1) $$meter manufacturer admits that all $$meters have the same problems!! The company blamed “external factors,” such as “water intrusion,” “hot socket conditions,” “over voltage in the distribution system,” and “holes in meter boxes” for the fires. It also said investigations were underway. (Water accumulates due to condensation inside analogs and it does inside $$meters. These conditions are common and analogs can handle them.)
“Our experience has shown that these issues are systemic in the industry and we are committed to delivering solutions that help our customers to overcome these challenges,” said Sensus President Randy Bays in a statement, giving even more credence to the widespread concerns expressed by critics of the smart-meter scheme. (Emphasis added.) “I have complete confidence in the employees and technology that carry the Sensus name. We are committed to providing safe products through engineering excellence and testing to industry standards.”
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/energy/item/18904-in-u-s-and-canada-smart-meter-fires-spark-alarm
2) Privacy Commissioner said that legally, public bodies must tell the public when they find something that poses a significant risk of harm. This government, BC Hydro, Len Garis as head of the BC Fire Chiefs Association and the BCUC all have been derelict in their duty. They have known that fires have occurred and have consistently denied it, and have failed to take action.
“In a news release, Denham notes that the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act imposes legal requirements on public bodies to provide people with timely information where there is a significant risk of harm or where information is in the public interest.”
Please write or call Commissioner Denham about the fire issue. info@oipc.bc.ca
Victoria: (250-387-5629) Elsewhere in BC: (800-663-7867)
3) BC Hydro is sending out threats of power loss for outstanding legacy fees. This is unconscionable harassment, especially when we know that these meters are dangerous fire hazards. I believe the Ombudsperson and the BC Civil Liberties Association would be interested to know about this tactic. What if someone is elderly or disabled, or uses a medical device that requires power – what liability is BC Hydro willing to face?
The Saskatchewan NDP is accusing government of using unqualified installers, risking life and property by doing so. Hope our NDP will take this and begin to apply pressure here in BC. BC Hydro contracted with Corix who hired people straight out of high school and others with no relevant experience or education, gave them 10 days training before making them do what electricians/linesmen normally do. Money before safety.
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/#!/content/1.2737964/
4) Interesting warning on the Health Canada website regarding RF interference with smoke detectors. It is well known that RF can interfere with wireless devices . Is it possible that RF from smart meters could cause smoke detectors to malfunction? .The units found to be affected are at the HC site.
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/41065r-eng.php
5) The US Center for Disease Control is urging caution in use of cell phones. Will BC CDC follow – with Dr. Perry Kendall say these people are not credible? Will the MPs encourage labels on phones to allow people to make informed choices?
Letters:
Sent: August 15, 2014 3:15 PM
To: Smart Meters
Cc: Douglas.Routley.MLA@leg.bc.ca; Chris Bowers; Dennis and Sharon Noble; greg.reimer@bchydro.com; Patrick.wruck@bcuc.com; commission.secretary@bcuc.com
Subject: Re: BC Hydro Smart Metering Program
Larissa
BC Hydro
Smart Metering Specialist Team
Smart Metering Program
Dear Ms. Larissa,
If you have look at my address you would have known that my area code living off Vancouver Island is 250 not 604. Please, respond to my questions via email. I want to have a record of everything in writing as in the past, people in official capacities denied what they have affirmed and conceded in a phone call.
Sincerely,
Smart Meters wrote:
Dear ,
We tried to call you to address your questions and concerns, however we were unable to get through on the phone number we have on file (604- xxxxxx) . Please contact us directly at 1-800-409-8199, or reply to this email with a phone number we can reach you at.
Sincerely,
*Larissa
**BC Hydro
*Smart Metering Specialist Team
Smart Metering Program
E-mail: smartmeters@bchydro.com
Phone: 1 800 409 8199**
—–Original Message—–
From:
Sent: 2014, August 12 1:10 PM
To: Smart Meters
Cc: Douglas.Routley.MLA@leg.bc.ca; Chris Bowers; Chris Bowers
Subject: Re: BC Hydro Smart Metering Program
Larissa
BC Hydro
Smart Metering Specialist Team
Smart Metering Program
E-mail: smartmeters@bchydro.com
Phone: 1 800 409 8199
Dear Ms. Larissa,
It took BC Hydro more than a month to respond to our question about the new codes in the digital meter that was going to replace our old digital meter. It seems no one at BC Hydro knew what the codes were and not even your technician could answer it. Why should I be charged $65.00? At the time I did not refuse the exchange but I wanted to be informed as your customer of what was being installed in our home? The fact that it took BC Hydro more than a month to answer should be sufficient to prove our concerns and we should not be penalized for it. The real issue is that BC Hydro and its technician did not know at the time what they were installing in our home.
If I have to pay $32.40 for a digital meter We rather have an analog meter installed at our home. Please ask your technician to provide us with an analog meter instead. It is our right as we are not going to pay
$32.40 for a digital meter that it is smart capable at any time by adding a module to it.
Sharon Noble
Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters