BC Hydro said it won't provide a free opt-out of its contentious smart meter program for residents who are concerned the wireless technology is dangerous.
The utility was responding to the latest development in B.C.'s smart meter saga: a push from Vancouver city Coun. Adriane Carr.
"The original motion was that we provide a free opt-out and of course we can't do that because the costs would be transferred to our other customers," said Cindy Verschoor, communications manager for BC Hydro's smart meter program.
Carr asked Vancouver council May 2 to endorse a plan to request that Hydro offer a free non-wireless smart meter technology option to Vancouver residents who believe the devices might be a health risk. Carr told Business in Vancouver that she's been hearing complaints from people she described as "hypersensitive" to electromagnetic radiation.
"What those people complain about are headaches, not being able to sleep," Carr said, adding that she's heard that it has affected people's pets.
"Dogs that were used to sleeping in a room adjacent to where a new wireless smart meter was attached on the outside wall – the dog can't sleep there, the dog howls all night, and when they take [the dog] out of that circumstance, it's fine."
Council removed the stipulation that an opt-out option be free before passing the motion. It's also requesting that BC Hydro investigate alternative smart meter and smart grid technologies.
Verschoor said she didn't know the cost of an alternative smart meter technology option, but that it would be "significant."
She said it would require the utility to add network infrastructure, such as routers, to account for "holes" caused by people opting out of the system.
"The second part is, we would have to operate dual systems, and everybody knows operating two systems instead of one is more expensive."
As to what it plans to do in response to the motion, Verschoor said BC Hydro will continue to work with its customers.
She added that wireless smart meters are "absolutely safe."
Carr said BC Hydro can put smart meter installation on hold while explaining the technology to customers and can, at no charge, move smart meters to a different location on an individual's property.
Verschoor did not identify any additional opt-out options or different smart-meter technologies that BC Hydro might provide in response to council's request.
In March, the District of West Vancouver council quashed a motion to ask the province to halt mandatory installation of smart meters. •
