1)      Most dentists, like physicians, are unaware of the relationship between EMR and dental work.  This article and its references would be excellent to give to dentists re. amalgam fillings and metal restorations.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Effect of Electro Magnetic Field (Emf) on Dental Amalgam and General Health

“In a discussion on this subject of EMR  Lina Garcia,(3) has mentioned that the amalgam fillings and any metal restorations can act as an antenna for microwave transmission of any radiation in close range. These can result in a new kind of electromagnetic stress for the human body.  Further there are reports from other workers as well regarding the possible effects on amalgam on EMRs.(4)  These results apart from galvanic deterioration and its effect on health the deterioration suffered by amalgam due to the microwave attracting stress.(5) It has been stated that the EMR can affect people of all age and women seem to be more affected than men. It has also been reported that the effect is more on menopausal women.(3)  The author also rightly inform that slowly there are many who find out for themselves the effect of EMR on themselves from their work place after their health get affected and for many it may not likely be a pleasant experience of discovery.”

http://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol8octoberspledition/effect-of-electro-magnetic-field-emf-on-dental-amalgam-and-general-health/

2)      A group with which I am not familiar, “Scientists for Wired Technology”, is promoting fiber optic cable instead of wireless transmitters, whether 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G. They all emit harmful microwave radiation and provide less efficient service more slowly than fiber optic cable.

Limit Pulsed, Microwave Radiation Exposures in Homes, Schools, Parks & Wilderness Areas

“Scientists For Wired Technology lobbies local, state and federal government to support measures that will protect all from the hazards of exposures to Pulsed Radio-Frequency Microwave Radiation (RF/MW radiation) — a known human carcinogen. As duration, not intensity, is the most important factor in RF/MW radiation exposures, the collateral damage of the misguided and ill-advised Wireless revolution will be us…

Fiber-optic networks enable data transmissions that are much faster, more reliable, safe for humans and other living organisms, and far more secure from cyber and physical attack when compared to any wireless network which relies on sending data via pulsed microwave radiation (Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE and 5G).  In addition, fiber-optic cables use only a fraction of the energy required by wireless networks.

The United States needs  One Big Dig — a coordinated private/public infrastructure project to connect every business, school, home and farm with fiber optical cables.  This would create an invaluable and defensible national asset, as well provide jobs to many thousands of Americans. Private companies could then share access to this national asset to offer competing services, much in the same way that long distance telecommunications providers shared access to one integrated system of copper telephone wires.”

Re. 5G:

“A MUCH BETTER solution is the one these obscenely profitable companies are trashing — to install one-set of publicly-owned, Title II fiber-optic cables to every home and business for 1,000 Mbps speeds for $30-$40 per month, over which private companies can offer their coveted, competing television/video services.”

http://scientists4wiredtech.com/

3)      Ted Archibald, the webmaster for the Coalition website, has shielded one of the rooms in his home and has documented how he did it. It is available at:

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Shielding-from-Neighbours-Wi-Fi-by-Ted-November-2017-.pdf 

or

https://tinyurl.com/y7lm7nz5  

If you have questions for Ted, his email is:   ted@stopsmartmetersbc.com

4)      There are some letters below written to the Attorney General about the smeter program and the Meter Choices Program. I know there are many of you who were refused the option of having a meter choice because you were smetered before Dec. 1, 2013. I hope some of you will write to the Attorney General telling how you were discriminated against. Because you were forced, tricked or just unlucky, you never had the option of keeping your analog longer, or to have the transmitter turned off.  He needs to hear from you.  His email address is: 

David Eby, Attorney General <AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca>

Letters:

From: X
Sent: November 25, 2017 8:16 PM
To: David Eby < AGWEBFEEDBACK@gov.bc.ca;>; Michelle Mungall <EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca>;  John Horgan <premier@gov.bc.ca>; Sharon Noble
Subject: Fwd: (May) RE: Customer Complaint – X – Meter Choices Program

Hello

Start with the attachment at the bottom [May 4, 2017 10:04 AM] and work your way up.  It’s been a crazy ride.

X

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Complaints BCUC:EX <Complaints@bcuc.com>
Date: Wed, May 31, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Subject: RE:  (May) RE: Customer Complaint – X – Meter Choices Program
To: “Customer, Relations” <customer.relations@bchydro.com>

Good morning, 

The BC Utilities Commission is in receipt of additional correspondence from Mr. X (please see attached). Mr. X  has further concerns regarding his complaint. 

Commission staff request BC Hydro to please review the correspondence and respond to the Commission and Mr. X. Specifically, please address the following: 

1.       During the utility customer complaint process initiated by Mr. X on October 2, 2015, the following information was corresponded between the Commission, BC Hydro, and Mr. X:

.    October 23, 2015, email from BC Hydro to the Commission:

        . “the Measurement Canada seal on the BC Hydro meter at Mr. X’s premises has expired and the meter must be exchanged to    ensure compliance with federal regulations.”

        . “BC Hydro will extend Meter Choice eligibility to the account under Mr. X’s name, number #####”

        . “BC Hydro has called Mr. X and explained he has a meter choice available to him. He has the options of […] legacy meter – a monthly fee of $32.40”

.    December 4, 2015, email from Commission staff to Mr. X:

        .  “As of December 1, 2015 you will receive the standard Legacy Meter charges on your bi-monthly bill. BC Hydro will work with you to facilitate the exchange of your expired Legacy Meter.

Commission staff understands that Mr. X’s request to have his meter exchange with another Legacy meter was an important issue to him. Commission staff note that in 2015, we emphasized to BC Hydro that there was no reason to delay exchanging the meter from Legacy to Legacy so long as the available stock exists. Commission staff understood from BC Hydro that it would work with Mr. X to facilitate the install of his expired Legacy Meter. 

Accordingly, please explain why an attempt to exchange the meter was not completed until November 4, 2016, approximately 1 year after the conclusion of Mr. X’s October 2, 2015, complaint. 

2.       Please propose a remedy or alternative resolution for Mr. X’s concerns. 

Regards,
Canon Ho, B.Com., J.D.
Customer Relations Analyst, Compliance and MRS
British Columbia Utilities Commission
P: 604.660.4700  BC Toll Free: 1.800.663.1385  F: 604.660.1102
bcuc.com  

= = =

From: Ho, Canon M BCUC:EX On Behalf Of Complaints BCUC:EX
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 3:26 PM
To: X
Cc: ‘Customer, Relations’
Subject: RE:  (May) RE: Customer Complaint – X – Meter Choices Program 

Good afternoon, 

The BC Utilities Commission received an email from BC Hydro dated May 10, 2017, in response to your complaint. 

You now have the opportunity to review BC Hydro’s response and send in any additional questions and/or concerns regarding your complaint. Please send us your response by May 24, 2017. 

If you do not have any further questions or concerns we will begin our review of BC Hydro’s response. Commission staff review all submitted information using the criteria of whether the utility reasonably responded to the customer’s concern(s) and whether the utility followed its Tariff and the Utilities Commission Act. 

Regards,
Canon
Canon Ho, B.Com., J.D.
Customer Relations Analyst
British Columbia Utilities Commission
6th Floor, 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2N3
Phone: 604.660.4700 | Fax: 604.660.1102 | Toll Free: 1.800.663.1385
Email: Complaints@bcuc.com | Web: www.bcuc.com

= = =

From: Customer, Relations [mailto:customer.relations@bchydro.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 3:14 PM
To: Complaints BCUC:EX
Cc: X; Customer, Relations
Subject:  (May) RE: Customer Complaint – X – Meter Choices Program 

Dear Mr. Ho, 

Thanks for your email of May 4, 2017 regarding Mr. X’s concerns with the BC Hydro meter exchange for his service at xxxxxx.

On November 20, 2015 Mr. X’s account was enrolled in the Meter Choices Program granting him Meter Choices. At the time, we still had stock of legacy meters and so Mr. X was notified that his meter replacement will be for another legacy meter. All legacy meters will eventually be replaced as they expire or break. Since we are no longer replenishing our stock of legacy meters, the replacements will be the radio-off or a standard smart meter.

Since the meter is past its Measurement Canada expiration date, it needs to be exchanged. We no longer have stock of legacy meters (analog and digital) and due to this; the default replacement is a radio-off meter with the associated fees or he can switch to a standard smart meter for free. The radio-off fees are the following:

.   a one-time set-up fee of $22.60, which helps to recover the cost of converting the meter and installing it at your property;

.   a monthly operating fee of $20, which helps to recover the ongoing costs of serving a non-communicating meter and ensuring the smart grid can work as planned around this meter; and

.   a one-time exit fee of $55 if you move or change to a smart meter.  

Previous to his enrolment into the program, Mr. X was not charged any Legacy Fees which were added to applicable accounts beginning December 2, 2013. His account start date was November 6, 2013 which meant he wasn’t offered enrolment into the program (until later on) and thus no fees were applied. Mr. X was charged the fees from June 1, 2015 which was after 6 months, and back-billing was applied.  

It is regrettable that the attempt to exchange the meter was not until November 4, 2016. It remains that the meter needs to be exchanged. If Mr. X would like to continue in the program, then his replacement will be a radio-off meter. Otherwise he can switch to the smart meter and end legacy meter fees. 

Radio-off meter 

Radio-off meters are smart meters with the radio turned off. They do not send or receive any radio signals and therefore have to be manually read onsite, by BC Hydro employees. The radios are turned off by our qualified staff to disable meter communications; this is an option in the meter programming that controls its functionality. When a smart meter is radio-off, the meter will periodically display, “RF OPT OUT” on the LED screen.  

Meter Exchange 

Under the Canadian Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and British Columbia Clean Energy Act we’re legally entitled to unrestricted access to our equipment, including our electricity meters. 

We ask that Mr. X remove the existing obstruction so that we can proceed with the meter exchange. 

To make arrangements to complete the exchange or if you have further questions please contact our Customer Metering team at 1 800 409-8199. 

Sincerely,
Pattie Fromyhr
BC Hydro Customer Relations

= = = 

From: Complaints BCUC:EX [mailto:Complaints@bcuc.com]
Sent: 2017, May 04 10:54 AM
To: Customer, Relations
Cc: X
Subject: X (May) RE: Customer Complaint – X – Meter Choices Program 

Good morning, 

Please note that I am now the Customer Relations Analyst at the BC Utilities Commission. 

The Commission is in receipt of correspondence from Mr. X (please see below and attached). Mr. X has concerns regarding a meter exchange requested by BC Hydro. 

Commission staff request BC Hydro to please review the correspondence and respond to the Commission and Mr. X. 

Regards,
Canon
Canon Ho, B.Com., J.D.
Customer Relations Analyst
British Columbia Utilities Commission 

= = =

From: X
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 10:04 AM
To: Wruck, Patrick BCUC:EX; daren.sanders@bchydro.com
Subject: Fwd: Customer Complaint – X- Meter Choices Program 

​Hi Patrick 

I have attached a letter I just received from BC Hydro​. Also an email that is part of a chain of emails we had not too long ago. I thought this got sorted out. BC Hydro asked for and received a payment for back charges and a further 9 analog meter charges. At the time this was resolved I was informed that an installer would be calling me to make an appointment to exchange analogs. I never got that call and now this letter arrives. If, as promised, my meter was exchanged at that time the expiry date would not be an issue now. I’m still waiting for the exchange that I paid for.  

X 

= = =

Dear Mr. Wruck;

BC Hydro writes in response to an email from the BCUC, dated October 6, 2015, concerning a complaint by X with regards to the BC Hydro Meter Choice Program for his account #####.

On September 10, 2013 BC Hydro mailed a Meter Choices enrolment form to X2.  X2’s account closed on November 5, 2013 when X applied for service under his name on November 6, 2013. No Meter Choices enrolment form was sent for the new account number under X’s name.

On November 13, 2013, X emailed BC Hydro stating that he did not want to pay the monthly Meter Choices fee. On November 25, 2013 BC Hydro replied by email. In error BC Hydro asked X to return the enrolment form he was provided, even though BC Hydro had not provided one for his account. In BC Hydro’s email to X, he was informed that he would be defaulted to keeping the old meter if he did not return the enrolment form and the fee associated for said option would apply beginning December 2, 2013.

When the enrolment period ended on December 1, 2013, X was not enrolled as a Meter Choices customer as his account was identified as a new customer account at premise. To date, no associated Meter Choice charges have been added to X’s account number #####.

Since X’s account was not enrolled in the Meter Choices Program, BC Hydro attempted to install the smart meter at the premises on January 16, 2014. The installation was refused. BC Hydro did not charge a Failed Installation Charge for this attempt as X was not aware there would be a fee for refusing, as he thought he had successfully enrolled in the program.

On September 23, 2015, BC Hydro sent a notice to X regarding clear and free access to the BC Hydro meter being a requirement for the purpose of exchanging the meter. BC Hydro phoned X September 30, 2015 in response to his September 28, 2015 email.

There was no answer. BC Hydro left a voice message requesting that X calls back BC Hydro. X phoned BC Hydro back the same day. X informed BC Hydro that he doesn’t want a smart meter. BC Hydro advised X that the smart meter installation is required.

On October 1, 2015, X sent BC Hydro an email stating that since he did not return his enrolment form he was enrolled in the Meter Choices program. BC Hydro phoned X the same date. BC Hydro explained to X that his account is not eligible for the Meter Choice program due to its start date. BC Hydro advised X of an alternative. Should a new account be created under X2’s name, she can opt for the choice to have a radio-off smart meter. As X2 was a meter choice customer and did not elect a smart meter, she was eligible for a choice of Radio-Off smart meter when she moved into a new premise.

BC Hydro has done further investigation into X’s account and the email BC Hydro sent X on November 25, 2013. Due to the miscommunication of BC Hydro’s November 25, 2013 email and both spouses being listed on both the previous account and current account, BC Hydro will extend Meter Choice eligibility to the account under X’s name, number ####.

BC Hydro has called X and explained he has a meter choice available to him. He has the options of:

.  standard smart meter – no cost

.  radio-off smart meter – a set-up fee of $22.60, a monthly fee of $20, an exit fee of $55 if he moves out or elects a smart meter.

.  legacy meter – a monthly fee of $32.40

As X indicated he requires time to make a decision, we ask that he contact us by November 6, 2015 to elect his meter choice. Should he go with a radio-off smart meter backdated charges of $310.30 plus tax will be applied to his next invoice for the period of April 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. If he would like to go with a legacy meter then backdated charges of $652.06 plus tax will be applied to his next invoice for the period of December 2, 2013 to August 31, 2015.

In addition, the Measurement Canada seal on the BC Hydro meter at X’s premises has expired and the meter must be exchanged to ensure compliance with federal regulations. If X elects to retain a legacy meter, a BC Hydro installer or licensed contractor will visit his property to exchange the existing meter for a replacement old meter with a valid Measurement Canada seal.

Although the replacement meter is not a smart meter it may look different than the meter currently at his home. Unlike analog meters that have mechanical dials, replacement meters may be digital. While digital meters have a digital display, they do not contain any radios and they are not radio-off smart meters.

I trust that the information provided addresses the points raised by X.

Sincerely,
Michael | Smart Metering Specialist, Smart Metering Program
BC Hydro
P 1-800-409-8199
E smartmeters@bchydro.com
bchydro.com
Smart about power in all we do.

_________________________________________________________________________

From:   XX
Sent: November 25, 2017
To: OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EX <premier@gov.bc.ca>; EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca; AGWEBFEEDBACK@gov.bc.ca; peter.milobar.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Subject: Direction No. 4 of Utilities Commission Act

Dear Mr. Eby et al

    Having a universal smart meter opt-out designed by the BCUC was a promise of the NDP in its 2013 campaign. Now that the NDP forms the government, and has announced its intention to subject BC Hydro to a thorough year-long review, it is high time to honour that promise.

    When I discovered the BC Hydro stealth program of installing smart meters, I locked up my analog and put up notices voicing my dissent. As my neighbourhood of largely working people had their meters replaced, often without their knowledge, and as the wireless water meters became into effect (I was paying $25 quarterly to have a hard-wired water meter), my husband & I decided to leave our home-town of Kamloops and move to acreage in a more remote area — with no cell towers. After paying close to $2,000 in “legacy fees” (extortion payments), I lost the right to keep my analog meter, due to expiry of its seal. I offered to pay to have it tested to prove it was working fine, but BC Hydro said they don’t test individually; they test a few and then pull the whole lot.  A smart meter was imposed upon me with the threat of disconnection if I didn’t comply. Even though the smart meter must be read manually since we are (thankfully) away from cell service, I am charged a $20/month fee for “signal-off” (though my brother, who didn’t protest the smart meter and who also lives in a remote location, requiring the meter to be read manually, doesn’t pay a fee).

The comment in Direction #4 about supporting a separate “infrastructure” does not seem to apply to me, as my analog was not interfering with anyone else’s meter — “smart” or otherwise. I spent many many hours trying to oppose the smart meter imposition, writing legal documents, writing to the Governor General, sending registered letters, making weather-proof signs, etc., in the end, all to no avail.  Evidently this is not a democracy — at least not under a Liberal government.

    Mr. Milobar lost any chance of my vote when he did not support a Moratorium.  I moved to Upper Clearwater, where the mayor did support it.  I voted NDP with the hope that a new honest government would rescind some of these draconian actions of the previous government.  I have a young son living in an urban environment who has just completed 18 months of chemo therapy. I have researched smart meters and EMF daily and extensively since 2006.  The independent studies are easily available. We need a government that can stand up to the pressures and bribes of the telecom industry. The fact that BC Hydro is a monopoly means that the people of BC have only one option: to submit or be disconnected, unless they are wealthy enough to go off grid. 

     Please do the right thing: start by removing the Direction #4 and reinvesting the BCUC with their rightful mandate.

Sincerely,

XX

_________________________________________________________________________

From: Y
Sent: November 25, 2017
To: AGWEBFEEDBACK@gov.bc.ca; premier@gov.bc.ca; EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca; scott.fraser.mla@leg.bc.ca
Subject: How Directive 4 affected me

Dear Attorney General, Ministers and MLA as my Elected Decision Makers,

I have personally been affected by Direction No. 4 in a negative and punitive manner since 2013. I had to pay the so-called “Opt Out Fee” of $32.30 per month (despite the fact my meter is actually only read 3 times per year) from 2013 to 2016. My total cost has been $1,360.00. In October 2016 I was forced by BC HYDRO to take a smart meter because Hydro claimed my analog meter had expired but Hydro refused to re-certify it or replace my analog with an analog, leaving me no choice. My meter base is on the bedroom of my home and my physician recommended that I NOT have a smart meter on my bedroom wall due to my medical condition. I therefore had no choice but to pay $3,500.00 for a new power pole installed on my property and the meter base moved to the new pole. Hydro then installed a “radio-off Smart meter” and I currently pay $20.00 per month charge at $280.00. So my total out-of-pocket costs related to my choosing to attempt to keep my analog is: $5,140.00 and counting!  This is punitive and discriminatory in my opinion. I was fortunate to have the means to remove my base onto a new power pole but many more British Columbians can not afford to do so.

I am aware that under Part 1, Section 3 of the Utilities Commission Act, the BCUC is bound by any direction ordered by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Thus, even a direction as anti-democratic as Direction No. 4 to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (B.C. Reg. 203/2013, deposited September 25, 2013), which orders the BCUC to emasculate itself by refraining from exercising any regulatory oversight of the Meter Choices Program, is technically legal however unfair it is the BC people. The same goes for the previous government’s actions in exempting the entire Smart Meters and Smart Grid Regulation (B.C. Reg. 368/2010) from legitimate oversight by the BCUC. Again, that action was technically legal, but contains an agenda of bypass of the normal and necessary regulatory channels that make a democracy function. 

I have no legal background, but I do know one thing very well: in a democracy, the law applies equally to everyone. Any law that does not apply equally is not legitimate and should be rescinded. Direction No. 4 definitely does not apply equally to all the people affected by it, as can be seen in Section 4, reproduced here. (Emphasis added.)

4 (1)  The commission must not exercise a power under the Act in a way that would directly or indirectly prevent the authority from installing, operating or providing services in respect of legacy meters, smart meters and radio-off meters.

(2)  The commission must not require the authority to install a legacy meter or radio-off meter for

(a) a non-residential customer, or

(b) an applicable customer, if a smart meter is installed at the applicable premises of the applicable customer on or after the date this direction comes into force.

(3)  Without limiting subsection (1) of this section, the commission must refrain from exercising its power under section 45 (5) of the Act to the extent to which the section is applicable with respect to the installation and operation of legacy meters, smart meters and radio-off meters.  

How is this law fair? Since when is a totally arbitrary date a valid reason for a law to deny some people – in this case, the majority of British Columbians – the very benefits it establishes for other people? Whether or not a person already had a smart meter installed on September 25, 2013 is strictly a matter of chance, yet this is the basis on which a person is allowed or not allowed to keep an analog meter, or to be eligible or ineligible for a radio-off meter. Many British Columbians have tried to get help from the BCUC or the Ombudsperson for specific cases of such discrimination, all to no avail: Direction No. 4 is the law of the land and their hands are tied. 

I fully understand that your office cannot give legal advice to individuals, and I appreciate the information you provided on sources of legal help available to those of limited means. But I find it ludicrous that it is up to a private citizen to bring a costly, time-consuming suit against a government – a government whose very purpose is to ensure that all its citizens are treated fairly and equally under the law – to get rid of an unjust law that discriminates on an arbitrary basis.

Direction No. 4 was never voted on by the BC Legislature, or even debated on the floor. It was simply written by BC Hydro and decreed by the government of the day, under the fig leaf of an order by the Lieutenant Governor. All it would take from the present government is another Direction, also under the order of the Lieutenant Governor. This new Direction should rescind Direction No. 4 and subject the whole Smart Meters and Smart Grid program to review by the BCUC, including a specific direction to the BCUC to design a genuine, universal smart meter opt-out program with analog meters as the standard opt-out. This is exactly what should have been done in the first place, and would have been done by any government worthy of the power entrusted to it by its electorate. 

Having a universal smart meter opt-out designed by the BCUC was a promise of the NDP in its 2013 campaign. Now that the NDP forms the government, and has announced its intention to subject BC Hydro to a thorough year-long review, it is high time to honour that promise. 

Sincerely,
Y

 

Sharon Noble
Director, Coalition to stop Smart Meters

“Courage my friends; ’tis never too late to build a better world.”
~ Tommy Douglas