California Utilities to Control Thermostats?

TeraBill writes "It seems that the California Energy Commission is looking to give utilities in the state the power to control the thermostats in private homes via a radio signal. The idea is that during times of significant energy crunch, the utilities could force thermostats to higher temperatures rather than having to implement a rolling blackout. The thermostats have been around for a while and new ones were on display at the CES show in Vegas this week. While I can see the argument for it, we just had a kid take over a tram system with a remote control, so how long before our thermostat gets hacked by the neighbors. And I'd almost rather have the power drop than have someone significantly raise the temperature in my home if I had a computer running there. (UPS and a graceful shutdown versus cooking something.)"

Re:Horrible...

[Malevolent Tester]

But nuclear power plants use science. Science is bad. Everything would be alright if we'd just live in caves and hunt our own food, because the pre technological past was idyllic and peaceful.

Re:ban home A/C then

[Bailsoft]

All air conditioning should be set to maximum for all rooms. Plus all car engines should be radio linked so the authorities can start them at will and rev them up to increase global warming. Plus cars should be fitted with gas guzzlers like in Futurama; I want the ice caps to melt in my life time!

faraday?

[PrinceAshitaka]

Looks like the prefect use for a faraday cage.

Re:Horrible...

[Anonymous Coward]

Don't tase my thermostat, bro!