Editor:
Re: Smart Meters
First and foremost congratulations and many thanks for reaching out for public input.
Second, I am most puzzled that the provincial and federal governments have not issued a response to the accusations concerning health, safety, consumer cost, green conservation (particularly since 'Kyoto'), and invasion of privacy and security that have arisen throughout North America since the introduction of "smart meters."
In fairness to our provincial government since the "clean energy act" strips the BC Utilities Commission of the power to review, everything BC Hydro is doing might be perfectly "legal." Ergo, it no longer matters if it is harmful, more expensive or heavens forfend just plain dastardly. Okay I give up, who passed the Clean Energy Act? It does sound so beneficial, doesn't it?
Because of the seriousness of the accusations I suggest that a one year moratorium be declared against the installation of the "smart meters" and at that time a "review board" could present arguments for and against. Then let the people vote as they did on the PST/GST - HST issue.
During that interim with the cooperation of people in Canada who have had those meters installed - we should have enough evidence to vote for or against.
Those who have had meters explode and/or catch fire could be confirmed through fire departments and insurance companies.
Those who have had hydro bills increase substantially could be confirmed with EFT statements.
Those who have had damaged appliances or fried computers may be more difficult to prove, but comparing the claims of those with and without "smart meters" maybe give further insight to those claims.
With the broad base of our health system it may even be noted that there is a statistically higher amount of palpitations and seizures with the "smart meters" connection than without.
Respectfully yours,
Ken Gowan
Granisle