1) Please circulate to your contacts and then vote at the end of the article re. $meters (if you vote first, often the person receiving it will not be able to).
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskpower-identifies-2-more-smart-meter-failures-1.2720359
2) As we’ve seen in other exchanges, BCUC believes that it cannot get involved in any aspect of the $$meter program because of the instructions in the Clean Energy Act or the Order in Council re. Legacy fees. This includes discrimination or safety/security (in violation of the Utilities Commission Act and the Tariff). One more exchange is below.
3) The Insurance Brokers of Alberta warn that Medicine Hat could be liable if installations continue and more “failures” occur.
http://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2014/07/29/city-could-be-liable-for-smart-meter-fires/
4) More on the fires and the responses of Sask Power in Saskatchewan. Note the utility speaks of “failures”, not fires. Who knows how many “failures” there have been because not all were reported, just as not all fires are reported in BC.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Saskatchewan/ID/2478897954/
http://globalnews.ca/video/1479058/ndp-raises-questions-as-8th-saskpower-smart-meter-fails
5) In the UK, a woman was struck by lightning while inside her home. “It is thought sparks of electricity in the air were attracted to microwaves emitted from the phone.” Could a $$meter attract lightning?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/nurse-struck-lightning-inside-house-3910245#ixzz38uMK2iTk
6) Part of the story re. $$meters from New Zealand.
http://www.investigatemagazine.co.nz/Investigate/12871/lies-damned-lies-smart-meters/
7) And a petition from New Jersey. These things are being fought all over the world.
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/say-no-to-smart-meters?source=c.em.mt&r_by=5302014
Letters:
From: Complaints BCUC:EX
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Subject: RE: Why Does Mr. Wruck Ignore Legitimate Hydro Customer Concerns?
Dear Mr. Waterhouse,
Thank you for your email to the BC Utilities Commission regarding your concerns about the “safety, security and accuracy” of BC Hydro’s Smart Meters.
As you may know, section 7 of the Clean Energy Act exempts BC Hydro’s Smart Metering Program from Commission regulation under certain sections of the Utilities Commission Act – the Act that establishes the Commission’s authority.
For more information, the Clean Energy Act is available online at
http://www.leg.bc.ca/39th2nd/1st_read/gov17-1.htm
I understand you have concerns about this program and its impact on BC Hydro customers. However, in accordance with the Clean Energy Act, the Commission does not have the authority to take any action to intervene in BC Hydro’s smart meter program. As such, you may wish to discuss your concerns with your local MLA or the Minister of Energy and Mines.
I trust this information is helpful. Thank you for contacting the Commission.
Sincerely,
Patrick Wruck
Customer Service Specialist
British Columbia Utilities Commission
6th Floor, 900 Howe Street, Box 250
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N3
Website: www.bcuc.com
Phone: 604.660.4700 | Fax: 604.660.1102 | Toll Free: 1.800.663.1385
From:
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2014
To: Complaints BCUC:EX <Complaints@bcuc.com>
Subject: Why Does Mr. Wruck Ignore Legitimate Hydro Customer Concerns?
Good day,
I’m writing this letter out of a fear for democracy, rather its apparent decline. Mr. Wruck has been sent a number of sincere letters from concerned hydro customers re the “smart meter.” Its safety, security and accuracy have been legitimately called into question. Without exception Mr. Wruck has brushed them off and told them no further investigation will take place. Could this lack of concern for our democratic rights stem from Energy Minister Bill Bennett’s demand that BCUC was not to get involved? There are many honourable BC Hydro customers that would really like to know what is going on. Why is our relationship with BC Hydro and indeed, Mr. Wruck, an adversarial one? Why are our concerns not respected? BCUC used to have a consumer friendly mandate. Where did that mandate go?
Sharon Noble
Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters