Wise up to 'smart' meters
by Joshua Hart
Jun 24, 2010 | 1763 views | 8 8 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
EDITOR,

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. claims the “smart” meters that they plan to install in Scotts Valley in July are safe and accurate. However, reports of faulty meters and questions about health impacts continue to surface.

The World Health Organization says that electromagnetic radiation is a “possible carcinogen.” It’s one thing to be able to choose whether to take a risk by installing Wi-Fi or using cell phones voluntarily. It is quite another to force anyone who uses gas and electricity to endure this radiation with no right to opt out.

These meters will save the company millions by allowing it to lay off meter readers, most of whom will join the unemployment rolls even as PG&E’s profits soar. It’s no surprise that they would roll out these meters without thorough public outreach and adequate investigation into their safety. 

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors just voted to implement a moratorium on the installation of smart meters in the city. It’s time Scotts Valley, and other cities that are at risk of becoming PG&E’s guinea pigs, do the same.

Joshua Hart, Scotts Valley

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Comments
(8)
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hummm...
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August 04, 2010
has anyoen actually compared the year to year PG&E bills before the smart meter change? this year our summer consumption was down by 10% for the month of July and yet our bill was up $35, we don't have AC and we have CFL's everywhere. so I expect the "sticker shock" that these folks complaining about the accuracy of the new meter is due to rates rising, not the meters themselves. not saying that we ignore it, people need to watchdog these things, but that issue should be taken into account
Reply
nonsensical
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August 03, 2010
balderdash. this paraniod Mr. Hart needs to move out of his house because he's surrounded by "EMF" in all the wires of the house supplying electricity to the lights and outlets.... he better not drive his car as it emits radiation and oh by the way look out for that cop, fire truck, semi with GPS tracking.... Hart, you should move to a third world country where they don't have electricity to be safe....
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Sue22
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July 08, 2010
BanalIntercourse, Most with Electrical Hypersensitivity find that wearing the shielding clothing/hats that you mention INCREASES the effects of the radiation. Such material reflects radiation, so you have the radiation bouncing around inside your skull. This is what experienced people have reported.
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Sue22
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July 08, 2010
Interesting ailment, I'm glad you're not part of the 3-8% of the population who are being decimated by electrosmog. I would not wish this hell on anyone. But the health dangers extend to everyone, and to wildlife and plant life, as well. Try to read the overwhelming research studies being done now, on the cellular effects of irradiation, on humans, wildlife, and plant life. It's alarming. Thank goodness for all the people who are taking on this issue, and protecting the delicate and fragile web of life on the planet. Thank goodness they are valuing the protection of life over corporate greed and technological innovations. Your response to my suffering, and my years of learning about my suffering, is abominable.
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BanalIntercourse
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July 02, 2010
The dangers of smart meters and their evil radiation can be counteracted with easily constructed flexible metal headwear.

Remember, this only works with the shiny side facing out.
Reply
Interesting ailment
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June 29, 2010
According to this article, some people claim to have "electrical sensitivity", whose symptoms are

(per the author) acute agitation, acute over-stimulation, inability to concentrate, inability to remember, inability to connect with people very well, inability to connect with myself very well, inability to read/learn very well, sleep disruption, and sensations coursing through my body. I can’t relax, be calm, or be present inside myself very well.

I'm sorry for your troubles. Have you tried cutting back on the caffeine?
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Sue22
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June 28, 2010
If you are doubtful about the dangers of electromagnetic radiation, please read my article at:

http://planetthrive.com/2010/06/smart-meters/

The Smart Meters have made my life a living hell.
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Wrong concern
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June 28, 2010
The accuracy of these meters that has come under question. And some are expressing concern about invasion of "privacy", on the premise that allowing the utility to access on a real-time basis your electricity use somehow puts you at risk for, I don't know what.

But safety concerns over EM transmissions? That's quite a stretch. Gotta wonder if Mr. Hart has a wireless network in his house (like most every one of my neighbors does). And if the WHO has declared electromagnetic radiation as a carcinogen, I'd like to ask them what they know about that big yellow ball in the sky.
Reply


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