RDCK asks FortisBC to consult on smart meters
Posted on 30. Jan, 2012 by Chris Shepherd in West Kootenay |
The Regional District of Central Kootenay has asked FortisBC to consult with the public about the issue of smart meters and give people the choice to opt out after hearing concerns about health effects, reports Greg Nesteroff in the Castlegar News.
Photo source: miheco, Flickr, Creative Commons.
The utility is considering using smart meters to measure power usage in West Kootenay homes. The issue has alarmed some people who fear there could be negative health effects from the devices. The RDCK board of directors shied away from a motion calling for a moratorium on the use of the devices and instead asked for consultation, passing East Shore director Garry Jackman’s motion.
Jackman said he believes there is a place for smart meters, but utilities have to be proactive about reassuring the public.
“Putting people in a position of having fear and uncertainty isn’t right,” he said. “Even if somebody doesn’t have health risks, worrying about the possibility is wrong.”
Source: Castlegar News
Read more about the debate, including comments from residents concerned about smart metres, at the Castlegar News.
Not sure what smart meters are? Here’s the perspective from one industry player: BC Hydro. It’s obviously pretty one-sided, but gives a sense of what power suppliers say they want to accomplish.
What do you think? Are smart meters a good idea or not?
2 Responses to “RDCK asks FortisBC to consult on smart meters”
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Not a chance I will build a box around mine before I let them put one on my property……
more of the never ending control grid and the electromagnetic pollution, disguised as ‘energy efficiency’ to ‘save’ the consumer money.