FortisBC’s is expecting its version of the Smart Meter to be installed in Princeton houses around 2015.
The company is preparing its application to the BC Utilities Commission for Advanced Metering Infrastructure and has not yet filed an application.
Fortis’ Advanced Meters are similar to BC Hydro’s Smart Meters, said Fortis spokesman Neal Proban.
Smart Meters have been shrouded in controversy from people who claim they have negative health effects, but BC Hydro insists they are safe.
Fortis BC is listening to the provincial health officer and the BC Cancer Agency that have said Smart Meters are safe.
“We have been listening to our customers and following the experts who are talking about Advanced Meters, and we believe Advanced Meters are safe,” Proban said.
Advanced Meters look similar to existing digital electricity meters, but provide more features, like allowing customers to keep track of their day-to-day electricity usage online.
They also help to eliminate theft with alarms that detect tampering and provide Fortis with unplanned power outage updates.
