Smart Metering Trial

If we are to pay for electricity by the units used, there will need to be change of infrastructure so that the site manager can read the meter at the end of the visit or gather the data remotely. This will incur further costs to the members in paying for new infrastructure or time taken to gather data. So you pay for the electricity plus the cost to gather the data for the bill.

I am afraid if we are not careful, we will succumb to the CAMC PR wagon; I'm sure you know the one I mean!

The key message that the CAMC want more revenue is not very palatable to the membership, so to deflect attention from the key message, they set one member against another by stoking the debate of how much electricity we should use as an individual. In another absurd turn of logic, perhaps we should consider every site overhead cost...

If the site is say 10 acres, the club could break down all costs to the square metre of area. Thus larger caravans would need to pay more than small caravans. Those with awnings would pay more. Perhaps we should have a smart card that monitors us every time we use the facilities block, again, the more we use it, the more we pay! Should those with dogs pay extra per dog? To further the 'greenwashing' policy, should we be charged on a sliding scale for the size and type of unit we arrive on site with? Diesel would obviously pay more!

The examples I have provided are not ones that I would endorse, however, I hope it illustrates how you can deflect the main issue away from the club and get the membership to debate the topic and lose sight of the message. The tactic of divide and conquer is as old as the hills! Whilst we debate the detail, we let the club off the hook.

The unfortunate truth is that you can slice the cake and individual cost any way you like to end up with a 'justified' cost. I would have a lot more respect if the CAMC was more honest in its approach. If they need more money be up front and honest. It is supposed to be a club for its members, not a business first and foremost.

Personally, I would rather not have to pay for the PR, re-branding and marketing costs etc, I would rather have lower pitch fees! Thankfully, we all have a choice to remain members or explore other options.

 

 

Will the expansion of charging for electricity usage, not lead to the use of more diesel generators being used on sites? 

There will no doubt be complaints about the noise these things make, but is there any “rule” which prohibits their use?

Here you go - a 'consideration' rule.

 

An interesting point is using a generator cheaper than metered electric?

I doubt it. In fact it’s probably dearer. The one we had some years ago (not for camping) used to get through about a gallon of petrol an hour.

Things have moved on quite a lot....about 5 times better on fuel than your unit...

Honda EU22i about £1200 in the uk and a 2.2 kw output...popular on THS meets and rallies, where the usual 'consideration' is expected.

ENGINE
Product Code EU22ITU4
Generator Type Mulitpole field rotation type (inverter)
Engine Commercial Grade GX120R
Displacement 121cc
Ignition System Transistor
Oil Alert Yes
Starting System Recoil
Stopping System Ignition primary circuit ground
Fuel Unleaded
Fuel usage 1.14 litres/hr approx.
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.6 litres
Continuous Operating Hours 8.1 hours - with eco-throttle switched on at 1/4 output
Auto Choke No

I’m sure things have moved on and it would be amazing if they hadn't. It's still dearer than metered lekky at 42/44p (if I recall correctly) per kWh where one hour drawing 2kw would cost 84/88p as opposed to around £1.50 for just over a litre of petrol in the gennie. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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I agree about solar.  It’s quiet too 👍🏻

I’d go one further Tinny-it is silent👍🏻. The new gen panels perform well in overcast conditions & even produce watt power in heavy cloud👍🏻.