www.emfnews.org www.emfnews.org California in their smart meter deployments. The smart meter controversy has also touched Texas and Maine, but on a smaller scale. In Maine, for example, smart meter opponents are pushing for a moratorium and the opt-out option as Central Maine Power Company replaces 620000 meters with RF technology. Maine’s public health director said last October that the smart meters pose no health risk because they operate on the same frequency as wireless routers used widely for home computer networks. Many in the industry see the growing smart meter controversy as a wake-up call. Some believe the energy industry should work collaboratively and proactively to quell fears about the technology. “I think it’s something that is a legitimate concern for many people, and it shows that neither we nor the utilities have done a very good job about educating people about the safety issues,” said Russ Vanos, vice president of marketing for Itron, which designs, manufactures, services and installs smart meters across the country, including meters in the SCE and SDG&E service areas. Vanos said the RF technology is completely safe and accurate and has been used in commercial and industrial applications for nearly 30 years. “RF meters are not brand new,” he said. “Our utility customers have used electronic technology on their commercial customers for years, and they work. They are safe. They emit less emissions than a microwave oven in somebody’s kitchen. www.emfnews …
Video Rating: 5 / 5
