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Opinons on Smart Meters
updated: Feb 27, 2012, 10:52 AM

By Dawn O'Brien

Any opinions on the new Southern California Edison Smart Meters?

Here's my take: They cost residents an additional $1.80 a month and will apparently layoff several hundred people overall. Also, the bill will not go back down after the initial meter is paid for!

You can easily opt out with one phone call. They told me it would take a week for my name to "register" on their "opt out" list. I had to go to the top to insist upon immediate removal.

Thoughts?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 259929	2012-02-27 11:36 AM
I'm thoroughly enjoying my eleventh toe! My microwave now works twice as fast and my wife now has an enchanting glow. I for one welcome our new smart meter overlords!
AQUAHOLIC	2012-02-27 11:42 AM
Honestly, unless someone has some concrete real evidence/reasons why the meters are evil, I just don't get what the fuss is about. I just yesterday received a notice that my meter will be changed out soon. You can opt out, temporarily at least.
AQUAHOLIC	2012-02-27 11:43 AM
BTW, I don't operate any clandestine meth labs or pot growing operations, so what do I have to be concerned with?...anyone?
COMMENT 259934	2012-02-27 11:44 AM
I opted out (last week) and was told the list updates everyday. The rep said someone would come tag the meter so it doesn't get replaced---maybe that's what takes a week? I think I'll tag it myself just to make sure. These Smart Meters are causing all sorts of health problems, electrical problems and billing errors--PG and E are already recalling theirs and putting the old meters back. Supposedly there is a 9 foot EMF radius to stay away from. My question is, if you live in a small home/ condo/ apartment, how do you do that? Please also be aware some of the meters will have 2 antennae, most only have one. The two antennae are relays to the bigger pick up station. I assume like a step down transformer concept.
COMMENT 259935	2012-02-27 11:45 AM
SCE customers can temporarily delay installation of their smart meter by calling SCE at 800-810-2369. The CPUC is reviewing SCE's opt out program which may provide a means to permanently opt out from the smart meter and retain your analog meter. The approved plan for PG&E requires a $75 one time fee and $10 per month. Installation is starting this week on the South Coast so act fast!
COMMENT 259936	2012-02-27 11:52 AM
I'm not too happy having the meter reader currently walking past my living room, kithen, family room & bedroom windows on his way to the meter. On the other hand, I see that my electric bill will increase by $30 or so a year with the smart meter, with no other obvious benefit. I don't wish to spend time checking the online electric use every day or so since I don't think I can reduce power use any more. For example, I'm not going to turn off my furnace during the day and only run it at night to save energy.
COMMENT 259938	2012-02-27 11:58 AM
They cause all kinds of health problems? Where do people come up with this ? oh right ,the internet .It must be true.
COMMENT 259939	2012-02-27 11:59 AM
Would it help reduce RF emissions if you shielded the meter with aluminum foil or something similar?
COMMENT 259940	2012-02-27 12:01 PM
I think the larger picture is that the smart meter will be an integral part of the smarter grid, and of the smarter house. So that the whole electrical grid can be managed at peak periods to help reduce consumption without building out more power plants. So it seems like a good idea to me.
COMMENT 259941	2012-02-27 12:05 PM
The smart meters should reduce SCE costs because they will not need meter readers -- except for those who want to pay $10 a month to have a person read their meter. The microwave radiation from the meters is probably very intermittent and is likely typical of a cell phone call. I don't have a cell phone, but not because I'm afraid of their low-energy radiation. The extra charge per month should go away after the meters are paid for, but shouldn't the savings for reduced personnel be used to also offset this cost? The utilities commission might need a clue. We should support more efficient operation of our utilities, and these meters are a good investment. Hopefully we will share in the savings! If not, I will install solar panels.
COMMENT 259942P	2012-02-27 12:07 PM
The fuss illustrates: (a) our scientific illiteracy, (b) our attempt to continue to employ meter readers, no matter how antiquated. Meters that communicate electrical usage to the home office so that we don't need meter readers, and can price usage according to demand, see peaks and dips, and look for unusual patterns, are the logical step. The hysteria about mystical radiation, big brother snooping, and inherent inaccuracy are just Luddites trying to fight back the future. I'm concerned and sad -- about the alarmists. [I'm not signing my name, because Luddites love telling scientists how wrong we are about science.]
COMMENT 259943	2012-02-27 12:08 PM
It's not so much the health concerns, as much as the privacy concerns. Do you know that in San Diego, PG&E can turn off your a/c during high load times? It's all about controlling your power usage in the name of saving the earth from global warming, a complete scam. When your power bill goes up 500%, maybe then you will get angry!
COMMENT 259944	2012-02-27 12:13 PM
Several times recently, totally un-cited numbers for price and so forth have been thrown around on EH. Fact is, having people drive cars out to read numbers off of meters is environmentally irresponsible, wasteful, and unnecessary. The older meters are less accurate, and we all pay for that in one way or another. Lastly, throwing out the "jobs" thing to scare people into your opinion is a tired approach. Should we do away with all stoplights and replace them with traffic cops? Think of all the JOBS we'll create!
COMMENT 259946	2012-02-27 12:29 PM
Why do people care if their neighbors op out? it doesn't cost them anything if the neighbors op out. Just remember, once you get a Smart Meter installed, if you don't like it ( incorrect bills, insomnia/headaches, problems with your electronics, pacemaker malfunctioning, someone hacking the wireless grid and knowing when you're out of town), SCE isn't going to bring back your analog meter--- you're stuck with digital.
COMMENT 259951	2012-02-27 12:38 PM
I'm not that upset figure since I use a cell phone, have wireless network, fly a lot, its just another layer of small but potentially harmful steps toward convenience I take. I don't think its right to castigate those who are worried about potential health effects as Luddites and otherwise try to demean them. The question is can you trust the electric/energy companies to act in your best interest? I would think BP and Tepco are examples that would make someone not feel as safe in addition its been well documented that the US Grid is lax in security. Its going to be installed on my house soon so in a few years will be able to better pass judgement on whether I am fine with it or not, although I think mine will be based more on economics than health concerns.
COMMENT 259954	2012-02-27 12:40 PM
These meters use the same frequency band and lower power than computer wireless networks. So if you've got a wireless network in your house, or your next door neighbors have one, these smart meters aren't really adding much to your risk. As for the ability to turn off your power during peak loads, well, they can already do that about 50 or so homes at a time without the meters (remember rolling blackouts?). These new meters do not contain a breaker relay to kill power to your house.
COMMENT 259958P	2012-02-27 12:46 PM
I ask my neighbors who don't see anything wrong with this technology to please take a second look at the issue. While we use equipment that give off unseen signals, waves, etc., we do so in moderation. We stand a little back from the microwave when it's on, for example. I've never seen anyone put something in the micro and go up and hug it while it's running. Ten, twenty, thirty or more smart meters in a row on an apartment complex wall is not the same as ten, twenty, thirty or more analog meters. It's an avalanche of microwave radiation emissions. Opposition is not coming from the fringe of society.Thousands of people have suffered & organized to bring us to this point of being able to delay installation. Many before us did not have the choice. We will upgrade eventually, I'm sure. But not with this reckless technology. We don't have to accept everything that comes barrelling down the road.
COMMENT 259959	2012-02-27 12:48 PM
I just called SCE and talked to a human. She said there is no installation fee. I have gas for heat, water heater and stove so my $10 a month electricity bill might go up by a few cents. That's okay with me.
COMMENT 259962	2012-02-27 12:54 PM
I don't understand what the fuss is about. Some people just don't like change. No doubt there were plenty who said the autombile was a fad and would not last.
COMMENT 259966P	2012-02-27 01:03 PM
No more lovely Rita, meter maid.
COMMENT 259979	2012-02-27 01:34 PM
The misinformation about health, hacking and higher bills is just absurd. The wireless frequency is less powerful than your wifi or cell phone, both of which most people have in their bedrooms. If crackers (not hackers - hackers hack software, crackers hack systems!) get into the grid, guess what? Your analog system is going out too. SCE controls analog from their digital system. If your bill increases, it means that you're CURRENTLY NOT being charged for your rightful use now. So, you're basically riding a system flaw that SCE is trying to fix. As far as billing errors, I've had plenty on the analog system over the years. This is one step closer to a smart house. Can't wait to see what other digital technologies we get over the years!
COMMENT 259981	2012-02-27 01:36 PM
Love the idea. Can't wait to get mine.
COMMENT 259982	2012-02-27 01:37 PM
259979 Speaks the truth! What a bunch of Luddites for the most part on this thread!
COMMENT 259990	2012-02-27 01:53 PM
You people need to look up the real definition of Luddites. They were textile artisans and craftsmen protesting the mass production of cheap goods in mechanized factories. That sounds like what we all fight against on a daily basis. How many of people turn their nose up at chain stores or restaurant franchises in preference to the boutique store or restaurant? We eschew these cookie cutter businesses full of mass produced goods from China for the boutiques, farmers' market and " two carrots and a squiggle" bistro restaurants. But when it comes to Smart Meters we become cattle and just go along? Wake up Sheeple!
COMMENT 259995	2012-02-27 02:09 PM
I actually talked to my meter reader the other day. He is worried about his job. He said that in this bad economy, does it make sense to get rid of a bunch of jobs with no replacements in mind? I can see his viewpoint. Some of the commentors here have noted that all change comes with consequences, and even the meter reader approach is inefficient. I just wish our system was a zero sum one, where if people were thrown out of work due to technological innovation, we could find things for them to do. Especially since it's not a question of a lack of things to do, but a lack of resources to pay for it. Think about it. Up to 70% of our economy is consumer driven, and we are creating less consumers by putting meter readers on unemployment. Where is the tipping point in all this? If one warehouse worker can ship the items for Amazon . com that used to take 10 people at Best Buy, what are those other 9 people going to do?
COMMENT 259997	2012-02-27 02:10 PM
@9995 In modern usage, "Luddite" is a term describing those opposed to industrialisation, automation, computerisation or new technologies in general.
COMMENT 260000	2012-02-27 02:16 PM
I for one welcome our new SCE overlords. Hail Ants!
COMMENT 260020	2012-02-27 02:56 PM
I would buy into it IF the power company does something for the community...LIKE GET RID of our Thrid World power poles and lines! Come on- it is 2012!!!!!!!
COMMENT 260027	2012-02-27 03:13 PM
If the freakazoid no-nothing health nuts REALLY knew how much electromagnetic energy was bombarding their skulls and private parts every second of the day, they would live in lead-lined houses and never come out.
COMMENT 260035	2012-02-27 03:39 PM
997- Isn't that the solar, wind, green, organics, "save the planet movement" we all celebrate on Earth day?
COMMENT 260069	2012-02-27 04:39 PM
It's crazy they are implementing a program that will eliminate all the meter readers, and still be more expensive. We will have to pay for the new meters with higher rates, instead of having SCE pay for them with the cost savings from eliminating all those jobs. If the new system is really more efficient, the total cost would be less and they wouldn't have to raise rates.
COMMENT 260085P	2012-02-27 05:22 PM
I think there is valid cause for concern. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has written a letter to to the California Public Utilities Commission expressing concern about health effects of smart meters and called for a moratorium on their installation. http://aaemonline.org/images/CaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission.pdf There is the option of using wired smart meters which eliminate the health risks and to me it makes sense to wait until more is know before widespread implementaiton of this technology.
COMMENT 260090	2012-02-27 05:43 PM
085P, the AAEM also thinks your cellphone, baby monitor, wifi, and cordless house phone are all hazardous. if you fear these smart meters, then you must fear just about every electronic device in your house. almost everything wireless operates in the 2.4GHz band in your home. your cellphone operates in various frequency bands and is much likely worse than the smart meter, and if you live with others you most likely have more than one cellphone in your home. and these meters cannot do anything to shut off individual aspects of your home like your A/C. the way your meter is wired to the house, it's physically impossible. could it shut off your whole house? maybe. but not individual breaker circuits, it's just not wired that way.
COMMENT 260092	2012-02-27 05:52 PM
I have to say I am excited about an Edhat thread that hasn't turned into a pissing match. I have been notified that I am getting a smart meter and have been wondering what this means. So here is what I have learned on the internet. The FCC sets guidelines for exposure to EMF. The smart meter will give you about .009 % of the exposure limit each hour when it activates for a few minutes, this according to SCE. I have also read about how everything electronic in your home gives off EMF. Cell phones, cordless phones, electric tooth brush, computers, microwaves, power lines, etc. You can also buy on Amazon something called a Gauss meter that is supposed to measure EMF. $24. I think if you're worried about a smart meter, then you need to worry about all those other things. And according to the EPA, EMF can cause health problems if exposed to too much. So I really don't know what to do.
COMMENT 260095	2012-02-27 06:03 PM
I don't know what to do either; guess I'm just gonna roll with it, and complain loudly if my rates seem affected. I'm sorry for meter-readers loosing jobs, but can see where this is progression. Not much for the exposure or the chance that my account may be hacked, but whatever, deal with it if necessary. I do agree, if we are moving forward - get rid of the exposed power polls & lines already.
COMMENT 260113	2012-02-27 06:59 PM
Looking forward to having more data about when and how I'm using electricity. I'm also starting a tinfoil hat manufacturing business.
COMMENT 260134P	2012-02-27 08:07 PM
I've got solar panels on my house, and hope they start charging more in the daytime when my meter runs backward, and less at night when I have a positive use of electricity.
COMMENT 260136P	2012-02-27 08:09 PM
The meters are great because you can track your usage online. Whats the big deal here, people?!
COMMENT 260142	2012-02-27 08:33 PM
260020 made an important comment. The electric companies should be spending their money eliminating poles and undergrounding the supply lines. Beside the ugliness issue, the practical effect of not having them burn down, fall down, transforms blowing up contaminating the surrounds with toxins, starting fires, etc, not to mention "inconveniencing" residents or putting them frankly at risk is surely worth the expense. The concept of Smart Meters when installed universally across the grid makes sense from an efficiency and, ultimately, environmentally positive position. Partial installation is almost useless and the risks therein do not offset the benefits. The RF radiation issue is unclear, but the fact that the system requires yet more receiving/transmitting towers is clear. The loss of meter-reader jobs is clear. Invasion of privacy-----well, there not much privacy left anyway, is there?
COMMENT 260204	2012-02-28 07:40 AM
I'm going to hug a tree and download the energy.....
S.B.RON	2012-02-28 08:31 AM
Smart meters are here, love 'em or hate 'em. Those who oppose on health grounds are concerned about the cumulative effect of EMF sources, and the fact that they cannot escape wireless devices, proliferating cell towers, etc. I am curious how come all of a sudden we are getting smart meters simultaneously all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. Who is manufacturing these meters and who will be making the billions of $$ selling them to the power companies? Was this the result of lobbying? Seems there was no discussion or information until suddenly we are all getting smart meters. Anyone have information on this??
COMMENT 260227P	2012-02-28 08:56 AM
Does anyone remember rolling blackouts and brownouts? Suing the states of Arizona and Texas because thats who had to supply the extra electricity we all need? SmartMeters are a way for centralized control of your power usage and would help alleviate some of these issues, but of course, at a price. The reason they are going up all over at the same time is because it took decades of red tape cutting to get them approved. The power companies need them to cut down on costs and centralized control of our power usage. Dont like it? Fine, then go off the grid and make your own power. Good luck with that! I, for one, would love to see de-centralized power production and windmills and solar collectors and fuelcells at every house and street. But we all know that isnt going to happen anytime soon.
ESL TEACHER	2012-02-28 09:10 AM
I am perfectly happy with what appears to be a useful innovation. I called Corix this morning and was told that I can call them back in mid-March and make an appointment for the installation instead of just waiting for it to happen at some unknown time.
EARO65	2012-02-28 09:37 AM
I thought that smart meters were ok until I began to think of the problems that happened in Japan. The power companies lied to the people as well as the government. If you watch NHK news on KCET everynight, you will understand that the power companies do not always tell the truth. I also have solar power, and have been told that the new meters do not run backwards. If so, how do they give me credit for energy generated several hours a day. I have not paid a single electric bill in six years, but will that change?
COMMENT 260284	2012-02-28 11:16 AM
My God! The ignorance in this comment list. If you own a television, microwave, washer/dryer, toaster, use electric lights, etc. then you have already been exposed to EMF... and safely. These meters do not create any more problems than an electric light bulb, probably less. Seriously people, educate yourselves--enough of the conspiracy theories and superstition.
COMMENT 260289	2012-02-28 11:33 AM
@259934 Sorry not all kinds of health problems unless you're talking about RF in general and then I guess you should just stop using your cordless phone, your wireless internet, your cell phone, any other device that uses wireless in your house. Kids toys with remotes. And that also includes the ones at the grocery store, liquor store, Ross, Macy's Starbucks, your bank, shall I go on. OH NO the one at Albertsons has 6 antennae on it I think one of them is to upload to the mother ship, one to steal your credit card info and one to blast you with z particles... Stay well away from the Verizon substations. Point to Point microwave towers generate over 1,000,000 times more radiation than your wireless meter. If you some how find your self between two of the towers you could be incinerated in seconds.
COMMENT 260352	2012-02-28 02:43 PM
SMART METER HEALTH REPORT HEALTH DEPARTMENT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA JANUARY 2012. (Statements, not all 11 pages) - Smart meters expose persons in the home to FULL BODY RADIATION EXPOSURES 50 TO 450 TIMES GREATER RADIATION THAN CELL PHONES depending on proximity in the home to the smart meter attached to outside wall (calculated using the inverse square). - Smart meters emit radiation almost continuously throughout the day 24/7, 365 days per year. - Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier in the head, harmful effects on sperm, double strand breaks in DNA which could lead to cancer genesis, stress gene activation indicating exposure to a toxin, and alterations in brain glucose metabolism. - Electro Hypersensitivity is a real and sometimes debilitating problem for the affected persons. . Above affects are occurring to all persons, not just those who are hypersensitive (added for clarification).
COMMENT 260355P	2012-02-28 02:56 PM
352: This report you quote seems to be all over the Internet, but if one looks at the _actual_ report of The SC official who is quoted, it seems a lot less alarming to say the least. Kind of makes me doubt the worry and semi-hysteria crowd. http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Health-Risks-Associated-With-SmartMeters.pdf
COMMENT 260366P	2012-02-28 03:16 PM
I've read that SCE has no "opt out" procedure. This decision is being appealed to the PUC. PG&E only got an "opt out" procedure after they lost a similar appeal to the PUC. The list you get on is a "delay list" with SCE until the PUC appeal is adjudicated.
COMMENT 260372	2012-02-28 03:24 PM
These are wonderful pics..... I have a friend who is a professional ( specializing in Hummingbirds specificially) and would like to know if you would share this information with us as to where he might be able to (shoot) some photos of this nest and parenting for a presentation on hummingbirds that he is working on. If yes, contact me at my edhat username.... Thank you so much! And GOOD WORK.
COMMENT 260383	2012-02-28 03:45 PM
SMART METER HEALTH REPORT (remainder that didn’t fit in previous comment) HEALTH DEPARTMENT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA JANUARY 2012. - FCC guidelines are irrelevant and cannot be used for any claims of Smart Meter safety unless heat damage is involved - Smart meter exposure is Involuntary exposure. Governmental agencies for protecting public health and safety should be much more vigilant towards involuntary environmental exposures because governmental agencies are the only defense against such involuntary exposure.
COMMENT 260417	2012-02-28 05:19 PM
I have read there is a monthly charge to have a smart meter and I have read there is a higher charge to NOT have one. What's the truth? Are there any costs related to these?
COMMENT 260630	2012-02-29 02:02 PM
Current SCE 5-tier rates are based on the amount of electricity you use. The Smart Meter rates are based on when you use the electricity, with higher rates between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. I have twice asked what the new rates will be and was told 1) that the rates would be determined after the meter was installed (unacceptable) or 2) that they would be the same as now (that's like comparing apples and oranges). I have heard that some people out by Bakersfield had their monthly electric bills go up by $100 to $150. Until SCE can tell me what rates I'll be charged with a Smart Meter, I'll stay on the delay list.
COMMENT 266152	2012-03-21 08:09 AM
Adding more fuel to the controversy of so-called smart electric meters, consider just how many of the meters (probably millions) are being purchased AND guess where from? Yes, you guessed right, they are all Chinese imports. Here was a golden opportunity for SCE and PG&E to purchase American goods and help our economy and unemployment. Considering that the consumers are paying for them through one-time fees and surcharges, it would have been super to inject all that capital into OUR country instead of China. Score another FAIL for the PUC!

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