A person could be excused for feeling a little groggy after imbibing in research on Smart Meters, those little digital units that are intended to make consumers more aware of their energy consumption.
There’s a glut of information available, much of it conflicting. However, the arguments for and against the meters are not as clear-cut as some proponents and opponents claim. With so many unanswered questions, it’s foolish to embrance the plan at this point.
British Columbians deserve open, transparent information on the implementation of meters in this province. Last year the provincial government brought in the Clean Energy Act, which exempted the Smart Meter plan from oversight by the independent BC Utilities Commission. Therefore the plan’s cost effectiveness, or lack thereof, goes without scrutiny.
Estimated to cost $1 billion, possibly up to two, the public doesn’t know how it will be affected. Rates are already forecast to rise 50 per cent without Smart Meters. Hydro has said the program will eventually result in $500 million worth of benefits after costs. With the size of households diminishing as the population ages, it’s been argued that energy consumption will be decreasing anyway. There’s also the issue of who gains from the contracts. And could the money be better spent investing in geothermal and solar power?
Some say we have no choice given that the U.S is going down this road. That may be true, but let’s learn the costs.
Health concerns also leave questions. Both opponents and proponents have forceful arguments for their views on whether Smart Meters and their radio waves could harm people.
Estimates are that a minimum of 400 meter readers will lose their jobs. Do the meters’ benefits outweigh that loss of income?
Currently B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner is reviewing the Smart Meter plan after receiving many complaints about the potential for invasion of privacy.
These and other questions about Smart Meters must be laid to rest before the public ends up spending more millions on what could be a dumb investment.
