Ever since I heard it was possible I’d been meaning to set up passwords with my utility companies so that they can verify their identity to me when they turn up at my door. This week I tried it with my gas supplier. They said they don’t do that, but don’t worry, it’s fine, I can just check their ID card and phone up to verify that the name on the ID card is one of their employees/contractors.
Try typing this into a predictive text phone: “Tidying treacle in Cornwall.”
As I wrote previously, I’ve been keeping tabs on how much electricity I use. Last week I got a whole-house electricity monitor called an OWL from natural collection and have been playing around with it. It’s surprising how surprising the results are, if you see what I mean. I know that switching on the kettle uses more electricity, but I was a bit taken aback at how much more.
from Kith-Kin (via things magazine)
The town where I live is going to be the first “Fibrecity” in the UK, apparently. I’ve been asked for permission to connect fibre-optic cabling capable of speeds in excess of 100Mbps to my house, at no cost.
I’m usually quite skeptical about no-cost offers like this, but this one does seem like it might be genuinely useful. Also, our local council has already gone ahead with the work for their offices and for the BIC and Pavilion.
I’m thinking about opting in, but there’s an exhibition about it at the local library so I might go and see that first.