We’ve been hearing a lot of concern about smart meters recently from communities like Vernon. In addition to possible environmental factors mentioned in your paper and the potential for higher Hydro bills, one consequence we’re facing immediately is the loss of nearly 400 family-supporting jobs across the province.
Since 2007, our union, which represents meter readers, has been trying to get answers from BC Hydro and this government on how jobs will be impacted, but Energy Minister Rich Coleman and Premier Christy Clark continue to refuse to meet with meter readers or COPE 378 as their union.
We support a moratorium on smart meters until these questions can be answered.
And if smart meters end up going ahead, we want to ensure our members get the opportunity to re-train and continue work in BC Hydro.
They have valuable institutional knowledge and are proud of the work they do in service of our public utility and communities.
The government has a responsibility to mitigate the impact of smart meters – starting with the 400 men and women who will lose their jobs.
Gwenne Farrell
COPE 378 Vice-President, Utilities
