- Security is a major concern, but utility and smart meter companies downplay the risks and our concerns. Hacking is just one concern.
In some places the utility companies have offered a small gift or a slight reduction in rates in exchange for access to data – permission given to sell data to third parties, which is highly lucrative. Beware if Hydro or Fortis offers a “deal”.
“But that points to the other loophole contained in the code of conduct — the power of voluntary consent. Not even the most heavy-handed utility regulator can do much if consumers decide to permit access to their consumption data — perhaps in exchange for a price break.
“If the customer wants to share that kind of information with a third party, then that’s a different story. They’ve allowed it to happen. It’s their usage data,” said the executive. DOE’s Lightner agreed.
Consumers have a history of trading privacy for “very little monetary reward,” noted King. “It would be fair to probably assume that many, many consumers would give unfettered access to their data through a smart meter to providers who would give them free energy.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/energy-electricity-data-use-113901#ixzz3lXvTVRNC
- As a follow up to the article in last night’s update re FCC (and Ind. Canada) not monitoring exposure levels: In the US the FCC, which is headed by Tom Wheeler, former venture capitalist who was a lobbyist at the top of the cable and wireless industries, leading the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), is shutting most of its offices across the country. 1 in 10 cell towers tested exceeded limits, and probably more do since they are on buildings, near schools and homes. It is becoming impossible to maintain a distance considered safe by independent scientists.
- A recent study showed that the promise that smart meters and time-of-use (TOU) billing will reduce consumption, saving energy is not proving to be the case. People use the same amount of energy, even more in some cases, in many places increasing greenhouse gases. This is the reason why some politicians support this program but it seems none of the promised benefits of this expensive, intrusive and dangerous technology exist.
“Utilities promote these strategies by saying they’re environmentally friendly, but we find that’s not necessarily the case,” Islegen points out. “There is a possibility that, depending on the energy mix in the region, these pricing schemes can have a negative environmental impact.”
http://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/why-power-companies-love-smart-meters
- As the election campaign ramps up there will be more opportunities to question candidates about their stance regarding Health Canada, Safety Code 6, proliferation of wireless devices that many scientists have shown to be harmful especially to children. C4ST is asking that all of us ask those running if they will support the recommendations supported by representatives of all 3 parties on the HESA committee. Please see Frank Clegg’s letter below, and write to your candidates. There are only 2 in BC so far who have pledged to support efforts to promote efforts. Let’s see if we can get more added.
- Many countries have had serious discussion at the federal level about limiting exposure of children to RF. In Cyprus elected officials are being asked to follow the lead of many other European countries. We need to have this discussion in Parliament and Legislatures in Canada.
http://cyprus-mail.com/2015/09/10/technology-harming-our-children-mps-say/
- Tech companies are looking to boost wifi signals (including those from smart meters) because things like walls with insulation reduce ability of devices to connect well. Boost the signals strength to reach into the homes “more efficiently” would mean higher exposure levels. Once this technology becomes available, devices like smart meters could be ‘upgraded’ without our even knowing. No doubt this would apply to “smart” appliances, like fridges and TVs as well.
http://www.greenbiz.com/article/ericsson-aims-boost-wifi-signals-muffled-insulation
- More Collectors in BC:
Victoria 4169 Quadra St. http://emrabc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/quadra_victoria.png
Victoria, Cook St. at corner of Yates St. (east side, non residential) no photo and nothing on google earth. If anyone is driving by, please take a photo and send in.
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Letters:
Good morning,
In June 2015 the Conservatives, Liberals, and NDP members on the Parliamentary Health Committee (HESA) unanimously voted to educate and protect Canadians from the growing concern around wireless radiation.
We are asking all candidates running in the Federal election (designated as Electoral Candidates), if elected, to agree to support efforts to work with Health Canada and other appropriate agencies and organizations to;
- Develop an awareness campaign relating to the safe use of wireless technologies, such as cell phones and Wi-Fi, in key environments such as the school and home.
- Investigate, and potentially adopt, measures taken in other countries to limit the exposure of vulnerable populations, including infants, and young children in the school environment to radio frequencies.
- Improve the testing, diagnosis, treatment and data collection regarding electromagnetic hypersensitivity and its possible impact on health in the workplace.
- Establish a system to report potential adverse reactions to radio frequency fields.
Visit the campaign page at www.c4st.org/CandidatesWhoCare to see if your riding’s candidates are supportive of Canadian’s health. If they are not listed yet, please send them a request using our email tool found in the middle of the campaign page or directly at www.c4st.org/DoesYourCandidateCare
If you receive confirmation back from the candidate please forward their email to us at CandidatesWhocare@c4st.org
When you do see your candidates listed as supportive, please send them an email thanking them for their support and commitment to Canadians health. Their email and twitter address will be listed beside their name and riding in the supportive candidates section of the campaign page.
This is the time to educate and request support from all future elected MP’s in order to get the HESA recommendations adopted by the new government formed in October.
Thank you as always for your actions and commitment,
Sincerely,
Frank Clegg
CEO – C4ST
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Newsletter prepared by Sharon Noble