Government micromanaging power

[CathJ]

I know something has to be done, but I don't like the idea of government micromanaging power usage:

From next week, 200 000 geyser "ripple controls" will be installed in homes in Roodepoort, Bryanston and Randburg. These will enable City Power to switch off geysers remotely from a central point.

If load shedding became critical, the city would install ripple controls on air-conditioning units in business premises.

Aircons circulate air, and don't just cool it - yes, it's better than loadshedding, but should be used sparingly. The air in our office gets incredibly stuffy when the aircons are off because of loadshedding.

And this particularly is worrying:

Greeff said people would not immediately be charged, but public meetings could be held later to discuss the possibility of people who could afford to do so paying back the money.

So we'll do it, and later we'll maybe charge you

Link

 

[Skeptik]

Sounds a lot like more centralizing of power, as in any communist government.

 

[Moederloos]

I do not mind #1 - we already have one - hardly ever notice the thing unless the station controlling it fails - has happened a few times - no hot water for 3 days once.

#2 is stupid - Can you imagine a 1000 seat call centre with no air flow!

#3 is another tax on the rich. Yay! The way the "rich" are getting taxed, they will not have anyone left to tax soon. People always said how high the tax is in some European countries (supertax), but we are getting close - and for no services.