Without debate, consultation, health studies or permission from the public, B.C. Hydro is installing costly wireless devices in all B.C. homes by the end of 2012, under the guise of combating hydro theft and over consumption. While the old meters are working just fine, the B.C. government has committed to spending over $1billion for these WiFi digital meters, with an expected life span of 20 years only.

The World Health Organization found that not only cell phones, but radio frequency radiation and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are to be classed as Class 2B "possible carcinogens" — the same classification as lead paint and DDT, both of which are banned in Canada.

A July 6 Globe and Mail article states that B.C. Hydro will not allow anyone to opt out of the program. Customers concerned about health issues can relocate the meters on their properties at their own cost. In California, anti-smart meter protestors were arrested for stopping meters from being installed, and Santa Cruz, CA approved a moratorium on PG&E smart meter installations in 2010.

Our politicians keep approving failed experiments, wasting our money and endangering our health. Why not fund retrofits, invest in solar panels or transmit data over telephone lines or fiber optic cables, where no radiation is emitted?

We predict the $1 billion smart meter boondoggle will join the failed ranks of the HST, CFL light bulbs and Whistler's hydrogen buses.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Inform yourself on the health effects and failed smart installations elsewhere in the world (start with California, Texas and Australia)
• Phone BC Hydro and express your concerns. Ask for a wired option instead of the wireless option AND send a ceritified letter (as per below):

WARNING:
BC Hydro has a “List to Delay” smart meters. If you want to get on this list: DON'T DO IT.  Why?  because by doing so you are giving Hydro your permission to eventually install one on your home.  Is that what you really want?

Concerned BC residents can opt out of the smart meter program by sending a certified letter to BC Hydro and the BC Privacy Commissioner. Click here for the sample letter to send.

LEARN MORE:

Letters to the Editor Re: Smart Meter Concerns

Smart Meter Articles & Videos