Wenk applauded the alternative resolution, calling it “clear and cogent,” In contrast, he called Panza’s resolution “dense and turgid.” Wenk said the alternative resolution requires the utility to have a supply of analog meters, lays out clear timetables, requires notifications when a meter is changed and is endorsed by more than 800 people.
Councilwoman Cathy Magarelli supported both resolutions, saying they are not mutually exclusive. “I feel we all want to get a resolution for an opt-out meter without fees,” Magarelli said in her support for both. “I know some of you may not be happy with that.”
In similar comments, Councilman Bill McKenna voiced his support for both resolutions.
Deputy Supervisor Laura Ricci said she saw no conflicts in the resolutions, which are a call for action since the town has no authority in the matter. It is up to the Public Service Commission and state Legislature.
McKenna agreed. “Really all we’ve done is make a request. It’s in their hands now,” McKenna said.
Central Hudson responds
Both the transmitting and opt-out meters are deemed safe by the Federal Communications Commission and the Public Service Commission, said Central Hudson spokesman John Maserjian, who added the industry is moving to digital meters as a standard.
All meters, both ERT and non-ERT are designed to meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) specifications, he said.
When asked why the utility can’t just respond to the wishes of its customers and let them keep analog meters, Maserjian said supply is an issue. “We want to avoid using products or equipment that is no longer made and more difficult to obtain,” he said. “Meter readers are now able to read more meters in the course of a day. This improves our productivity. It reduces estimated bills.”
Central Hudson does not replace meters without notice and customers can keep their existing analog meter, but only until the company needs to test it as required by the PSC. After the test, called a time test, is completed, the meter is replaced with an ERT model unless the customer opts out, Maserjian said. “Before we conduct time test, we notify the customer by mail. The customer would have a month to make a decision.”
Just over a third, or 105,000 of 300,000 meters in Central Hudson’s service area have been converted to ERT in an initiative that began in the 1990s, Maserjian said. So far, just 22 customers are participating in the opt-out program.
While Central Hudson charges a one-time $49 fee to replace an ERT meter with an opt-out model, there is no charge if the customer opts out before their old analog meter is replaced. The fee is also waived in emergencies.
“If we have to replace a meter under emergency conditions we will make an attempt to contact the property owner,” Maserjian said. “If nobody is home we will install an ERT meter and leave a note. If customer decides to opt out, the change fee will be waived. Tests have concluded the electromagnetic energy emitted by opt-out meters are no different than their analog predecessors,” Maserjian said. Further, “dirty electricity” emitted from the meter’s switching transformer is no worse than that coming from modern appliances and electronics, he said.
A switching transformer drops down the voltage coming into the house by turning the current on and off several times per second. This creates high-frequency voltage transients, which some including Stop Smart Meters say is harmful. Maserjian said he is not aware of any negative health effects.
Older appliances and gadgets drop down the voltage through wire coils.
Despite claims to the contrary, Central Hudson says the ERT meters are not smart meters and it has no plans to install smart meters. Smart meters can transmit usage data through the power lines and in some cases, can power down appliances in the event of an impending blackout or brownout.
Through a new initiative called Renewing the Energy Vision, or REV, the PSC is looking at smart power grids, but right now, Central Hudson does not envision smart meters as part of that. The utility is currently focused on making improvements to its power distribution system, Maserjian said.
“We’re trying to improve meter reading without changing out the meters all at once,” Maserjian said. “We’re trying to be sensitive to the needs of our customers.”
More information about Central Hudson’s ERT meter rollout and application for an opt-out meter can be found at https://www.centralhudson.com/meters/ERTmeters.aspx.
Frog Slowly” radio show interview with a “Hearer” and Petition Organizer
Feb 09, 2015 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiPBJD-UKUo#t=51
Smart meter, which National Grid told the MADEP Kerrie Bowie, that we did not have a smart meter on our home was in fact a smart meter placed on our home without our knowledge in Sept 2006. We immediately started hearing the noise pollution and experiencing insomnia. We filed complaints with the State Of Massachusetts beginning in 2007-08; two years before we discovered the smart meter on our home. With the accumulative exposure the symptoms became more severe with nose bleeds, migraines, heart palpitations, vertigo, dizziness, involuntary muscle spasms, nervous tension, sleep deprivation. We had no knowledge at the time of what a smart meter or its technology was. The power line carrier technology which is two way communication with RF injected into the wires must be stopped. The smart meters are just part of the Grid modernization capabilities.
[…] by Nick Henderson on Jun 13, 2015 • 6:30 am No Comments […]
In Maine, there is a $12 per month charge for retaining the analog meter. We pay it. The relay, however, is on a telephone pole 50 feet away, and, of course, all the rest of the neighbors got digital meters.
Shortly after the SmartMeters were installed, there was an incident where there was a sound boom, and a blast of light within the house. The electricity went off for several seconds. Teeth, old amalgam filled, rang for 3 hours; there was headache for an hour. Power company would not investigate. Keep the analog meters and work to do that at no additional charge.
I believe that municipal government is poorly understood and if due process were better understood we would have the will of the people deliver to the people what they want but the people need to know law.
I think if you think its going to hurt you – it will, and if you think it won’t it won’t. Now this doesn’t work with standing in front of speeding trains, but I think it works with allergies, cancer, and smart meters. Can we get upset about the TPP instead? The outside world may be falling spectacularly apart.