Due Diligence

As much as I believe that smart meters are hurting people, animals, and plants, I also think that people who have done their due diligence on the issue should be able to have a device that pulses microwave radiation placed on their property – as long as those emissions remain localized. What I am passionately against is the placement of these and other electromagnetic polluters in public space. In my mind, putting smart meters on libraries, cell towers in parks, and Wifi in schools is no different than dumping oil in rivers, littering along roadways, or leaving cigarettes and matches in playgrounds. We should know better, yet superfluous upgrades are happening everywhere, in the name of "progress" and "competitiveness."

I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood that is served by Public Service of New Hampshire, a utility that did not receive "stimulus" grants to install smart meters. Even if I wanted a digital wireless electric meter, I wouldn't be able to have one. The problem is that I am completely surrounded by Green Mountain Power and New Hampshire Electric Coop service territories where smart meters are being installed, leaving me with two choices – staying put or speaking out.

I'm choosing the latter.


Town of Thetford, Vermont
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday August 27, 2012

Matt Fisken approached the Selectboard to discuss the planned upgrade by Green Mountain Power to install smart meters in 2013. Fisken asked that the Selectboard opt out of the smart meter upgrade for all meters on Town property. Fisken noted that Town meters are generally placed near public gathering areas or areas where there is already heightened radio signal traffic. Downey asked whether Green Mountain Power has backed off the $10 a month opt out fee. Fisken replied that the legislature passed a law removing that fee. Fisken also noted that the public received mailings detailing the opt out fee prior to the passing of the law to remove the fee. Fisken noted that he wants residents to be aware that there is no charge to opt out. Huling confirmed that there is no opt out fee from the Green Mountain Power website. Fisken also informed the Selectboard that a report on the safety and health impacts of smart meters by an independent party is due out in early 2013. The Report will be submitted to the Vermont Department of Public Health and the Vermont Public Utilities Commission for approval. Fisken stated that the new report should fill in the gaps in the initial State approved reports. The Selectboard informed Fisken that they will consider his request.


Town of Norwich, Vermont
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Wednesday September 12, 2012

Matt Fisken asked the Town to opt out of smart meters on Town property. He believes there is no need for them and views them as nuisances. He would like to see the Town brought back to a safer and healthier place. Ashley responded that he should take this matter up with the Town Manager.