Vernon officials don’t want smart meters forced on to anyone. Council unanimously voted Monday to urge B.C. Hydro to develop an opt-out procedure for people who don’t want the remote monitoring devices. “I believe people should be given the right to decide what goes on their houses,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Spiers points to Quebec where residents there can refuse meters as long as they cover the costs involved with traditional meter reading. Council’s decision comes after a presentation from Citizens for Safe Technology. The group claims microwave radiation exposure can create a range of health issues, while the utility will know what appliances you are using by monitoring the meter. B.C. Hydro insists the devices do not present a health concern and do not interfere with privacy. “I have no concerns with smart meters and I’d have one in my house but people should have the right to opt out,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. While council’s motion will be forwarded to Hydro, there is little confidence the Crown corporation will shift direction. “Nothing will happen,” said Spiers. “B.C. Hydro won’t back down and we will all get smart meters.” However, Mayor Rob Sawatzky insists that local governments must provide their residents with a voice. “Hopefully those in power will reflect on this and consider what the community wants,” he said.
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Vernon Council Seeks Opt-Out For Smart Meters Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 14 May 2012 19:00
After several weeks of hearing both sides of the issue, Vernon council has passed a motion regarding smart meters. Council will ask BC Hydro to allow residents who don't want the wireless meters, to opt-out, providing those people pick up the extra costs. Councillor Patrick Nicol says council also wants Hydro to request 'optional refusal' from the BC Utilities Commission, the agency that regulates the utility. "So what has to happen as part of our motion is that, it simply be handled in a professional way by BC Hydro so they they ask for that opportunity for the citizens of BC which they represent." Councillor Bob Spiers says people should have to the right to decide what goes on their homes. "Quebec basically came up with a perfect solution, allowing people to opt out at a cost. This is almost looks like Rogers negative billing that happened a few years ago. Nothing is going to happen. BC Hydro is not going to back down and we're all going to get smart meters." Mayor Rob Sawatzky says council has done what it can on the issue, even though he's not sure BC Hydro will pay any attention to the city's concerns. "We can pass through citizen and community intent and hopefully those in power will reflect and make decisions that reflect the commuinity's wishes." Rob Sawatzky says it's about giving residents a choice. "Our recommendation, the intent of it was that, citizens be giving an option, similar to some other jurisdictions, where they would be able to retain their old meters at the appropriate cost to them so they're not everyone else is subsidized their wish." A group called Citizens for Safe Technology wanted council to pass a moratorium on installing the devices over numerous concerns, even though health and utility officials say they are safe. Hydro expects to install the meters in the Greater Vernon area later this year.
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