Homework - 5

Due: September 26, 2013

Response Letter

In this homework, we will learn how to provide a technical response to technical/non-technical material you might encounter in real life. A lot of material of scientific significance (climate change, use of technology, etc.) gets debated in the public sphere. We are expected (and sometimes tempted) to respond to these discussions, especially when they are in our area of expertise. This week, we will learn how to write a response to a smart meter flyer that was seen recently.

Smart meters are electricity meters that can give up-to-date information about how much electricity is used at a home. As opposed to getting electricty bill once a month, the customers can now get data on how much electricity they are using every 15 mins, or even more frequently. Smart meters often use wireless communication. In some jurisdictions, utility companies may be able to control appliances at homes, for example, to prevent overloading the grid at the times of peak demand.

Here is a link to the flyer.

Imagine you saw this flyer in your neighborhood. Write a one-page response to the editor of The New York Times (or Houston Chronicle depending on your preference).

Submission

Please submit your homework on Moodle.