To the editor:
The appropriateness of smart meters is highly debatable
Smart meters have the capability of being a surveillance system and anyone with the know-how can tap into the system to tell when appliances are being used or when homes are vacant.
They also violate the fundamental democratic right to protect our health. The World Health Organization/IARC has stated that radio frequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to people.
Further, hydro charges have risen dramatically in places where smart meters have already been installed, with many customers reporting increases of 50 per cent due to "peak hours" charges.
In Australia, the Energy and Resources Minister for Victoria announced a "moratorium on the scheme [smart meters]" because of concerns that pensioners and the poor would be hit hardest by higher electricity prices.
The issue of smart meters should immediately be put on hold and should become an election issue.
Municipalities can, and should, take a stand against smart meters.
Amanda Driedger
Surrey
