Category Archives: FortisBC

Looking to sell utility billing data to lenders, Urjanet rakes in $20 million

https://urjanet.com/services/utility-bill-data/

(click on photos to enlarge)

“Urjanet’s technology is used to track cost and usage information from 4,000 utilities in 30 countries. That data collected from electric, gas, telecommunications, water, and waste providers, is used by small and medium-sized businesses, and multinational companies, to automate accounting and bill processing, manage energy costs, and comply with reporting regulations, the company said….

“Oak HC/FT’s financing will enable us to broaden our reach to the world’s largest corporations and utility providers, as well as accelerate our launch of new applications using utility data as an alternative source for credit scoring and identity verification,” said Sanjoy Malik, Urjanet’s chief executive, in a statement.”

https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/02/looking-to-sell-utility-billing-data-to-lenders-urjanet-rakes-in-20-million/

Our data is more valuable than the electricity being sold.  And, YES, BC Hydro and FortisBC are clients of Urjanet.  Search:  https://urjanet.com/utility-data/  by typing in BC Hydro and FortisBC.

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/The-Age-of-Surveillance-Capitalism-The-Fight-for-a-Human-Future-at-the-New-Frontier-of-Power-by-Shoshana-Zuboff.png

Surveillance Capitalism Includes Utility “Smart” Meters. Utility Companies Collect Customer Usage Data 24/7. Are Yours Selling It to 3rd Parties?

“Recently, Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff published a new book called The Age of Surveillance Capitalism which reveals how businesses not only offer services to customers – they collect personal data on them in order to sell it to 3rd parties.  Much of this is done without customer knowledge or consent….

Urjanet’s technology is used to track cost and usage information from 4,000 utilities in 30 countries.”

https://www.activistpost.com/2019/02/surveillance-capitalism-includes-utility-smart-meters-utility-companies-collect-customer-usage-data-24-7-are-yours-selling-it-to-3rd-parties.html

Please note: This article includes the updated version of “Take Back Your Power”, which is very good, until the last 10 min. or so in which he speaks of liability, legality, etc. I wish to warn you that Josh makes statements that do not pertain to BC where smeters are mandated by law. The law was written by the Liberals and is supported by the NDP. Until the Clean Energy Act is changed, we are stuck if we want electricity. Many of us have paid thousands in extortion fees — which have yet to be accounted for — and many of us continue to pay. Many others, the vast majority, were given no choice to even pay the extortion. Josh also promotes his unique, and “legal” approach that lawyers say will not work and which never managed to prevent the installation of or the removal of a smeter in BC — or elsewhere that I have been able to confirm. Our only way to protect our homes and our rights is to demand that these things be removed from our homes and analog meters returned by demanding that the Clean Energy Act be amended.

Also in this article is a link to an interesting article about how a company (Urjanet) is gathering and selling data obtained via smeters to various corporations, including financial institutions which are using it to determine credit scores. This is yet more evidence that smeters are gathering data not needed for billing and, without our permission or awareness, it can be sold.

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1) – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2019-04-25-hydro-and-fortis-linked-to-company-that-sells-smeter-data/

BCUC & Smart Meter Fires report (July 2017)

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/
Fire Report – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/ – for the complete report, spreadsheet, documentation, and addenda.

 

BC Hydro Answers & Sharon Noble’s Response Back:

 

BC Hydro Comments & Sharon Noble’s Response Back – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bc-hydro-response-to-bcuc-request-for-comment-on-ms-nobles-correspondence-re-smart-meter-fires-report-october-20-2017/

Press Release – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/press-release-bcuc-smart-meter-fires-september-21-2017/

Additional important information & links re smart meter fires:

Exploding Smart Meters Ignored by BC NDP Government. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – May 02, 2018

(audio 27:09) Exploding Smart Meters Ignored by BC NDP Government. Sharon NobleMay 2, 2018 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – May 02, 2018:
(Seattle Lawyer sues claiming Smart Meter Defects)

Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/

&
(podcast 26:48) May 2, 2018 | Exploding Smart Meters Ignored by BC NDP Government – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – HoweStreet.com – May 02, 2018:

 

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https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-05-01-is-radar-the-cause-of-the-cancer-cluster-ocular-melanomas/

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-30-time-for-prov-health-officer-to-recognize-the-precautionary-principle-its-her-duty/

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-28-wireless-charging-is-now-a-reality/

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-25-health-risks-associated-with-cfl-and-led-light-bulbs/

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-23-bc-hydro-applying-to-bcuc-to-reduce-net-metering-benefits/

See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:

47 Smart Meter Fires – BC Government Still Silent. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – April 17, 2018

(audio 30:10) 47 Smart Meter Fires – BC Government Still Silent. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – April 17, 2018 by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – April 17, 2018:
(Report finds 47 fires caused by Smart Meters, no government reaction)

Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/

&
(podcast 29:59) April 17, 2018 | 47 Smart Meter Fires – BC Government Still Silent – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – HoweStreet.com – April 17, 2018:

 

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BC Hydro Underground Substationhttps://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-16-5g-will-be-much-worse-stronger-than-weve-been-told/ (1)

Brain Tumour Cancer Cluster (Glioblastomas) – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-08-erin-brockovich-interested-in-multiple-glioblastomas-in-florida/ (2)

Childrenhttps://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-14-children-suffering-psychologically-due-to-wireless-gadgets/ (1 & 2)

NTP – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-04-09-inside-info-about-the-peer-review-of-the-ntp-report/ (1 & 2)

Ramazzinihttps://stopsmartmetersbc.com/z/2017-02-15-world-renowned-italian-institute-confirms-results-of-national-toxicology-program/ (4 & Letters)

See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:

 

More Links Between Brain Cancer and Cell Phones. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – April 4, 2018

(audio 29:30) More Links Between Brain Cancer and Cell Phones. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – April 04, 2018:
(Report finds 47 fires caused by Smart Meters, no government reaction)

Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/

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(podcast 29:08) April 4, 2018 | More Links Between Brain Cancer and Cell Phones – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by HoweStreet.com – April 04, 2018:

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Ramazzinihttps://stopsmartmetersbc.com/z/2017-02-15-world-renowned-italian-institute-confirms-results-of-national-toxicology-program/ (4 & Letters)

See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:

Strong Link Between Microwaves and Cancer. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – February 27, 2018

(audio 27:38) Strong Link Between Microwaves and Cancer. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – February 27, 2018:
(US Warns on China Company that Supplies Canada Telecommunications)

Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/

&
(podcast 27:17) February 27, 2018 | Strong Link Between Microwaves and Cancer – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by HoweStreet.com – February 27, 2018:

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Read – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/z/2017-02-15-world-renowned-italian-institute-confirms-results-of-national-toxicology-program/ (4 & Letters)

Read – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-01-22-please-read-5g-is-going-to-be-much-worse-than-we-have-been-told/

See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:

Are Cell Phones The “New Tobacco”? Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – February 14, 2018

(video 37:12) Are Cell Phones The “New Tobacco”? Sharon Noble – February 14, 2018 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by TalkDigitalNetwork – YouTube – February 14, 2018:
(BC Utilities Commission Refuses to Act on Damning Smart Meter Fire Report
– Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
&
(podcast 36:22) February 14, 2018 | Are Cell Phones The “New Tobacco”? – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – HoweStreet.com – February 14, 2018:

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Read – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-01-22-please-read-5g-is-going-to-be-much-worse-than-we-have-been-told/

See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:

BC Hydro Response to BCUC Questions re S. Noble’s Smart Meter Fires Report – November 24, 2017

https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/

BC Hydro’s answers to BCUC Questions on my fire report:  https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/BC-Hydro-Response-by-Fred-James-to-BCUC-Response-to-Commission-Questions-re-S.-Noble-Smart-Meter-Safety-Complaint-BCUC-and-Smart-Meter-Fires-The-Failure-to-Protect-November-24-2017.pdf

My response back:

From: Sharon Noble
Sent: December 17, 2017
To: ‘Complaints BCUC:EX’ <Complaints@bcuc.com>
Subject: S. Noble- Smart Meter safety complaint
Importance: High

 

Dear Mr. Wruck,

Re: BC Hydro’s Nov. 24, 2017 response to Commission questions pertaining to S. Noble’s Smart Meter Fire Report

For ease of responding, I have cut and pasted the Commission’s questions and Mr. James’s responses and will respond directly to his statements.

Please note that neither he nor the BCUC has yet responded to charges that I made in the Fire Report that the ITRON smart meters have design flaws which result in these devices posing fire hazards to homes, putting lives at risk. It is apparent to me that BC Hydro does not wish to address the significant issues with you. This will be my last response to BC Hydro’s comments which have not been complete, accurate or responsive. Rather I hope to receive comments from the BCUC in the near future.

“1.1 Does BC Hydro still rely on external electrical contractors to install ITRON Smart Meters?

RESPONSE:

BC Hydro uses both internal and external qualified resources to install and exchange meters. All external resources are qualified “red seal electrical workers”, who have been field tested by a qualified BC Hydro Meter Technician.”

This response is not true. BC Hydro and ITRON contracted with Corix to install the smart meters. Minimal training was given to people who had no prior experience. In fact, if you review the information on incident #65 will see that a meter caught fire during a live exchange in Port Alberni. The installer reported that he had had only 8 hours of training to do the work that should be done by qualified and tested electrical workers. Damage done during the exchange might not result in a fire for many months.

1) “Please confirm the following:

1.1.1 If so, what is BC Hydro’s QA/QC process for post installation of ITRON Smart Meters?

RESPONSE:

BC Hydro’s procedure for all meter installations or exchanges is as follows: …..”

In the list of procedure performed during the installation, a major one is missing: Turn off the power source to the meter. The meter base is CSA certified (C22.2 No. 115) CSA states clearly that the certification would be voided if the Utility disconnects and reconnects the power using the meter as the switch. CSA states that the bases and the meters that are mounted into them are not intended to be used a load-making or load-breaking devices.

Live exchanges resulted in damages to homes and, more important, put the lives of untrained, inexperienced installers at risk.

2) 1.2 Does BC Hydro Meter Shop conduct QA/QC sample testing when receiving ITRON Smart Meters?

RESPONSE:

Yes. A sampling of every shipment of meters will be put through acceptance testing to ensure the shipment meets the Revenue Metering requirements, which includes measurement validation, and physical and visual inspection.

BC Hydro does testing for billing accuracy only, “Revenue Metering requirements.” No independent testing is done to ensure that the smart meters are free of defects or flaws that could cause fires, putting lives and property at risk.

3) 1.3 Has BC Hydro reviewed ITRON’s Factory Acceptance Testing processes for smart meters?

RESPONSE:

Yes. As part of the original procurement process, BC Hydro reviewed factory acceptance procedures advanced by proponents. During the SMI project implementation, BC Hydro subject matter experts attended Itron’s manufacturing facility, and reviewed testing and acceptance processes. Now, in sustainment, BC Hydro reviews the testing certification reports and documents provided by Itron to confirm contractual compliance with the specified ANSI standards prior to installing a new meter type.

ANSI C12 standards, which are the standards specified, pertain to accuracy and compatibility and do not address fire safety or design flaws. By continuing to refer these standards, BC Hydro is attempting to obfuscate and convince BCUC and others that they have been diligent. I maintain they have not. BC Hydro has failed to obtain a certification by a professional electrical engineer licensed by British Columbia or even Canada confirming that ITRON smart meters are safe and cannot cause fires.

4) 1.4 Has BC Hydro Engineers reviewed and accepted ITRON’s testing/commissioning reports and engineering drawings of smart meters?

RESPONSE:

Yes. Prior to installing a new meter type, a BC Hydro professional engineer reviews and accepts the testing certification reports provided by Itron which includes dimension drawings and electrical schematic interfaces.

Accepting dimension drawing and schematics is not the same as certifying the meter is safe. Did a BC Hydro professional engineer inspect an actual ITRON smart meter to the level that would have been required to certify it as being safe? Professional electrical engineers who have taken an ITRON smart meter apart and studied its components as well as the design have found it to be dangerously flawed.

Mr. Wruck, BC Hydro is failing to address the major issues that I have raised and for which I have provided evidence:

1) ITRON meters have failed and have caused fires;

2) Unqualified workers installed smart meters under unsafe conditions, potentially voiding the CSA certification of the meter bases;

3) Independent electrical engineers have identified multiple design flaws which cause ITRON smart meters to be a fire hazard;

4) No independent professional electrical engineer licensed to work in British Columbia has certified these electrical devices to be safe;

5) Regulations and laws are being broken, with smart meters being removed from fire scenes, with inadequate reporting of incidents to the proper authorities.

As I stated in my report, it is BC Utilities Commission’s responsibility to ensure that BC Hydro’s equipment is safe and that the public is not put at risk. I am awaiting BCUC’s response to my charges that it is not fulfilling its role according to the BC Utilities Commission Act.

I look forward to your review and your comments.

Regards,
Sharon Noble

 

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John Horgan given 29,057 Petitions re Smart Meters to present to the Legislature on March 11, 2013

(click on photos to enlarge)

The comments from BC Hydro and Len Garis are the only ones I’ve received to date. Nothing at all from Premier Horgan, Energy Minister Mungall, Transportation Minister Trevena, or any of the MLAs to whom I sent the report. It truly seems that no one wants to acknowledge that there is a problem. I realize that everyone is busy but I don’t think that is the reason no one is responding. I think they fear they will have to do something that they do not want to do. They must be in support of this expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary program now that they have the power to do something — even if the smeters might burn a few homes down and put lives at risk.
I hope you will ask them. You might ask why the ITRON meters can’t be recalled and replaced with the wired meters like Idaho has, if they won’t support getting safe, dependable, long-lived analogs which would mean putting meter readers back to work.

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Fire Report – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/ – for the complete report, spreadsheet, documentation, and addenda.

BC Hydro Comments & Sharon Noble’s Response Back – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bc-hydro-response-to-bcuc-request-for-comment-on-ms-nobles-correspondence-re-smart-meter-fires-report-october-20-2017/

Press Release – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/press-release-bcuc-smart-meter-fires-september-21-2017/

Additional important information & links re smart meter fires:

 

Why Don’t Trudeau and Horgan Care About Smart Meter Fires? Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – January 11, 2018

(audio 24:43) Why Don’t Trudeau and Horgan Care About Smart Meter Fires? Sharon NobleJanuary 11, 2018 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – January 11, 2018:
(What BC Hydro didn’t want you to know about Smart Meters
– Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
&
(podcast 24:30) January 11, 2018 | Why Don’t Trudeau and Horgan Care About Smart Meter Fires? – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – HoweStreet.com – January 11, 2018:

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See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)

The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies: