The debate on smart meters continues in Enderby.
A presentation on B.C. Hydro’s remote monitoring devices will be held at the Enderby Drill Hall July 18, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
“Most people don’t know what a smart meter is and we’re trying to inform people as to our view,” said Barb Makota, with Citizens for Safe Technology, which has opposed installation of the meters because of concerns over health and privacy.
Besides Makota, there will be speakers from a company that specializes in electrical frequencies and Interior Smart Meter Awareness.
B.C. Hydro has indicated it will not attend the session.
“They don’t respond to the public,” said Makota.
The presentation comes at the same time that Enderby council is considering whether it should take a stand against smart meters.
Coun. Earl Shipmaker isn’t sure what action the city will take following the public meeting.
“It will likely be token support (opposing meters) because we have no jurisdiction over the issue,” he said.
“Hydro is operating under an agreement with the B.C. Utilities Commission to have them in by the end of the year.”
The issue first arose in February when a resident asked council to ban the devices.
Council then formed a committee to examine health and privacy concerns and there was a delegation from B.C. Hydro in June.
Makota believes there is a role for the city to take, saying municipalities are bound to take action when made aware of a health risk.
“Fiber optics is a safer way to go,” she said.
