An ongoing conversation about new electric utility technology
An opinion by Frederick Sinclair
Several months ago an article warned of the NYSEG plan to install digital Smart Meters as replacement of existing analogue mechanical meters. Local consumers were advised to take advantage of the opportunity to ‘Opt-Out’ and keep the existing analogue mechanical meter. NYSEG sent a 4×6 inch post card to all customers several weeks prior to their installation, However, many customers were surprised when the installers knocked on the door with the replacement digital meter in hand. Many simply conceded to installation and those not at home were notified of the change via a notification hooked on their doorknob. The following is a summary of what this reporter has gleaned from interviews with NYSEG utility representatives, their installers, customers and after review of multiple information sources.
- If they haven’t changed your meter yet you can still Opt-Out by immediately calling your utility and they will leave your existing meter in place. This buys you time to research, think and decide.
- You can request a Smart Meter at any point in the future at, no cost and any fee stops.
- You will be charged $14 per month to cover continued meter reading.
- If your old meter has already been replaced you can request that the Smart Meter be changed to a plain digital meter that does not transmit your reading via microwave frequency. NYSEG is refusing to reinstall your mechanical meter.
- If you keep the digital Smart Meter, your data will be wirelessly transmitted several times daily to a satellite then to the NYSEG data center.
- NYSEG/RG&E is assuring customers that the microwave connections are secure and your data will not be used for other than billing.
- There is no plan for transmitting signals back to your Smart Meter and according to NYSEG, remote hacking or shut down of service is not likely.
As a customer, you should research the plusses and minuses of ‘Smart Meters’ and make an informed decision on your course of action. Opting out now, will provide you more time to do research. You can ask for the change to a smart digital at any point in the future. Our state Senator and Assemblyman, have advised that the proposed legislation to eliminate that monthly charge and the ability to get you your old style meter back is stalled in committee. When or if it will come to a vote is unknown. Contacting your Senator and Assemblyman in support of S5632-A and A9148-A, respectively, might help overcome the forces that are blocking the legislation. Here are additional points to consider.
- A digital meter that does not connect via wireless microwave broadcast will eliminate the microwave danger. If requested NYSEG can provide this.
- This alternative digital ‘Opt-Out’ meter, however, will still introduce dirty electricity into your home wiring and will not provide the existing levels of surge or fire protection. Dirty electricity is made up of voltage transients that are caused by 240 volts being stepped down to a 4-10 voltage range that is needed to run the digital ‘Smart Meter’ . Electricians commonly refer to it as voltage harmonics, line noise or power quality issues. It impacts your appliance efficiency and longevity, energy costs and your health.
- Surge protection and filtering of dirty electricity can however be accomplished by installing your own state of the art devices which are specially designed and manufactured to perform these functions.
- Filters are installed at the service box and treat the entire home wiring system. Increased efficiency and longevity of all electrical appliances will decrease electric bills, protect health and safety and, over time, more than offset the cost of installation.
When you take a step back and reflect on this trip down the ‘Smart Meter’ rabbit hole, hopefully, you will see this as an opportunity to make this lemon into lemonade. A great web site where you can get information on this is the Smart Meter Education Network www.smartmetereducationnetwork.com
Feel free to contact me at fpsinclair@yahoo.com or drop me a line at POBox 834 Alfred NY 14802, with questions or to relay your experience down the “Smart Meter’ rabbit hole.