Electric company to install "smart" meters

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
They've been promising that smart meters will be installed in customer's homes sometime this summer. Homeowner's can opt out of the installation, but would have to pay an extra fee which was also a non-specified amount. I did receive a postcard reminder, but no specific day and time was indicated. They said it wasn't necessary for the customer to be home, but I'd like to know ahead so I can disconnect sensitive electronics. Even the website is vague with this info.

There's some buzz about this on NextDoor. Some people say they don't want one, but didn't give any reasons. Some feel they are a health hazard because of the EMPs and others are concerned about their security and accuracy.

Anyone have any insights about this pro or con wise?
 

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We've had smart electric meters here for a few years now, and no issues, except I'm sure they were a significant issue to the meter readers who were put out of work. No more gas meter readers either - that's all automated as well, and the the water meter readers lost their jobs 3 years ago when smart water meters came in, and trash collectors are out of work, now that just one driver picks up trash with a metal arm that descends to pick up trash in a provided bin. That started 4 months ago.
 
Tinfoil hat supporter here.

We all have had radios, television, walkie talkies, perhaps cb radio and ham radios.
We have all experienced some kind of electronic interference on these devices.

If your body's nervous system runs off of micro current, why would it be magically immune to electrical interference?

Not many definitive studies to prove actual harm, but that may be because nobody wants to actually admit it.

You're free to choose what technology you deem safe. In this case I'm going to go with the laws of physics and common sense, which tells me to avoid unnecessary exposure. That doesn't mean you have to live in a cave.
 
All the new gadgets are to cut cost. Pretty soon, we will have AI everything. Technology enhances productivity and profits. Remember the days before internet?
 
They switched us to electric service smart meters 12-15yrs ago and it was seamless. So far, no problems or issues.
Maybe 8-10yrs ago, the city switched to water service smart meters. A lot more accurate and reliable than meter checkers.
 
Some forward thinking electric utilities did this 34 years ago. Imagine the cost then & now on $$$ to implement this. The cost was offset by the long term removal these expenses.
1. Management in a large utility not needed to run meter departments.
2.The fleet of vehicles needed by meter readers.
3.The meter readers wages & benefits.

People could still request at no expense a meter to be read if they thought the usage wasn't what the smart meter indicated. Those were few & eventually went away. End result overall customers were satisfied.
 
My propane tank now has a wireless device that transmits it's fuel level to the propane company. If I wanted I could download an app to monitor as well.
 

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