Editor:
In response to Shelagh Nerney's letter (Coast Reporter, March 23) there are plenty of resources available for those who have concerns about the installation of smart meters being thrust upon us all over Canada and the U.S. as well as other countries.
Whether or not a smart meter has already been installed on your property, if you have concerns, there are steps and strategies you can take. And, yes, if you want to keep your present (analog meter), there are ways you can stall or prevent its removal. The most valuable resource for starters is to go to www.stopsmartmeters.bc.ca. There you will find a trove of resources on risks, resistance tactics, advice, updates, and legal/political actions. Also, do a quick Google search under "stop smart meters" or just type in "smart meters."
If you have noticed increases in your BC Hydro utility bills since the smart meter was installed, you should contact [email protected] or [email protected]. These people are keeping track of all the information being sent to them around the province about jumps in billing. They are building a case for utility customers.
Above all, do some research. Educate yourself on the health risks of the ubiquitous electromagnetic emissions in our environment. Get the facts. Understand the privacy issues inherent in the smart meters.
An on-line poll was taken about smart meters in B.C.
The question asked was, "Do you think B.C. should hold a referendum on smart meters? 91% responded yes; 8% responded No, and 2% didn't know. (Source: Walt McGinnis of the Straight publication, www.straight.com).
Beverly Nelson
Sechelt
