We received a form letter regarding our refusal to have a smart meter installed a few months ago.
B.C. Hydro suggests we access the answers to queries online. However, my specific questions are not on the list.
Smart meters produce wireless signals into the atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. The amount of signal is not supposedly detrimental to one's health.
However, compound it with signals from cordless telephones, cellphones, GPS devices, satellite TV and telephone transmissions, long wave and short wave radios, free air TV signals, radars, specialized communication devices, remotes for TVs, radios, home theatre systems, burglar alarm systems, keyless entry into vehicles, computer cordless items such as keyboards, mice, speakers, and Wi-Fi signals, with water meters, and the future installation of wireless gas meters; what is the lethal level of all of this combined?
Will the smart meter installations push the risk over safe levels?
We are being enticed with TVs and appliances that transmit signals into our buildings, telling others what we watch, what we eat, how we cook, clean and when we sleep.
What are the current signal readings my body is being generally subjected to? What are they on my property, and what will they be in the future with all appliances and meters emitting signals? What dosage will I receive with my head six feet from the meter, eight hours a night, for a year? What are the standards? Will all these signals harm me?
Hydro has said billing rates will vary according to the time of day electricity is consumed. However, I couldn't find any commitment as to what the so-called "low rate" hours will be. Consumers deserve to know.
And, there will be "shoulder hours" when consumption isn't high, but rates aren't low either. And will this grey area also be broken down into more rates, adjusted to conform to the length of daylight hours? Easily done by computer.
Will Hydro be able to ascertain what types of appliances are being used at what hours? Will Hydro be able to ascertain if an electric vehicle is being charged and will it receive a different rate?
Will Hydro be instructed to collect an equivalent amount of federal and provincial taxes to even the field between petroleum-powered vehicles and electric? Or will the masses continue to subsidize the electrics?
Since there is a considerable charge to purchase and install these meters, what "roll-out" charge will each meter user be assessed? And for how long will we be paying for this one meter?
No matter how this shakes out, the end user will be paying for it all. But please, Hydro, tell us your plans, rates, levies and plans.
I don't think I am asking for the world for my questions to be answered.
In the meantime, I still refuse the offer to increase my monthly bill with all the extra charges Hydro is so willing to "deal" to me. Prove that my total monthly billing will be lower with the new meter than it is with my standard meter. Hydro has been advertising this will be the case.
R. Brown,
West Kelowna