VT Smart Grid Workshop Draws Protesters - Fox 44
Protesters, holding signs Tuesday, were trying to draw attention on State Street as passing cars honked their horns.
They disagree with Vermont utility company's smart meter technology, which is said to give customers more reliability and long-term cost savings.
"People deserve a right to decide what does or doesn't go in their home," explains one protester from Manchester, VT, Olga Julinska.
Martine Victor joined her, also from Manchester, "And to not have a device that's emitting radiation in your house, on your house, 24/7."
Protestors Question Benefits Of Smart Meters - Vermont Public Radio
(Dillon) The utilities say the new wireless meters are an essential part of the "smart grid" that should save customers money in the long run. The meters communicate electronically, providing real-time data on electricity use. The power companies say a customer should be able to track his or her power use, and turn off energy-hogging appliances when the price of power is high.
But critics such as Martine Victor of Manchester say the smart grid technology has moved forward with little public involvement or oversight.
(Victor) "We're really unhappy about the lack of democratic process in this policy. It's sort of been a stealth operation. No one has known about it. I would say 99 percent of the people I've spoken to - friends, acquaintances, strangers - they're like, ‘Smart meters?' They've never heard of it.
(Dillon) The critics want the utilities to allow customers to decide if they want smart meters installed in their homes. The Department of Public Service, the agency that represents consumers, has pushed for these "opt out" provisions. James Porter is the department's director of telecommunications.
Smart grid opponents speak out - WCAX
Opponents of smart meters rallied in Montpelier Tuesday.
The meters are designed to help manage electricity use. Protesters are concerned about privacy where the meters would be installed. Vermont's two largest utilities, Central Vermont Public Service and Green Mountain Power, are both getting ready to install smart meters in place of the traditional ones.
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