Editor:
I would like to clear up some misconceptions regarding how power is generated and controlled. As a retired power maintenance technician of Ontario Hydro, the following should clear up some comments on Smart meters.
I was employed in generation and transformer stations.
Power on the grid is controlled and metered at control stations placed at several locations in the province.
Base power is provided by thermal and nuclear stations and variable power (can change quickly) is controlled by hydraulic or water power generation, as well as gas fired stations.
Power is a function of voltage and current. As the voltage is held relatively constant, the determining factor for power is the current. E.g. if 1,000 customers turn on a light that uses one amp, then 1,000 amps are required by the generating system.
The generators have automatic controls, which sense a reduction or increase in the voltage in the system. The generator controls will increase the current (power) output of the generator to compensate for the increased load (1,000 amps).
This has nothing to do with Smart meters, as the power is controlled by the generators, which are supervised by control operators at control stations.
To say there is wasted power is erroneous. Yes, power is lost due to long transmission lines and other inefficiencies in the system but they are part of the system and will be there no matter what the loading of the system.
I agree with digital meters with a very low EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation but Smart meters appear to have too high a level of EMF radiation. The only thing I see Smart meters doing is eliminating the need of meter readers and a lot of people will lose their jobs.
Ralph White, Grand Forks
