There should be a moratorium on the smart meter program. There are too many problems and issues that need to be independently assessed.
Can we trust BC Hydro’s numbers? In their business case they say the smart meters will transmit for only a few minutes a day. In a brochure prepared for BC Hydro by Itron, the meter’s manufacturer, they say the meters will transmit four to six times a day. Now BC Hydro says the meters will transmit for only one minute a day. At about 1/10 of a second per transmission, that adds up to 600 times a day. Which one of the three numbers is the correct one?
When stating radiation measurements BC Hydro gives the amount of radiation you will receive over one square centimetre. Radiation measurements can also be given over one square metre, which is more representative of the body area. There is a difference between one mosquito bite and having one mosquito bite you per square centimetre. The radiation may be harmless, but do we know that?
There are other issues. Some people are hyper-sensitive to electromagnetic fields, others have impaired immune systems. BC Hydro does not have an opt out option for them. It is illegal to install any device that will collect private and personal information in a home without the owner’s consent. What about the impact of time of use billing on lower income people?
If you do not want a smart meter on your property put a Do Not Install Smart Meter sign beside your analog meter. It should be signed, with your address, name, and date printed on it. Post it in a large ziplock bag if it could get wet. Some people are also putting a lock on their analog meter. BC Hydro has said it will hold off installing the smart meter until your questions and concerns are addressed.
Information on what you can do, and the Do Not Install signs are available at: stopsmartmetersbc.ca, or at citizensforsafetechnology.org. If you want a meter lock put your name on the list at Little Mountain Outdoor Gear. Hopefully the whole program can be halted for a proper review.
