1) An update on the ongoing smeter and Hydro One problem in Ontario. Many people would be happy not to have time-of-use billing with much higher rates at peak times.
2) “$$mart” water meters coming to Saskatoon, but newer meters seem to be easily adapted. Some people have these meters inside their homes, and the microwave signals are strong and must be to radiate through concrete walls.
[- https://www.saskatoon.ca/watermeter]
“All meters older than 1994 (image 2) will be replaced to be compatible with the AMI system. If you have an older meter made of metal, you will receive a phone call to set up a time for a technician to install your new meter. A wire will run from your new meter to the outside of your home, where the new communications module will be installed.
If you have a meter newer than 1994 (image 3), a technician will replace the wire from the meter to the new communications module. You will receive a phone call to set up a time for the technician to do the wiring.”
3) The smeter program continues around the world, and groups are fighting everywhere as people learn about the many problems. This group is in New Zealand.
4) Privacy and data protection is important in the EU and “smart” devices, meters and grids are high on the list of priorities along with other wireless devices. Why isn’t this important here?
“On January 7, 2016, the European Data Protection Supervisor (“EDPS”) published its priorities for 2016[1]. The EDPS is an independent supervisory authority at EU level whose primary objective is to ensure that European institutions and bodies respect the peoples’ right to privacy. Its activities comprise the supervision of data protection compliance, the consultation on policies and legislation that affect privacy and the cooperation with similar authorities to ensure consistent data protection….
Technology: This subgroup will continue its work on: Do not Track standard, data portability, Wi-Fi location analytics and bluetooth beacons, minimum technical specifications, e-voting, electronic monitoring of employees, consent by way of smart devices, the e-Privacy Directive, DSM Strategy for Europe, smart meters and smart grids, data protection impact assessments and data breach impact assessment.”
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c5337111-82c7-4bbb-b61f-55a14f835240
Letters:
February 29, 2016
RE: BC Hydro Account: xxxxx
Dear Mr. Sanders,
I have received your letter dated February 23, 2016, stating that my analog meter needs to be removed from service because the Measurement Canada certification will soon expire. Your letter also states that by default a radio-off meter will be installed in exchange for the current analog meter.
Please be advised that I do not accept the radio-off meter or a smart meter in exchange for the analog meter. I will only accept another analog meter. Before you arrive to exchange the meter, I would like to discuss with you the following issues:
1) Before any exchange is made I want to be sure that my existing meter is due to expire. I am pursuing with Measurement Canada verification of the expiry date and will notify you when I have the verification.
2) If my meter does need to be exchanged this year, I only opt for another analog meter. According to your letter, BC Hydro no longer has a stock of legacy (or analog) meters. Apparently that does not mean you are not able to obtain analog meters because I have been informed that over the past 2 months other BC customers (including one just within the last 2 weeks) have had an exchange made with another analog meter. If no analog meters are available locally, it appears BC Hydro can secure them from some other jurisdiction.
3) I refer you to the attached letter dated October 7, 2013, to Greg Reimer of BC Hydro explaining why a smart meter is not advisable given my specific situation. I continue to take every precaution to avoid conditions that can hasten the progression of my cancer. The radio-off meter is also not acceptable because of documented problems of the lithium batteries exploding and causing fires. I cannot take a chance with either of these two types of digital meters which can cause me additional stress and expense.
4) If my meter does need to be exchanged, I require the power in my home to be turned off prior to any work being done, including the removal of the existing meter and the installation of the replacement meter. I intend to unplug all my appliances and electrical items and will plug everything back in after the circuit breaker has been turned on again. Also, it is important to me that the possible exchange be done by a qualified BC Hydro employee and not a Corix employee. I have in the past had an unpleasant encounter with a Corix employee at my home.
5) If a meter exchange is necessary, I will need to make an appointment to provide the necessary access in and out of my locked garage for the required work to be done. As per the instructions in your letter, I will phone BC Hydro because access is an issue.
If my meter does expire this year, there is ample time to exchange it with another analog meter before the end of December. This leeway provides sufficient time for me to get the verification from Measurement Canada and for BC Hydro to obtain an analog meter for the exchange.
I would appreciate being notified that you have received this letter by email. I will also be sending you a signed hard copy. If you want to contact me by phone, my day time number is on this letterhead. I look forward to working out the details with you regarding the status of my existing meter.
X
Sharon Noble
Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
