- Cisco and BCHydro are partners building on the smart meter base. Too bad they aren’t working on safety and security.
The Cisco RF mesh network has improved visibility to remote devices across the grid, enabling improved safety, reliability, power quality, and services throughout British Columbia. BC Hydro plans to enhance and expand its Cisco RF mesh network to accommodate additional distribution automation devices. Other services under consideration or being planned include automated demand response, smart street lighting, and insightful analytics. “We’re laying the foundation for a common, secure network infrastructure to enable grid automation applications that will improve the safety and reliability of the power system for our customers,” says Lancashire [Sol Lancashire, Senior Telecom Architect, BC Hydro].
“With Smart Grid, we are now starting to experience the benefits of a digital infrastructure,” says Lancashire. “Much more data is available, and with Cisco`s new network and analytics solutions, such as Cisco IOx, we are able to efficiently collect and gain insight from the data.”
http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/retail/downloads/bc-hydro-cisco.pdf
- A short radio piece on CBS Boston about cell phones. This is the sort of thing that is needed on all radio stations.
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/08/23/nightside-weekend-commentary-are-cell-phones-dangerous/
- Tomorrow on Dr. Oz – children and “smart” phones
Monday 8/31/15 – I Had A Traumatic Brain Injury And Now I Have An Amazing Talent (R) – See how a blow to the head took an ordinary person and unlocked extraordinary talents. Meet Derek, who never took a music class in his life, but after being hit, he suddenly played the piano. Plus, almost every kid has a smartphone, but could it cause cancer in their developing brains? Dr. Oz takes a closer look.
http://www.wyff4.com/health/droz/Coming-up-on-Dr-Oz/13054518
- Non-smart meter. Kids get “wired” from too much screen time, according to this article. Other reports say that too much RF exposure also can change behaviours.
- A member in Toronto has prepared a card that people who are sensitive can give when out when in public and near people using wireless devices.
A new, small, personal-use handout tool was made today, upon request. (It’s doubled-sided, 8 fit on 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper or cardstock.) Please click on the link to see all the text and get the downloads (jpgs) if you want them. If you’d rather have a pdf. A pdf is attached if you prefer to use it. (note-do not use print “fit to page”)
https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Small-handout_Please-move-10-feet-away.pdf
http://ehsconnect.blogspot.ca/2015/08/personal-devices-away-from-me-please.html
I understand that it wouldn’t be ideal for everyone. Each card or piece of paper can’t do EVERYthing.
If you’re on facebook and want to share it that way, I’ve posted at facebook.com/BarbPayne123
And in a moment, there will also be a post at twitter.com/esmogFAQ
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Letters:
The member will be sending to his MLA, since this is in provincial jurisdiction, not federal.
From: X
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 1:28 PM
Subject: BC Hydro Meter Extortion Fee.
What with various taxes, charges = rate riders and the fee for maintaining a legacy meter my $81.45 actual power usage becomes a bill for $170.09; as I have been laid off my last place of employment and my Employment Insurance is coming to an end my small pensions are going to be severely stressed to cover such bills in the future.
I have insulated my house better, added weatherstripping and bought a pellet stove, all of which have reduced my bill, but the fact that the BCUC hands are tied as to making any decision on the legacy meter extortion fee and winter approaching, I will have to decide what part of my daily necessities on which to cut back. At 68 employment opportunities are pretty thin. I am also aware I am not the only one in this situation and with a lot of people in my situation and age group this is definitely an election issue. Please explain to me how BC Hydro can justify reading approximately 45,000 smart meters for free while still charging the largest reported fee in North America to read about 18,000 legacy meters. At the very least this is a form of discrimination in a country which supposedly does not allow such practices.
There are also reports the new meters have thinner contact blades and may not properly fit the meter box, which is apparently the home owner’s responsibility as BC Hydro’s responsibility ends at the meter. Does that mean every Hydro customer in BC is going to be forced to undergo the unnecessary expense of installing a new box to fit the meter; assuming such are available? Why was the meter not designed to fit existing meter boxes originally?
X
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Newsletter prepared by Sharon Noble
Power of the People is stronger than the People in Power