Sticking To Their Guns

'No' votes won't stop rollout of smart meters - Bennington Banner

Voters in Bennington, Dorset, Manchester and Sandgate all approved resolutions, either at floor meetings or on the ballot. Those towns may send letters to CVPS to indicate how they voted. But the resolutions are non-binding, and carry no authority to affect the utility's plans.

In fact, CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said everything remains on track for smart meters to be installed this year. Some have already been installed in Rutland County, and a total of about 160,000 will eventually be connected. The utility is planning to boost its efforts at educating the public on the devices, however, he said.

"We're definitely thinking about that because, quite honestly, the amount of misinformation out there is really disturbing," he said.

The resolution in Bennington, which passed on a voice vote during the annual floor meeting, called for a one-year moratorium on installation of the devices.

"Significant health questions have been raised by medical researchers and individuals regarding the increased and constant exposure to electromagnetic frequency radiation that Smart Meter technology represents," the resolution reads.

"The smart meter is no more dangerous than a baby monitor. People are spreading misinformation and scaring people," Costello said. "This isn't the Vermont way. People are just saying things that are demonstrably untrue and it's really disturbing."