one time or another. The cost of a Smart meter is a mere pittance compared to buying a car which, sometimes turns into a 'lemon' with no likelihood of it ever being replaced!

Smart meters are accurate, self reporting, thus eliminating the need of a 'reader' to enter your premises and if you happen to be out, the issuing of an estimate which invariably you would contest its accuracy.

Joey Borg

Nov 9th 2009, 13:36

one question, who pays for the electricity consumed by the smart meters to "send out a remote reading to certain established points using a GPRS system"?

Tonio Bone

Nov 9th 2009, 13:27

Horray for the smart metres. Definitely a step forward. Now all we need are SMART POLITICIANS!

edward bartolo

Nov 9th 2009, 12:48

What is the lifetime of these, so called, smart meters? At my home I had already the electricity meter replaced, because the first one failed. Mind you, these meters were both of the new digital and smart breed! At my mother's home, the mechanical meter was still functioning, eventhough it was installed about fourty years ago! That is what I call a smart meter!

These unnecessary complications, by their very nature, make devices less reliable and more prone to fail.

Joe Vella

Nov 9th 2009, 12:07

@ J Oatman

And why do you think think the PL and GWU have spoken against the installation of the smart meters. Once the smart meters are installed in all households neither the Government, but more importantly the opposition can make wild and unfounded accusations. At the end all will be held accountable including the Water Services Corporation.

joe micallef

Nov 9th 2009, 12:05

Can somebody tell me please if the new buildings that are connected for electricity and water if they are given the new smart meters or the old ones.

J Oatmon

Nov 9th 2009, 11:39

This smart meter idea is excellent - once installed these new meters will mean that all those who pay on time will benefit.
Also, because the cheaters will have to pay up as well, those who pay will no longer subsidise those who cheat, as the revenue will rise to properly match consumption.