Smart Meter Action Kit :: Citizens for Safe Technology

Smart Meter Action Kit

This "Smart Meter" Action Kit contains valuable information about so-called "Smart Meters." Conveniently, this information is being withheld by hydro and power authorities in hopes that deployment will go ahead unchallenged, without sufficient research into the health, safety and security issues involved.

Hopefully, along with other information on this website, the materials in this "kit" will provide tools for action and awareness. The far-reaching, negative impacts of these wireless utility meters are already a reality for many, as they are being deployed in communities throughout North America.

Communities that have citizens who have come together and spoken up have been able to persuade their local governments to stop the installation of these wireless meters until more is known about them. And more is becoming known.

Please use the information in a timely way, first to educate yourself, and then to act to educate others. Communication can't be achieved without awareness, and timely communication is all we have to prevent the installation of these invasive devices on our homes and in our communities.

"A smart meter is usually an electrical meter that records consumption of electric energy in intervals of an hour or less, and communicates the information at least daily back to the utility for monitoring and billing purposes. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central system. Unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote reporting.

Although the term "Smart Meter " often refers to an electrical meter, it can increasingly also mean a device measuring natural gas or water consumption. "Smart Meters" may be part of a "Smart Grid" but alone do not constitute [one]." Wikipedia

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Feb 21
2012

REPORT A PROBLEM

"The Coalition to Stop Smart Meters is asking everyone who is experiencing any problems during the installation of a smart meter or after having a smart meter installed to contact them at: coordinator1@stopsmartmetersbc.ca

"The problems can be related to any issue such as:
- Intimidation, threats, bullying, harassment by Corix installers or BC Hydro
- Increased utility bills
- Damage to appliances, meters or property
- Interference with home or medical equipment
- Health. Health effects most often reported in other jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Tinnitus or Ringing in the ears, Palpitations, Tachycardia, Arrhythmia, Headaches, Dizziness, and Sleep disturbance

"It is important that all problems be reported in detail, with date of installation of the smart meter, and the date when problems occurred, began or were first noticed. Such data could be useful for legal redress . . .

BILL INCREASE
TELL YOUR STORY TO B.C. NEWSPAPERS

Feb 18
2012

IMPORTANT:

RIGHT AWAY, to keep your analogue meter (if you are lucky enough to still have one . . .), even before you send the following letter, post the
NO TRESPASSING SIGN and/or COPE STOP SIGN, or other visible deterrent for Corix, Hydro's official installer. Write your address and your name on the sign, along with the date. Secure it beside your meter AND on your front door. A photo would also help to prove it was there . . .

Hydro claims they will respect letters and signs for the time being, but very often the Corix installer is not doing so . . .

Also: DO NOT PHONE BC HYDRO to refuse a Smart Meter. This is no longer a wise use of your time, as Hydro simply uses it as an opportunity to promote their Smart Meter Program or convince you that you have no choice.

You do have a choice.

To register refusal of a B.C. Hydro wireless Smart Meter, the following letter is useful. It is not guaranteed that B.C. Hydro will not install, but it eliminates the "implied consent" argument that they are using to justify the installation of the meters without notification or permission.

It is recommended that you keep copies for your files, and perhaps post one by your meter.

send Via electronic mail to: smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

Also via Canada Post to: BC Hydro,

Smart Meter Specialist Department

6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby BC, V3N 4X8

Attention B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and agents and/or assignees thereof:

Re: Refusal of Smart Meter on my Residence / Workplace

Dated: _______________, 201__ B.C. Hydro Account # on bill_____________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Please accept this as your official notice from this date forward of my absolute refusal to allow the installation of a wireless Smart Meter on my home or premises at

full address _______________________________________________________________

Take notice that B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or agents and assignees thereof do not have my authorization, permission or consent to enter my property, business or premises for the purpose of replacing my current meter with a wireless Smart Meter.

Any attempt to install this device on my property or residence will constitute trespass and a violation of rights afforded to me as a citizen of Canada.

I refuse your wireless Smart Meter on the grounds that it has the capability of being a surveillance system, used by you or other parties, which could violate my right to privacy.

Also: my fundamental democratic right to protect my health from a possible carcinogen, specifically radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by your wireless Smart Meter, supersedes any right you have to install a wireless Smart Meter on my property.

You still have authorization to attend at my property for the purpose of reading the non-wireless meter manually

Name in full ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Copy (Cc) to

Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, Minister of Energy Rich Coleman, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, BC Chief Medical Officer Perry Kendall, NDP Deputy Health Critic Sue Hammell, Green Party Federal Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Health, Mike de Jong, NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth, NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix, Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk, BCRefed Leader Ingrid Voigt

premier@gov.bc.ca, rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca, sue.hammell.mla@leg.bc.ca, elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, leader@greenparty.bc.ca, ingridrefed@gmail.com

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This letter format can be accessed, downloaded, cut and pasted into your own email from:citizensforsafetechnology.org (Smart Meter Action Kit under "Letter Alert!")

Feb 18
2012

This letter can be sent to Hydro and its affiliates if they say, by phone or in writing, that you must meet with them, or accept the smart meter against your request. It can be cut and pasted from this page into your own email, or from the download at the bottom. E-mail addresses for Cc are also at the bottom of the letter.

Also available: ALERT: LETTER OF NON-CONSENT FOR HYDRO (SMART METER)

smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

BC Hydro Smart Meter Specialist Department Date:___________________

6911 Southpoint Drive,

Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4X8

Attention: Mr. Charles Reid, Mr. Gary Murphy, Ms. Cindy Verschoor, BC Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or assignees thereof:

Dear Messrs. Reid, Murphy, Ms. Verschoor, BC Hydro Smart Meter Team, and Corix Utilities:

Re: B.C. Hydro Account # _________ Address: ___________________________________________

I wrote to B.C. Hydro to give clear notice that I am refusing to allow the installation of a Wireless "Smart Meter" on my property. I made it clear in my communication that I am refusing to have my privacy rights violated. I also made it clear that my decision to refuse a Wireless Smart Meter is also to protect my health and the health of my family.

You wrote back on behalf of B.C. Hydro, which serves as an acknowledgement of B.C. Hydro's receipt of my notice of refusal.

In your reply you create fictitious hoops for me to jump through to exercise my rights. You make it clear that I must fill out a form and meet with a B.C. Hydro representative, and if I do not, my current meter will be exchanged with a Wireless Smart Meter. Therefore, you are saying that I must comply with the conditions created in your letter before I can exercise: my right to privacy, my right to protect my health and the health of my family and my property rights.

There is no basis in law for nullifying a clear and unambiguous exercise of rights by imposing fictitious conditions that do not exist in law.

CONTRARY TO YOUR ASSERTIONS, ANY FAILURE OR REFUSAL BY ME TO ENGAGE IN CONSULTATION WITH B.C. HYDRO OR ITS AGENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT REVOKE OR NULLIFY MY REFUSAL OF CONSENT TO THE INSTALLATION OF A WIRELESS SMART METER ON MY PROPERTY OR PREMISES.

The B.C. Hydro Smart Metering Program and your letter raise some very troubling ethical issues. Electricity is an essential service that we cannot live without. We have only one electricity provider and so are locked into this essential service. Now the sole provider is imposing, without consent, Wireless Smart Meters in our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. I have the following questions for B.C. Hydro:

1. Why do the residents of B.C. have no say in whether they want to protect their privacy by refusing to allow devices that disclose personal details, such as their electricity use patterns; information the police currently need a warrant to obtain?

2.     We, who have written to B.C. Hydro refusing Wireless Smart Meters, are legitimately concerned about the potential health consequences of the manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by these devices. Have we reached a time in B.C. when individuals, in an effort to protect their personal health and the health of their families, can no longer choose to avoid perceived dangers in their very homes?

3.     Are we at a place in B.C. where we have no choice but to allow our neighbourhoods to be contaminated by manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitting constantly at street level from multiple Wireless Smart Meters and wireless infrastructure; to have no choice but to have our children play in streets and communities where their little bodies are subjected to a soup of manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation which we believe poses health risks and concerns us greatly as parents and caring people?

4.     B.C. Hydro is a monopoly, owned by the public. Is it appropriate for corporations like BC Hydro to impose fictitious conditions on customers who wish to register refusal of a new Wireless Smart Meter? Is it appropriate for our utility company to intimidate customers in attempts to force them to forego their rights to health, privacy and the welfare of their families?

5.     What law or regulation gives B.C. Hydro the right to place a two-way radiofrequency telecommunications device on my home without my permission?

The B.C. Clean Energy Act is being touted as a the authority for B.C. Hydro to install Smart Meters. Nowhere in that Act or the regulations is there any mandate to install Wireless Smart Meters. There is no reason that B.C. cannot provide its citizens with Wired Smart Meters, as do Idaho or Italy. The B.C. Government has not mandated Wireless Smart Meters in its legislation or in its regulations. That arbitrary decision is being forced on every B.C. household and business without authority.

I insist that B.C. Hydro reconsider its Wireless Smart Metering Program. Fair and reasonable accommodation, without undue financial costs and penalties, must be made for those who, like me, will not allow a Wireless Smart Meter to be installed. I am not willing to meet with B.C. Hydro, in part because I am worried about being intimidated and not taken seriously.

Executive members of the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters are willing to meet with B.C. Hydro on my behalf to address my concerns.

If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with these representatives, please send written notice of such request to Sharon Noble at dsnoble@shaw.ca and Una St. Clair at una@citizensforsfetechnology.org with a copy to me. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Full Name

Full address

Copy (Cc) to

Corix Utilities, Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, Minister of Energy Rich Coleman, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, BC Chief Medical Officer Perry Kendall, NDP Deputy Health Critic Sue Hammell, Green Party Federal Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Health, Mike de Jong, NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth, NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix, Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk

info.utilities@corix.com, premier@gov.bc.ca, rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca, sue.hammell.mla@leg.bc.ca, elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, leader@greenparty.bc.ca

Copy also to your local Mayor and Council

Feb 18
2012

B.C. Hydro is in the process of installing wireless "smart" meters on 99% of homes and businesses in the province of British Columbia, with a target completion date of December, 2012. Many believe and assert they have done so without due diligence or public education, using "implied consent" as their reason to proceed without permission of the people of B.C.

This form letter is for those who have had a chance to learn more about the negative effects of living and/or working in the vicinity of wireless smart meters, who do not accept the risk this involves, and who wish to officially register their opposition in the form of a demand for removal of the wireless smart meter, and the re-installation of a wired, analogue meter.

NB You will need to download it in order to copy and paste it into your own email, and fill in your information before sending.

It would be a good idea to also register your situation with your mayor and council. Address finder here.

If you do NOT already have a wireless "smart meter?" After posting (ASAP) a sign with your address, name and date, on your meter and on your door, you can send the original Letter of Non-consent to register your wish to keep your analogue meter after posting your intention to.

Via electronic mail to: smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

Also via Canada Post to:

BC Hydro,
Smart Meter Specialist Department
6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby BC, V3N 4X8

Attention B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and agents and/or assignees thereof:

Re: DEMAND FOR REMOVAL of any wireless Smart Meter at my Residence/Workplace AND RE-INSTALLATION of Analogue/Wired Meter

Dated: _______________, 201__ B.C. Hydro Account # on bill_____________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Please accept this as your official notice from this date forward of my absolute demand for the removal of any wireless Smart Meter installed on my Residence / Workplace AND for the re-installation, at BC Hydro's expense, of a wired, analogue meter on my home or premises at

full address ________________________________________________________

Take notice that B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or agents and assignees thereof did not have my authorization, permission or consent to enter my property, business or premises for the purpose of replacing my previous meter with a new wireless Smart Meter.

Your action of installing this device on my property or residence is constituted as trespass and a violation of rights afforded to me as a citizen of Canada.

I refuse your wireless Smart Meter on the grounds that it has the capability of being a surveillance system, used by you or other parties, which could violate my right to privacy.

Also: My fundamental democratic right to protect my health from a possible carcinogen, specifically radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by your wireless Smart Meter, supersedes any right you have to install a wireless Smart Meter on my property.

You only have authorization to attend at my property for the purpose of reinstalling a non-wireless analogue meter, and reading it manually.

Name in full ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Copy (Cc) to

Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, Minister of Energy Rich Coleman, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, BC Chief Medical Officer Perry Kendall, NDP Deputy Health Critic Sue Hammell, Green Party Federal Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Health, Mike de Jong, NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth,
NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix, Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk, BCRefed Leader Ingrid Voigt

This letter format can be accessed, downloaded, cut and pasted into your own email from:citizensforsafetechnology.org (Smart Meter Action Kit under "REMOVAL LETTER")

Feb 18
2012

This sign is designed to be mounted on or beside your non-wireless, analogue meter, if you are lucky enough to still have one. There is a line on which to print the address of the building in question. Also a welcome at the bottom for the analogue meter reader:

N.B. Do not forget to write your name and address onto this no trespassing sign, and the date you posted it. If you don't do that, Corix may rip it down and proceed with the installation. A photo of the meter with the sign is also a good idea . . .

ATTENTION CORIX
Smart Meter Installer for BC HYDRO
NO TRESPASSING
DO NOT INSTALL SMART METER HERE

THIS IS NOTICE OF MY REFUSAL TO ACCEPT A SMART METER AT THIS ADDRESS

Many people are taking the step of "enclosing" their analogue meters, protecting them from removal, while still making sure that the necessary ID tags and consumption information remain clearly visible and intact.

Feb 17
2012

CST's "Doctor's Information Package" is now ready to use.

Citizens for Safe Technology Society has made application to the BC Human Rights Tribunal to represent all those with medical conditions who feel disadvantaged by the forced exposure within their own home or residential complex to wireless emissions beyond their control from Smart Meters.

The following "Advice about How to Obtain a Letter from Your Medical Doctor" explains how to use the "Doctor's Information Package" most effectively. The information in the package can be used to help doctors understand the issue more fully. The resulting letter can then be used as part of CST's application to the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Once you have received a medical letter from your doctor explaining your condition and advising that you avoid smart meter emissions, please scan and send it by e-mail to Una St.Clair, CST, at una@citizensforsafetechnology.org or fax to 1-866-824-8865. Any further queries, such as a mailing address if you wish to mail your letter, can be addressed to Una St.Clair at una@citizensforsafetechnology.org.

This two-page introduction contains the following:

Instructions on how to use this package
Suggestions for wording to be used by your doctor
Contact information

Feb 17
2012

"We will not force you to have a Smart Meter" say B.C. Hydro Reps.

1) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to liberty to make important personal choices.

2) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to life, liberty and security.

3) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to security from unreasonable search and seizure.

4) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to respect for my private life, to non-disclosure of confidential information.

5) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees my right to well-being.

6) The Trespass Act of British Columbia - BC 462.

7) The Human Rights Code protects persons from being harassed or discriminated against, and from retaliation should they complain.

Feb 17
2012

Wednesday, February 29th is Anti-Bullying Day.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Your local BC Hydro Office or Service Centre

Christy Clark says "The only way we will defeat bullying is if we stand together united and say, "No matter who you are, no matter what side of the aisle you may sit on, bullying is not acceptable."

To find information in your area, contact stopsmartmetersbc@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (Stop Smart Meters in BC)

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/11/24/clark-on-verge-of-province-wide-anti-bullying-plan/

Feb 17
2012

Also available on this website: Advice about how to obtain a letter from your medical doctor

"Dear Medical Professional:

"Your patient has asked us for support in providing you with information regarding the possible health risks from non-thermal microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, recently reclassified by the WHO/IARC as a Class 2B, possible human carcinogen.

"This WHO risk category also includes lead, DDT, chloroform, and dioxane, and is relevant to all wireless devices emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, including cordless phones, cell phones, IPads, Wi-Fi routers, wireless games, baby monitors, and smart meters . . .

"Many doctors have already given medical advice to their patients by way of a medical letter or note on a prescription form stating that the patient should avoid, for medical reasons, living in a residence or residential complex at which a wireless meter is operating in order to maintain their health or avoid aggravating a medical condition. This medical advice stating the health condition and advising the patient that they should avoid ongoing exposure to wireless radiofrequency and smart meter emissions will allow your patient to participate in the Human Rights Action currently underway. We are hopeful that the individual's right to protect their health as advised by their medical doctor will be upheld by the Human Rights Tribunal, and this forced exposure within their own home to undesirable microwave radiofrequency emissions will be replaced with reasonable and respectful accommodation by BC Hydro . . . "

Information categories contained in this package:

Microwave Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation - General
Smart Meters
Interference with medical devices (Smart Meters Risk)
Children
EHS/ES - Electrosensitivity
Diabetes
Heart
Tinnitus / Microwave Hearing
Sleep and Insomnia
Infertility / Sperm Damage
Cell Towers - Applicable to constant low-level exposures
Cell Phones
Published Articles
BEES - This section included due to potential impacts on human health from loss of bees and pollination
Lawsuits, Scientific Statements and Letters

Feb 16
2012

Smart Meter Moratorium Motion Tally List
Current Tally: 32

Congratulations and welcome, Maple Ridge, #32!
news report

For links to help organize your own delegation request for a moratorium in your community, begin here.

A growing number of responsive and proactive B.C. Municipal and City Councils are passing motions for moratoriums on mandatory installation of B.C. Hydro's wireless "Smart" Meters as follows:

"According to Bill 23-2008 of the British Columbia Public Health Act, section 83

(1) a municipality must take action when it learns of something that could be harmful to its residents. It must notify the Minister of Health or take immediate action. At its June 27 Council meeting, the City of Colwood, B.C. passed a motion to write to the Minister of Health and, due to the potential for wireless smart meters to cause harm or to compromise security, request a moratorium on mandatory installations of wireless meters. The Council also requested that concerned residents be offered safer alternatives at no cost to them."

B.C. Councils who have considered the above request, and voted in favour of it:

Alert Bay
Central Saanich
Colwood
District of Highlands
Duncan
Invermere
Islands Trust (Gulf Islands and Bowen Island)
Ladysmith
Lake Cowichan
Langley Township
Maple Ridge
Merritt
Metchosin
Nanaimo
New Denver
North Cowichan
North Saanich
North Vancouver City
Oliver
Parksville
Powell River
Qualicum Beach
Regional District of Nanaimo
Richmond
Saanich District
Sechelt
Silverton
Sunshine Coast Regional District
Surrey
Tofino
Victoria
White Rock

To be continued . . .

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Meetings and events on the issue of wireless technologies in homes and communities throughout North America.

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Download and print this petition form -- Refuse Smart Meter Installation.

Send completed petitions 15 signatures per page to:
Una St. Clair

fax:
1-866-824-8865

e-mail: una@citizensforsafetechnology.org

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