Smart Meter Dangers–Are They Safe or Not?
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Are you wondering if smart meters are safe? Trying to sort through the claims about smart meter dangers? Here is information you should know about the potential risks involved with these meters and how they might affect your health and privacy.
We've had to go against the norm many times in our quest for better health. I've gone sugar free, gluten free, stopped eating foods my breastfeeding son was allergic to, and have tried all kinds of natural treatments in order to avoid antibiotics and other meds when dealing with conditions such as sinus issues and earaches.
Now I'm not getting a smart meter.
Why not?
If it's “smart”, it must be a good thing, right?
Well, when I was younger, I was called smart in school. Most of the time it was a compliment. Well, sometimes it wasn't but my mom told me those kids were jealous. It didn't feel like it but in hindsight I think she was right.
Anyways, in most cases you'd like to be the smart kid in class.
And when people say “you look smart” they mean you look nice.
(I guess folks say “sweet” and such these days…..but that's beside the point.)
So how about a Smart Meter? Are smart meters safe?
Must be a good thing.
Think again.
There are a lot of smart meter dangers that you need to know about.
I got a notice in my mailbox about 3 weeks ago stating:
YOUR UPGRADED METER IS COMING.
ENERGY THAT WORKS SMARTER FOR YOU.
THAT'S OUR PROMISE TO MICHIGAN.
and another letter than said something like (this one I must have thrown out):
Congratulations! Smart Meters will be coming to your neighborhood in the near future.
I guess that's supposed to make me feel good about this Smart Meter coming to my house.
But I am not.
I'd heard about smart meters, but I didn't know much about them so I started to poke around.
It's not typical for me to be excited about some technology thingamabob being added to my home without my knowing anything about it.
I didn't like what I found.
Now let me tell you the truth. (Not that I typically–or ever–lie to you all or anything.)
I read A LOT. And I talked to a bunch of folks on the phone.
And I spent a lot of time emailing experts about smart meter dangers and EMFs (one who wrote a post that I will share here soon).
I read articles on both sides of the topic and I even called my electric company several times.
Today's post is the result of my having digested all of these conversations and emails.
And I've come to the conclusion that–
I DON'T WANT A SMART METER ON MY HOME.
And neither should you.
First of all, let's talk about what a Smart Meter (NOT a good name for this thing, by the way) is:
What is a Smart Meter?
A Smart Meter (also called AMI or AMR) is a type of meter designed to eliminate meter readers (can you say “more unemployment”?). It's a fairly expensive piece of wireless machinery that send information about your energy use (how much you are using at different times of the day) to your utility company.
They relay data about your energy.
Proponents of these meters say that they will be used to show consumers how much energy they use at certain times of day and that they will help them budget their energy use (and therefore money) better.
Opponents say there are many risks involved.
After doing literally tens of hours of research, I've come to the conclusion that:
I DO NOT WANT A SMART METER ON MY HOME!!
Here's why.
7 Smart Meter Dangers
1. Health
There are sooo many health problems with these smart meters.
Basically we're talking about the same effects of EMFs (electromagnetic fields).
Now we all know that EMFs have been in the news a lot and that there is a lot of evidence mounting about the health risks of such radiation from microwaves, cell phones, WIFI, and the like.
In case you haven't seen some of this, or aren't convinced of it, following are some health conditions that are reported to be as a result of EMF exposure (Source)
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations and blood pressure increases
- Ringing in the ears
- Concentration, memory or learning problems
- Dangerous increases in blood-sugar levels
- Strange sensations in the body—including buzzing, shooting pains
- Anxiety and/or an anxious feeling in the body that is inexplicable
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Scientists have shown that the electromagnetic frequencies emitted by smart meters and digital meters:
- disrupt the blood-brain barrier, contributing to diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s
- disrupt nerve transmission, causing attention-related problems, insomnia, heart palpitations, and muscle pain
- disrupt cell reproduction and damage DNA, causing cancer and rapid aging
- disrupt the redox balance through oxidant/nitrosative stress
And here's a biggie.
CANCER.
The World Health Organization (WHO) as classified the radiation that comes from Smart Meters as a potential carcinogen, in the same class as DDT and lead. (Source) Now, I am not always in agreement with the WHO, but in this case I am listening.
And besides, even if you think that the FCC has protected you enough with their limits on human exposure to microwave radiation, Smart Meters have been known to exceed the FCC limits.
There's been a lot of debate out there about whether or not this type of radiation (RF, or radio frequency waves) causes cancer or not, but some of the studies coming out are quite compelling. This recent one from Sweden being one of them.
I think of it like this. Years ago:
– we were told that cigarettes were healthy (they were even promoted as a way to have a lower weight baby). We know better now.
– we were told that fluoride should be in our drinking water. That is being called into question.
– we were told that RoundUp would evaporate and not cause harm. We know better now.
It seems that these EMFs are a big deal and we are just starting to see the damage.
If you REALLY want to read some downright frightening and well-done research about EMF radiation and health problems, the BioInitiative Report will keep you busy for awhile.
For me, this is all a HUGE deal, considering that the Smart Meter would be right by my sons' bedroom.
Nice, huh?
2. Privacy
The data collected from Smart Meters is detailed.
And it's worth money.
Think about it.
Data is ALWAYS worth money. Companies pay BIG money for information on your buying habits, for your email address, and more.
Technically, according to one of the Smart Meter experts I talked with, Smart Meters could track what TV shows you watch, and potentially what food you eat, if your refrigerator is equipped with “Smart” technology. The fridge could scan your Ben and Jerry's and potentially report this to healthcare corporations. Perhaps it's a good idea to start making your own Homemade Ice Cream!
YIKES!
These are the potential privacy concerns regarding Smart Meters (Source):
Identity Theft
Determine Personal Behavior Patterns
Determine Specific Appliances Used
Perform Real-Time Surveillance
Reveal Activities Through Residual Data
Targeted Home Invasions (latch key children, elderly, etc.)
Provide Accidental Invasions
Activity Censorship
Decisions and Actions Based Upon Inaccurate Data
Profiling
Unwanted Publicity and Embarrassment
Tracking Behavior Of Renters/Leasers
Behavior Tracking (possible combination with Personal Behavior Patterns)
Public Aggregated Searches Revealing Individual Behavior
In California, the sharing of this type of data is already going on.
transparency reports filed by the California utilities companies and obtained by the ACLU of California show that a significant amount of data about the energy use of Californians is also ending up in the hands of third parties. In 2012, a single California utility company, San Diego Gas & Electric, disclosed the smart meter energy records of over 4,000 of its customers.
Interestingly enough, there is a BIG movement in California against Smart Meters, while Marin County has criminalized the installation of Smart Meters.
Perhaps this is a smart response?
Yes, modern conveniences can help with some things, but are we trading our freedom for convenience?
We really need to count the cost.
3. Fire Risk
There have been hundreds of fires caused by Smart Meters.
You can see some of the horrible photos and information about smart meter fires here, here, and here.
I have not been able to find a source of analog meters causing fires. Additionally, here is a quote from Mindy Spatt of TURN (The Utility Reform Network) regarding analog fires:
Comparing analog to the new meters, she added, “In the collective memory of TURN, we have not seen similar incidents with analog meters.”
In fact, if you do an internet search of “fires caused by analog meters,” all that shows up is report after report of Smart Meter fires.
Moreover, here's something you might be surprised to hear: Most (if not all) Smart Meters are NOT UL Certified.
Now, how smart is that?
Which begs the question – if your house causes fire due to one of these meters, will your homeowners insurance pay for it since the device is not UL certified? I called my homeowners' insurance company to find out.
They told me that in my case, my insurance would NOT be cancelled, but that if a fire were to be caused by the meter, they would go after the utility company for reimbursement.
They did advise, however, that every insurance company is different, so you should check with your homeowners' carrier to find out their stance on this issue.
4. Lack of Energy Savings
These Smart Meters are supposed to save us money.
Well, none of this savings has been proven, and in fact, there are some pretty important people saying that they think the savings simply aren't going to happen. (Source)
– “It costs too much, and we're not sure what good it will do.” – John Rowe, CEO of Illinois utility ComEd.
– “[Smart meter] deployment . . . allows utilities to lower operating costs while increasing revenues.” – Frost & Sullivan
– “No net economic benefit to ratepayers.” Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette (yea for my home state!)
– “Smart-meter conversion represents little more than a boondoggle that is being foisted on consumers by the politically influential companies that make the hardware and software that are required for the smart-meter conversion.” – Consumers Digest
In one poll I read, (site seems to be having trouble so link was removed) about 1/3 of the people who had Smart Meters installed had an increase in energy costs, and one quarter saw their costs double, triple, or more.
This article talks about one citizen who found much higher bills as well.
Hmmm…doesn't sound so good now, does it?
5. Personal Safety
Something to consider–if this data tells what electricity you are or aren't using, couldn't hackers get this information and know whether or not you are home or whether your kids are home alone?
Seems like a valid concern.
6. Legal, Constitutional and Human Rights Violations
Our Constitution has been shredded recently by many government officials and courts.
Should we let it go even further?
So now we have utility companies forcing this technology on us that:
1. Is a health risk
2. Is a violation of privacy
3. Is a fire hazard
4. Costs too much
5. Has no real benefit
6. Potentially puts our personal safety at risk
Can you think of anything else that a corporation or government entity forces you to put on your house?
And you need to pay money if you don't want it?
This huge list of violations will really get you thinking.
7. Exorbitant Cost
Check in your area how much money your utility want to charge you for not getting a Smart Meter.
Our charges in Michigan were really high and our Attorney General pressured the utilities to reduce their fees, which they did.
Now, our utility wants about $69 to opt out of the Smart Meter program, plus $9.72 a month.
Forever.
That amounts to about $120 a year for something I don't want, that:
– puts my family at risk for health issues
– seems to be a fire hazard
– violates my privacy
– quite possibly doesn't save any money (in other words, it doesn't do what it's supposed to do)
– puts our personal safety at risk
– violates the Constitution, plus comes with legal and human rights concerns
– has overpriced fees associated with not taking it
Conclusion
Whatever a smart meter is, I don't want it.
I hope to share with you what happened when I called our local electric company and told them that I didn't want their “Smart Meter.”
Seriously, instead of calling it a Smart Meter, I think I'll call it a “Dumb Meter” or “Invasive Meter” or “Cancer Causing Big Brother Technology Doohickey.”
So now the questions are:
1. I don't want a Smart Meter. What should I do next?
2. I have a Smart Meter already. What can/should I do?
I hope to tackle all of these questions, including:
– sharing with you what happened to me when I contacted my local electric utility and told them I didn't want a Smart Meter
– what I have done about Smart Meters coming to my neighborhood
– what I am planning to do
I hope you all will help get the word out. Even if you have a Smart Meter installed, it's not too late.
Protect Yourself from EMFs
I will be adding some different options for protecting yourself from the damaging effects of EMFs.
1. Limit EMF Exposure
One thing that our family does is limit EMF exposure as much as possible. We still have some work to do but we love the protective devices from DefenderShield.
We use their Cell Phone Cases & Laptop Shields and I feel so much better knowing that we are protecting ourselves this way.
2. Know Your Risks
It's a great idea to have an EMF Meter to measure different devices and areas of your home.
Here are two options:
This EMF meter was recommended to me by a blogger friend who is very concerned about such things and seems like a great option. It's mentioned by a lot of people as being a solid model.
TriField EMF Meter Model TF2
This EMF meter is the one we have in our home. It's a bit more expensive than some, but it's the one most often recommended by EMF specialists.
It measures not only radiation from 4G and 5G, but also from Cell Towers, WiFi routers, Bluetooth, AC Powerlines, and Smart Meters.
Here's a more affordable option that has great reviews as well. One of my friends has it and really likes it.
Hopefully you don't have a smart meter, or if you do, you can get it removed from your house. If you can't, here's a Smart Meter Shield to help protect you from the EMFs it's emitting.
4. Get a Router Shield
Your WiFi router is one of the strongest sources of WiFi in your home. A router shield like this one can help shield you from EMFs while allowing your router to work.
5. Consider Eco-friendly Routers and More
This company has some highly regarded more eco-friendly routers, baby monitors, and more. A great option for reducing exposure in your home.
6. Reduce the Effects of EMFs
What if your jewelry could counteract the effects of EMFs?
This LOVELY interchangeable jewelry addresses the energy depletion of cells that comes from EMFs and even possibly repels mosquitos to boot! The pieces look amazing (the online photos of the individual products don't do them justice.
I love the Zen base, this base, and this bracelet. They have women, men, children, and pet pieces too.
The Boxed Sets are a great way to get started and save.
My oldest notices he's sleeping better with them, my youngest has noticed that his hands don't bother him anymore when he's on a device, and I have a lot more energy.
Comment or reach out at adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com if you need any help picking things out. Also if you order on Party 550, I will be doing a drawing for a free piece.
I'll have more ways you can get involved in future posts so make sure to sign up for blog post updates so you don't miss anything.
More on Smart Meters:
For Part Two Read here: Smart Meters Are Coming to YOUR Neighborhood. What Should You Do?
What do you think?
Do you think Smart Meters Are Safe?
I saw this article looking for a good laugh. Thanks for delivering.
You know, that’s what I used to think about autism and food allergies. That they were all in people’s heads. But when they hit you or your family, you think differently.
I would hope that you would realize that you are laughing at others’ pain. Different people are sensitive to different things and it’s to a society’s benefit to watch those who are suffering before it becomes to late for everyone.
I thought your article was an excellent summary!
Thank you!!
One of the most worthless hyperbole articles I’ve read. Shameless use of scare tactics to get followers and their information.
Thanks for nothing.
Can I ask how you think I am getting people’s information from writing this post? And if you think it’s hyperbolic, please do tell what part of the article you disagree with. Making an overarching accusation like this is meaningless if you aren’t going to address details.
go to your local ghetto and pull a meter off another house that is abandoned it is actually legal because no one owns it lol
Ok so why dont you and I file a class action lawsuit of such magnitude that they knock there B.S. off ???
There are a lot of movements challenging these things around the country. I’m not sure of the success or failure.
*autistic screeching*
?? Can you tell me what you mean by this?
I think I have a smart meter as it doesn’t have the dials the old ones had. The electric company still comes every 3 months for a reading. For the past 10 years I paid between $90-$110 per month. I have had the current meter for three years and 6 months ago I started getting electric bills for $23/month with no change in usage. Could the meter be damaged and isn’t properly recording usage.
So you are saying your smart meter is resulting in reduced charges?
im sorry did you actually read anything the man wrote , Right now dte wants to charge me 4500 dollars for 2 months that i did not live in the home and 2 months that i did , what he says makes perfect sense and as a Network Administrator I can back him up with Knowledge of the Violations he talks about, and I dont need a web page to do it, funny how they did not charge you to put that new meter on isn’t it??? ??? think before you speak or at-least do research from a reliable source, DTE claims there meters are never faulty I recorded them saying this lol it is made by a human hence it is faulty., if you call your state about a high bill they have 3 days to respond and try and reach a resolution (resolution) all they did was try and justafi there claim to the owed money I recorded this as well, see here is the problem folks instead of crying shut off all your stuff and close down all your breakers aka turn them OFF and then pull your main breaker if the meter is still running your getting screwed , it is kinda like consumer energy’s polar vortex claim on the gas you dont use that they claim they have to take back lol yea ok ill buy that for about 4 months so what about the other 8 😉
Without our knowledge (we weren’t home), our electric company replaced our analog meter with a smart meter two years ago. Several months later as I was leaving our house and closed our garage door with a remote controller, the electric meter exploded and caught the side of our house on fire. All I could do was stand there and watch it burn. Our next door neighbor came running out with an ABC fire extinguisher and was able to extinguish the fire before the fire department arrived. Bottom line – the electric company determined that it was a faulty smart meter and paid for all the fire repairs. Because I was concerned about another fire if they installed another smart meter, the electric company agreed to install an analog meter. Well, this morning an electrician from the electric company stopped by to advise that we now HAVE to replace our analog meter with a smart meter or go without power. Does anyone know if there is a way to stop this? I am so worried about another fire, because it’s a fact that smart meters have defects and are fire hazards. (Google this subject and you will find there have been quite a few fires, nationwide, from these defective meters!)
What? That doesn’t make sense. Try looking on this site? https://stopsmartmeters.org/frequently-asked-questions/changing-a-meter/
Mine has blown out 5!!!! Times and replaced. And we constant have power surges in the house since. I’ve called to complain many times and they always say they don’t see a problem. Even after I remind them they have replaced the meter 5 times because it blows out.
No they cannot make you give up your old meter you just have to stand up for your rights send a letter to the CEO of electric company telling them if they switch it out you will hold them responsible for any health changes. Make sure the letter is Notarized and send it certified
EVERYTHING on earth, natural or man made poses some unhealthy risk to some segment of the populace.. insects, nuts, seeds, grains, plants etc etc… the “radiation” associated with smart meters is far less than the exposure involved in responding to one of these posts! What is the fsb frequency of your computer? Do you know? 2.8 GHz or more probably… connected via wifi? 2.4GHz probably… all those nasty microwaves… is your computer several feet away from you on your outside wall? Or inches from your face? Do you sit and watch your food cook in your microwave? Or do you leave the room? Did you compose your answers by candlelight or under fluorescent lamp? Is your computer display cold cathode illuminated or ,heaven forbid, a crt? Many more important issues before us than smart meters…
Hello there. Yes, of course it does. But the point of this and of my whole blog, basically, is to make people aware of all of the risks so that they can minimize them when possible.
I basically never use my microwave. In fact I haven’t done it for months except to heat up a heating pad. I don’t use fluorescent lights except for one room in our basement and I might change that out. In fact that is one reason why I was glad when we moved as we had them in our kitchen at the other house.
As for the computer, I have ethernet in my home, however it hasn’t been working as well as it should so I am going to be likely changing providers.
I have been reading about cutting down on exposure from computers and am looking into that.
So you can see that I am not just “freaking out” about smart meters while not being aware of other issues.
Additionally, can you explain why you think that smart meter issues are less than that of the other exposures that you mentioned? Thank you.
I appreciate your goal, my point was only that the smart meter poses nearly no threat to anyone’s health in that it doesn’t send a live stream of data, it just pushes little data packets periodically… they are short in duration and spaced… regarding fire risk, the meters being replaced have often been in situ for decades and it is the meter base that is faulty and as the meter base is your property, the utility has no liability. If they ever help anyone, it is merely goodwill, as they have an extremely strong legal position. I have witnessed meter fires and they usually follow a meter pull for non payment, the bases are not rated for a number of loaded disconnects. If an electrician was doing service on your home to work on the service side of your panel to say, replace/expand panel or renovate utility room, they would ask for a truck roll to pull your meter, and your electrician will inspect the meter base and contacts for serviceability. The point that bothers me is that the utility companies can incorporate contractors (switch) into the meter head and remotely disconnect your power for non payment! And I guarantee they will still charge for a truck roll!
SMART meters are deadly there are many cases where people have been ill and so desperate took them out themselves and risked prosecution, in one case they had there power cut off permanently they installed there own generator there health returned best move I ever done even thought its costs me more I’ll fight to the death never have one
Wow – unbelievable. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. “Wow – unbelievable” is right.
It’s amazing how much ignorance induced fear and paranoia is manifested on the internet. Among other things, the internet is an amplifier of societal problems, often helping to cause them to spiral out of control by feeding fear frenzies.
You should not only read, but read objectively and critically, understand, and make *educated* conclusions after evaluating information. Meaning, if you’re not educated about a subject, don’t express a strong opinion about it. And “educated” does not mean you’ve scoured the internet. It means you’ve learned how things work. In other words, you understand electrical engineering, physics, and medicine.
Electromagnetism has never been shown to be harmful except in large doses (like sticking your head in your microwave).
Hypochondria is a well-known and common psychological problem.
Adrienne, it’s clear that you have preconceived prejudices. You are doing far more harm to others by feeding their fear and ignorance than any harm electromagnetic signals can do. Please consider removing this destructive propaganda.
Hi Sigmund. I doubt that my response will get to you b/c it looks as it you left an inaccurate email, but I will respond, however.
There is evidence everywhere about cell phone dangers so why would there not be about smart meters? There are warnings from governmental agencies about this.
Yes, we all have preconceived prejudices but mine have actually changed over the years. If you can show me how I am wrong I will listen. Thanks. Not removing anything at this point :).
Chris,
Have you ever seen one of these meters taken apart? I have seen two from different Mfgs. ITRON and Landis +Gyr. It seems the Landis+Gyr is a little better design, although not perfect. Each of these AMI meters have some serious flaws and the AMI industry just published a report on the problems. Specifically explosions and fires. See the Enernex Modern Electricity Meter Safety, Accuracy and Performance Testing report.
The most serious problems these meters have is outrageous EMI/RFI, it does not meet FCC requirements for “Conducted Emissions” (not the RF emissions) see this video and see for yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NTSejgsjTc&t=5s
These new AMI meters were installed with no one at home typically, and they just slap them without regard to safe electrical practices such as have you home to turn off your service panel breakers and permit you to not have a “Hot” socket meter swap which could damage all you appliances.
I think you will get a does of reality with some of this data
Listen, I have been a utility worker for I don’t know how many years, but this is all fake! First off, it’s says 5 reasons, but it lists 7 reasons, they lied! Second, you can’t get any ill effects from electricity unles you shock yourself, but al you would fel is pain. Third off, meters can only record how much energy is used. Fouth, fires start because the person who installed it did it incorrectly or used a different sized meter, where I work, I never saw a smart meter cause a fire. Fifth, when you mean “lack of energy saving” you mean putting magnets on electric meter, also known as meter tampering. I have heard this multiple times. Sixth, the chances of people hacking meters is very rare.Seventh, it doesn’t violate any law at all. Last of all, ther is no charge when a smart meter is installed, if there is, it’s more likely fake or scammers. Contact me or EVERSOURCE with my email: ryankreder@yahoo.com
Hi Ryan,
So may I ask – do you think that being a utility worker that you know everything about smart meters? So sorry about the 5 vs 7 thing. It was an oversight and it’s fixed. I assure you that it was not a lie. If I wanted to lie about something I sure wouldn’t choose the number of things in a list to lie about. I would lie about essential oils or personal care products being pure that weren’t and then sell them and make a bunch of money. And there’s lots of that going around. It keeps me on my toes w/ companies that I need to remove from my site b/c I find things out that are a problem.
There is actually a lot of information online about dirty electricity and EMFs harming people so I beg to differ w/ you on that.
As for the meters only recording how much is being used, perhaps you should speak with Petraeus about that: https://www.wired.com/2012/03/petraeus-tv-remote/
Regarding the fires, I have read articles stating to the contrary. I don’t know what to think.
I don’t know what you mean about meter tampering and not saving energy. Could you please explain yourself?
About hacking, that is the least of my concerns.
There actually are people challenging the meters so I guess the legal issue remains to be seen. But just b/c it doesn’t break the law doesn’t make it right.
I didn’t say there was a charge to install meters. There is a charge if you DON’T want one. And our electric company tried to do it twice on the same house and then sent a man unrequested to change our meter with no notice. We demanded that he leave and within the next few days another employee of the same company was outside our home, parked in front, looking at our home w/ binoculars. My husband opened the front door to see what the heck he was doing and the guy drove off.
Fishy for sure. I would like to know what you think about my response. Thank you.
I want you to remember that not all utility companies are the same. Even if they are next to each other, they will do the same job in a different way. I never said that I knew everything about smart meters. If you found anything about “dirty electricity” or EMFs online, it’s more likely not true. The EMFs that you are thinking of comes from ordnance (explosives; EMPs). Along with the fires, depending on the utility company, they will do the same job , but in different ways. They more likely installed it the wrong way. Smart meters act exactly like normal meters, only two differences: they are digital, and only send the amount of electricity that was used to the utility company. They don’t have any effect on saving electricity. In the state that I work in, people can choose if they want a smart meter or not, there is no charge if you don’t want a smart meter. Also, what your utility company did, they can be sued for that, they trespassed, harassed and spied on you. EVERSOURCE doesn’t do that, we get permission to go on the property before removing/installing equipment. I’m not against you besides the EMFs, I’m more against the utility company. But if you have any problems with Petraeus, bring them to court.
I know they aren’t the same. In fact, Consumers Energy (mine) is nicer, apparently, that DTE here which I have heard can be really horrid. I know that they don’t save electricity per se, but the electric companies claim that they have an energy saving effect. I will contact Consumers about what they did again. I was contacted by someone and didn’t follow up. Thanks.
No problem. We had some issues with other utility companies also, we fight for jurisdiction involving power lines, houses and meters. We don’t intend to, but sometimes there is no choice. One company can own the poles while another one owns the transformers or other lines.
Ha ha, I work for an electric utility too and you are spot on. This article is ludicrous. The only difference in an AMR and a regular digital meter is the RF. Generally, in the past, we have been putting these where there is limited access to a meter or a bad dog that blocks access. This way the meter reader can just drive by and get the reading remotely. I have been a lineman/trouble shooter and engineer for 30 years and have a degree in electrical engineering. This lady needs to take her tinfoil had off.
So perhaps you can explain why there are all of these issues cropping up for people with smart meters? And maybe you can explain why you used a different name under your next comment? Just b/c you have experience and a degree doesn’t mean you know all about the human body. I do know that you know more than I do about electricity but I don’t know what else to tell people with these sensitivities. They are reacting to something. I felt the same way as you did about autism and food allergies — until it hit my family. I thought it was all made up and false diagnoses.
It’s funny when people act like they know s*** about stuff. And come up with these insane theories that have absolutely no scientific backing whatsoever and they’re only sources are spotty at best. She probably thinks vaccines cause autism. Crazy people are good for a laugh though I’ll give them that.
Hi again. It’s not funny. It’s called research. And hypersensitivity. https://www.sej.org/publications/tipsheet/many-are-claiming-health-problems-caused-smart-meters
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25478801
I will say that autism appears to be a gut and brain disorder that starts in the gut.
I have been a lineman/trouble shooter and now am an engineer for 30 years. Smart meters such as AMRs are NO different than regular meters. In my career, nearly 100% of the time a meter catches fire it is due to the clips on the meter socket being weak, usually because of a loose connection in the meter socket,and I have yet to see a house catch on fire due to this. Usually the customer just looses part of their power. Yes, I have one on my house. Since the power company owns the meter and drop serving the house, they have a right to reasonable access and DO NOT have to contact the owner for access. If they did, they would never get anything done because they would rarely be able to get hold of people. The RF produced by an AMR is no different than that of your cell phone, car radio, cordless phone, or standby generator, so the EMF theory is bogus. While I appreciate the concern, articles like this are just Chicken Little stories.
So how would you explain the medical issues arising from these? Is it just one more thing added to an already full basket?
This report states that the EMFs coming from a smart meter are 160 times that of a cell phone. https://www.scribd.com/doc/77657747/letter8hirsch
Mr electric man! B******* they do cause health problems and they do cause fires you should not be misleading people like that.