Okanagan First Nation Bans Fortis from installing Smart meters
OLIVER/CKNW (AM980)
Laura Baziuk
6/13/2013
Another group in B.C. has come out fiercely opposed to smart meters.
The Osoyoos Indian Band says its council has voted to ban Fortis BC from installing the electricity meters at its 700 homes and businesses.
The chief, Clarence Louie, says “science-based evidence” has convinced his and council the radiation emitted by the wireless meters could harm their children and the environment.
Fortis serves separate regions of British Columbians than BC Hydro, which has also installed smart meters to much opposition.
Fortis applied to the BC Utilities Commission last summer to be able to install their own meters.
If approved, it would start switching out the old for the new starting next year.
Spokesman Neil Pobran says the utility is aware of the band’s decision, but adds it’s a bit premature.
“We will work with customers that are concerned if we do get an approval and we’ll take it as a first step, but as we’re talking right now we don’t have a project to begin yet.”
Pobran says Health Canada and the provincial health officer approve of the meters.
He adds Fortis expects a decision from the commission by the end of the summer.
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=1983915
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