# Homeowner Pulls Gun on Utility Worker **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 24, 2012, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285 "2012-07-24T21:13:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/41 "2012-07-25T04:27:29Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > She needs to meditate. > > Ohm, ohm, ohm. Sounds like she was way to amped up for that. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/42 "2012-07-25T04:43:34Z")
> [@Balance](#): > > The crazy is regrettably thick on the ground here. > Actually, there is a good reason to do it, though it does involve time-of-day tariffs. Peak loads are expensive; the company has to be prepared for them, so they have to spend a lot of money on generating capacity that goes unused most of the time, and they have to beef up their infrastructure to carry the load. Transmission efficiency also drops slightly with heavy loads, which results in wasted energy. When the load conditions get really bad, you get brownouts, which are no good for anyone. This stuff drives up the company’s costs…which they pass along to you. > > With time-of-day rates, they can encourage people to shift some of their heavy-load activities–like running extra appliances like dishwashers and such that only need to be run once a day–to off-peak hours. If they get enough people to make small changes in their habits, they can reduce their peak load requirements. Lowering the peak saves them money, so it’s worth it to them to offer discounts in off-peak hours. (And before you say that the company will never do that–at least one company here in Texas is already offering discounts, and even free usage at night for exactly this reason.) > > The can also use the data to show you how much energy you’re using and when, so that you can tell what activities are driving up your bill, which can potentially save you money directly. I’ve had a time-of day plan for _decades_… For the very slight inconvenience (only doing laundry on the weekends, running the pool pump at night), I save something like $1,500/year ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/43 "2012-07-25T04:47:53Z")
This is why we can’t have nice things. Some day the US might be able to have a first world electrical grid. My opinion is we should already be on a peak rate system. Anyone that doesn’t want a smart meter should pay peak rate 24/7. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/44 "2012-07-25T05:10:46Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Anyone that doesn’t want a smart meter should pay peak rate 24/7. This. And the utility workers should cut this woman’s power for a month or so while they find on old meter to reinstall at her house. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/45 "2012-07-25T11:08:01Z")
The homeowners are nutjobs, no doubt. But… there is quite the urban legend circulating here that one’s monthly bill goes up substantially after the smart meter is installed. The newspaper even carried articles about this. I wonder if that (or worry over discovery of her grow lights) was driving her batshit reaction. I was concerned when it was our turn to get one, but the installation guy looked like Anotonio Banderas’ hotter twin… and my wife betrayed us and let him right in. 😛 FWIW: The electric bill was unchanged after the installation. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/46 "2012-07-25T11:32:26Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > This is my rant, not a place for your juvenile humor. > Stop it now, I mean it! Just wait faraday or so, everyone will get tired of it. Alternatively, why don’t you make like Benjamin Franklin? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/47 "2012-07-25T11:44:42Z")
> [@Balance](#): > > The can also use the data to show you how much energy you’re using and when, so that you can tell what activities are driving up your bill, which can potentially save you money directly. I think the attitude in Texas is, “I don’t need anybody tellin’ me anything, dadgummit!!” ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/48 "2012-07-25T12:37:22Z")
Sure she is kooky. But the OP overstated just a wee bit. Nothing in that story said she pointed the gun at him. She was carrying her legally owned licensed gun on her property. So that Georgia law you quoted? Doesn’t apply even if it happened in Georgia. And the utility worker came on her property past the no trespassing signs. Maybe things are different where you are but here the local governement, the utility company or anyone can not enter your property without your permission or a court order (unless there are exigent circumstances). And he pushed her away when she tried to block him. There is a reason why she wasn’t charged. Of course we only have her side of the story but that is all that was provided. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/49 "2012-07-25T12:39:31Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > And the utility worker came on her property past the no trespassing signs. By subscribing to electrical service, the homeowner gave express permission for the utility worker to come on her property to maintain the meter. No trespassing signs do not apply. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/50 "2012-07-25T12:41:34Z")
Oh that’s great. It’s OK to jack up my rates for running my air conditioner, lights, and computer during the day if I can charge my cell phone for free during the night. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/51 "2012-07-25T12:49:57Z")
> [@Mdcastleman](#): > > Oh that’s great. It’s OK to jack up my rates for running my air conditioner, lights, and computer during the day if I can charge my cell phone for free during the night. Glad you agree. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/52 "2012-07-25T12:51:35Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > By subscribing to electrical service, the homeowner gave express permission for the utility worker to come on her property to maintain the meter. No trespassing signs do not apply. [Her sign](http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/07/23/thelma-taormina-houston-homeowner-pulls-gun-utility-worker/2) specifically stated > [@Texas Homeowner](#): > > No > Tresspassing > and > No > Smart Meters > shall be installed on this property… Seems very clear she specifically was referring to the electric company. The utility worker may have been within his rights to enter the property assuming there is a utility easment. He was not within his rights to push the woman. He was beyond stupid to attempt to enter the property for the purpose of doing work that the customer spcifically stated she does not want done. The electric company might have been able to cut off service if the customer was unwilling to have the company’s chosen metering device installed. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/53 "2012-07-25T12:52:02Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > By subscribing to electrical service, the homeowner gave express permission for the utility worker to come on her property to maintain the meter. No trespassing signs do not apply. Sometimes and or usually. Or as with many legal issues, it depends. The do have a utility easement. But does that give them the right to go into my mother’s garage to read the water meter?\* No. Can they go over or through a fenced in yard without your permission? It depends. Which is why they have the option to estimate your bill. Estimate too high? Let them come and read it. \*My mother gave them permission to install an outside reader so they wouldn’t keep knocking on her door. Its not like I have a problem with meter readers. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/54 "2012-07-25T13:37:49Z")
> [@](#): > > O.C.G.A. § 16-11-102 > Pointing or aiming **gun or pistol** at another > > A person is guilty of a misdemeanor when he intentionally and without legal justification points or aims a gun or pistol at another, whether the gun or pistol is loaded or unloaded. Gun OR Pistol? WTF? ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/55 "2012-07-25T13:39:34Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > Stop it now, I mean it! > [@Kaio](#): > > Would anybody like a peanut? Kaio for the win. This is what I was looking for. The rest of you pay better attention. It’s what we in the bidness call a set-up.😃 ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/56 "2012-07-25T13:40:47Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > This is my rant, not a place for your juvenile humor. > Stop it now, I mean it! That hurts. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/57 "2012-07-25T14:54:15Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Gun OR Pistol? WTF? It’s possible that the statute defines gun differently than pistol. For instance it could include bb guns and paintball guns. There is usually a very specific reason why a law is worded a particular way. And sometimes they just do a shitty job of wording it. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/58 "2012-07-25T15:06:11Z")
My electric coop keeps hassling me to allow them to install a smart meter and a throttle on the heat pump. I keep telling them no, and I will to perpetuity. I rent the property, so it’s not my heat pump to modify. The meter is in an openly accessible spot, so the SOBs can come read it any time. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/59 "2012-07-25T16:29:38Z")
To throw out a thought: During a normal day I have several hundred watts of lights, some computer equipment, my fridge, air conditioner, etc. all on during the day.What practical ways would there be to use electricity when it’s cheap or free during the night, as opposed to paying peak kilowatt rates? A basement full of batteries? Freezing massive blocks of ice? I don’t think telling my office I want to work nights is going to fly, and I’d still need the A/C during the day while I’m sleeping. If everyone stored energy, how much energy would be lost by such methods as opposed to utilility companies just providing the exact amount of power we need when we need it? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285/60 "2012-07-25T17:26:42Z")
> [@Mdcastleman](#): > > To throw out a thought: > > During a normal day I have several hundred watts of lights, some computer equipment, my fridge, air conditioner, etc. all on during the day.What practical ways would there be to use electricity when it’s cheap or free during the night, as opposed to paying peak kilowatt rates? A basement full of batteries? Freezing massive blocks of ice? I don’t think telling my office I want to work nights is going to fly, and I’d still need the A/C during the day while I’m sleeping. > > If everyone stored energy, how much energy would be lost by such methods as opposed to utilility companies just providing the exact amount of power we need when we need it? There are lots of loads that can be time-shifted. Cooking, laundry, pool pumps, dishwashers, etc. But, you are missing the point - if you don’t want to change your lifestyle, and you don’t mind paying more than someone else, then just don’t sign up for a time-of-day rate! Those of us who don’t mind get to enjoy the savings. ETA: it’s also worth asking why you have “several hundred watts” of lights on during the day… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowner-pulls-gun-on-utility-worker/629285.md?page=4)