Energy Minister Bill Bennett says those who choose to quit smart cars
The meter project generates special costs that should not be subsidized by others.
Photo byCHAD HIPOLITOWhen B. C.
Hydro first launched their new smart meter and many customers made it clear they didn't want it.
Some people called Hydro and told them not to bother sending intelligence-Electricity meter installation.
Others hung a big "walk away" sign at home in case the installer showed up.
Some even put a padlock on their old analog meter to frustrate the smart metermeter man.
A man sent me a solid picture.
Cage with Alcatraz-
He welded the iron rod in front of his old meter.
Why do they hate smart meters so much?
Some people worry about privacy because the meter is designed
Billing data to Hydro via wireless radio frequency.
Many people worry about health risks from radio signals.
I personally do not share these concerns.
Whenever people walk on the streets of the city, they bathe in radio, telephone and internet signals.
The smart meter on the edge of my own house does not bother me either.
But I also believe that people's homes are their castles and that they shouldn't be forced to use smart meters if they don't want smart meters.
Hydro eventually surrendered at this point, and now about 15,000 customers have exercised the option
Available in smart devicesmeter program.
But in a bit of a revenge move, Hydro is cracking down on the countersmart-
Rice rebels and overkill optionsout fees.
For customers who choose to retain analog meters, the cost of Hydro is $32. 40 a month.
For those who choose to turn off the smart meter for the radio transmitter, the fee is $20 per month.
Compare it to other jurisdictions and utilities with similar options
Outings: $5 per month in Quebec, $5 per month in Arizona, $18 per two months in Fortis BC.
"Hydro has made excessive accusations against people the government doesn't like or respect," said National Democratic Party critic Adrian dikes . ".
"The participant in the instrument selection program is B. C.
Water and electricity customers.
They should be respected and not overcharged.
"Of course, the government insists it will not charge customers too much.
Energy Minister Bill Bennett says people who choose to quit smart cars
The meter project generates special costs that should not be subsidized by others.
"These expenses cover the cost of the additional infrastructure required so that the smart grid can
"Communicating the cost of meters and maintaining the old system," Bennett said in a letter . ".
B. These fees have been approved. C.
According to Bennett, the water and electricity company submitted evidence to prove its cost.
It includes the cost of sending meter readers to smart homesmeter hold-outs.
But Mr. dikes says the cost of Hydro seems too high.
For example, he said that hydropower companies use 200 "inspection meters" to detect possible electricity theft in 5,000 selected power companiesout customers.
In contrast, the entire 1 of Hydro has only 20 previous inspection meters. 9-million-customer base.
At the same time, choose
The customer who refused to pay the fee was out of power.
The government says it may review the charging schedule again next year.
But I want to be smart.
The rice rebels will continue to be hit unfairly in their wallets.
Msmyth @ theprovince. comtwitter.