Smart Meter Protest Planned Outside Wisconsin Utilities Roundtable

The Wisconsin Public Utility Institute (WPUI) of the University of Wisconsin has planned an “Advanced Metering Utility Roundtable” for September 27, 2011 in Green Bay. The meeting will “allow utilities in the state to take a moment and see where we are in this new world that is unfolding at a sometimes dizzying speed” – the new world of smart meters and the Smart Grid.

The public may pay the $125 non-member fee to attend, but they may not ask questions or give any input during the discussion. The press has not been invited, and no one present may reveal the identities or affiliations of any participants under the WPUI’s Chatham House Rule set-up.

While these restrictive measures may help utility officials focus and talk freely, they cut out the participation of people most affected by utility changes: energy consumers. Many Wisconsinites have not been paying much attention to the mass deployment of so-called smart meters, and how it affects them. So, how about taking a moment to see where WE are in this new world thrust upon us?

Consider these areas where 'smart' meters will impact our lives:

Our Families' Health: Smart meters emit bursts and pulses of radiofrequency radiation, which can exceed cell phone TOWER levels as it cuts through walls and people's bodies on the way to the remote readers. The World Health Organization (WHO)recently classified radiofrequency exposure from cell phones as a Class 2B potential carcinogen. Furthermore, growing number of citizens are reporting ill effects relating to the meters. Thousands of studies show biological harm and effects, which are ignored by the utilities and governmental authorities, who are willing to play Russian Roulette with the public's health.

Our Privacy: Data about our energy use being remotely collected can be sold or shared with third parties, or used by hackers and terrorists. The Wisconsin Roundtable will discuss who owns our data, and who is responsible for keeping it secure, since they are already collecting it.

Our Pocketbooks: According to a Wall Street Journal article, smart meters are expensive, and will require extra fees to pay for them. They will only allow savings for customers willing or able to play the real-time game of checking how much energy is being used moment to moment, so they can choose the cheapest time to do their laundry or dishes, etc. And soon the utilities will mount a massive P/R campaign to "sell" their smart meter game, trying everything, even cute stickers to get consumers to comply.

Our Safety: Smart meters make it easier for utilities to(remotely) terminate service. Consumer advocates are concerned that this will allow utilities to disconnect power for small arrearages that wouldn't have caused a termination in the past. The remote "OFF" switches are also vulnerable to hackers or terrorists, who would want to play havoc with the system.

Our environment: No environmental impact study has been done on the potential effects on nature and wildlife of new, chronic exposure to ambient microwave radiation, which smart meters widely spread. It appears the only "green" thing the smart meters do well is line the pockets of the utilities.

A Wall Street Journal article summarized the smart meter program, laying out the basic pros and cons of the technology. But the biggest CON here is the way smart meters are being forced upon consumers without our consent. Even a doctor's or legislator's request for a person to opt out for health reasons is blatantly ignored by state utilities, including WE Energy, Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Public Service.

Anti-smart meter resistance involves a mix of people, speaking out for people’s property rights, privacy and safety in California, Maine, Texas and elsewhere.

A peaceful Wisconsin protest is planned outside the September 27 utility roundtable. Come if you think the utilities should answer to consumers, and scrap their DUMB transmitting meter plans.