{"id":2936,"date":"2011-09-05T00:01:26","date_gmt":"2011-09-05T07:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/?p=2936"},"modified":"2018-02-15T15:10:03","modified_gmt":"2018-02-15T22:10:03","slug":"the-truth-about-itron-and-b-c-hydro-wired-connections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/?p=2936","title":{"rendered":"The Truth about Itron and B.C. Hydro Wired Connections"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Back in March 2011, in response to groups of individuals concerned about the negative effects of the upcoming Smart Meter Program, B.C. Hydro gave assurances that, once Hydro’s plans were “finalized” they would be “helping people on a one-to-one basis.”<\/p>\n

People took Hydro at their word. Since March, a growing number of citizens have been writing letters and making phone calls, contacting B.C. Hydro, sharing their health issues, asking for answers and offering information with regards to the problematic effects of wireless metering technology. \u00a0To this date, there has been precious little, if any, constructive feedback or support received from Hydro.<\/p>\n

Back in March, Fiona Taylor, Hydro’s acting manager of Smart Metering, and Dr. John Blatherwick, retired Chief Medical Health Officer for Vancouver, currently a consultant for B.C. Hydro,\u00a0said that Hydro would be providing answers to people on a “case by case basis.”\u00a0Since then, Gary Murphy, Hydro’s Chief Project Officer, stated, “We\u2019re not going to force meters down on people that have had these concerns. We\u2019ll put those folks onto the end of the program. We\u2019re looking at alternatives.” \u00a0 Still, most recently,\u00a0B.C. Hydro advisor Harper Hadden\u00a0stated that “customers” could take it upon themselves to have the “Smart Meters” relocated, at their own expense.<\/p>\n

This is a far cry from “helping people.” This does not change the fact that, “on a one-to-one basis” a Hydro Smart Meter will still be transmitting on site, and that meter will still emit biologically harmful microwave radiation.<\/p>\n

Safer, more practical, more ethical options need to be implemented.<\/p>\n

There are areas in Ontario and the United States that are still using wired electric meters.\u00a0 In fact, today, homes in Ontario have meters collecting data and sending it via phone lines.\u00a0 This process makes sense. \u00a0It uses a private line that is only used for this service and it is safe and secure. \u00a0The filed patents for the Itron OpenWay meters actually state, as do many patents for other smart meter brands, that Itron OpenWay\u00a0can use a telephone line for communications.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

ITRON “OPEN WAY” \u00a0TELEPHONE LINE EVIDENCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n

ITRON ANNUAL 2008 REPORT <\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong>Filed 02\/26\/08 \u00a0for the period Ending \u00a002\/25\/08<\/p>\n

http:\/\/files.shareholder.com\/downloads\/ITRI\/1212411828x0xS780571%2D08%2D42\/780571\/filing.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

On page 7 ( page 4 number at footer )\u00a0\u00a0explains that Ethernet and PSTN ( Telephone Lines) can be used :<\/p>\n

” The\u00a0OPENWAY\u00a0system<\/span><\/strong> <\/strong>can utilize a variety of<\/p>\n

public communication platforms to transfer data,<\/p>\n

including GPRS,\u00a0Ethernet<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>PSTN<\/span><\/strong>, BPL, WiFi, WiMax and others.”<\/p>\n

\n

ITRON ANNUAL 2004 REPORT <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Form 10-K \u00a0 Itron Inc \/ WA \/ -ITRI \u00a0 Filed : March 11, 2005 (period: Dec 21, 2004)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Page 9 of 116<\/p>\n

Fixed Network AMR uses locally installed repeaters and concentrator devices to communicate with ERTs. Concentrators then use the utility’s choice of public communication platforms like GPRS (general packet radio service) networks,\u00a0Ethernet<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span>PSTN (public switched telephone networks)<\/span><\/strong> and others to transfer data between the concentrators and a host processor at a utility.\u00a0 Fixed Network AMR is designed for highly-automated, frequent data collection and is scalable to be cost effectively installed in both large, high density deployments, as well as smaller, spot deployments.\u00a0 Fixed Networks AMR supports a utility’s ability to preform a number of advanced applications such as interval meter data collection, time-of-use billing, load profiling, leak and tamper detection, off-cycle reads, outage and restoration notification, among others.<\/p>\n

\n

\"US06999567-20060214-D00000\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

NERTEC TeleReader invented for Electric & Gas Meters<\/h2>\n

Industry Canada approves Telephone connection for data transmition with electric meters<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.ic.gc.ca\/pics\/lm\/electric\/ae\/1054r3.pdf<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.ic.gc.ca\/pics\/lm\/electric\/ae\/1054r2.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/1054r3.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

“approved for use with the \u00a0GE type I-70-S meter (E- 0088),<\/p>\n

the Schlumberger Sema (ITRON) type Centron meter(AE- 0920), and the ELSTER type AB1 meter (AE-0598)”<\/p>\n

NERTEC TELEPHONE LINE<\/strong> in an ITRON SENTINAL<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.ecosmartinc.com\/productdocs\/ISentinel_Meter_Spec_Sht.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

“NERTEC NCTR 801TM Telereader inbound phone line modem”<\/p>\n

NERTEC PATENT FROM QUEBEC
\nhttps:\/\/books.google.com\/patents\/US6999567?hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

“…including ITRON, DCSI, HUNT, and SEMPRA, and indicates that most of them use a dedicated telephone system to communicate between their energy meters<\/strong> and their host computer systems. The cost of having a second dedicated telephone line is about $20 monthly for minimal basic service; for businesses it can be much more. Since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has determined that there are in excess of 105 million households in the United States (over 94 percent of all households) with phone lines, the annual cost of that number of dedicated lines would be in the billions of dollars, which would, of course be INCLUDED in the cost of electrical service.”<\/p>\n

NERTEC NCTR 801\u2122<\/strong> was used in the ITRON SENTINAL METER<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/shepherdinstruments.com\/doc\/sentinel_multimeasure.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

NERTEC<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0founded in 1985,\u00a0was acquired by Trilliant Networks, Inc. in 2004<\/p>\n

1989 to 1993 Patents<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0“reading device 40 may be coupled to a data transmission line such as a telephone line<\/strong> via a data recorder to read the information with respect to the electrical power consumption<\/strong>, this reading can be accomplished at a regular rate for example, monthly or weekly”\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Ontario Homes using a WIRED smart meter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo : <\/em><\/span>Ontario Home using a WIRED smart meter<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

photo : <\/em>Ontario Home using a NERTEC NCTR 801\u2122\u00a0Itron SENTINEL<\/a> smart meter, which has WIRED CAPABILITIES<\/span><\/a><\/span> ,<\/strong><\/p>\n

This home had the option to use WIRED CONNECTION or use Cellular ONCE A DAY for data collection.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

When BC Hydro responds to individuals stating that Itron only has a commercial model for telephone lines this seems quite strange, considering that other residential homes in Canada are using wired smart meters.<\/p>\n

“Opting Out” is another option people asked BC Hydro about, which is the same process Maine, California and other states in the usa are looking at.<\/p>\n

What has BC Hydro have to loose from actually wiring these meters? \u00a0 They still will make their money charging for peak hours of electricity use.\u00a0 Other vendors such as Telus can still charge for data collection via wired connections.\u00a0 So in the end these companies using wired connections will still get the data and revenue that they wanted, plus their customers are more content then they would have been with on going health issues.<\/p>\n

So when BC Hydro or Itron come out and say its not possible,\u00a0 we present their own Patents that explain just what these meters can do. \u00a0 BC Hydro needs to be fair and honest to customers.\u00a0 When its our health that is on the line,\u00a0 residents deserve the truth, and these Patents explain the truth about Itron OpenWay wired connections.<\/p>\n

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REFERENCES<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1 – ITRON “OpenWay” uses PSTN Telephone Lines<\/strong><\/p>\n

2 – Wired Meter in Ontario use PSTN<\/strong><\/p>\n

3 – PATENT :\u00a0System for remote data collection<\/strong><\/p>\n

4 – ITRON Form 10-K \u00a0Annual Report Filed March 31, 1998<\/strong><\/p>\n

5 – ITRON Form 10-K \u00a0Annual Report Filed Feb 26, 2008<\/strong><\/p>\n

6 – ITRON PATENT using TELEPHONE\u00a0Connections via Modem<\/strong><\/p>\n

7 – ITRON ANNUAL 2008 REPORT<\/strong><\/p>\n

8 – \u00a0ITRON\u00a0Introduces Two\u00a0Additional Network-Based\u00a0AMR Solutions and\u00a0Expands Communication\u00a0Capabilities.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9 – PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network<\/strong><\/p>\n

10 – TELUS PSTN<\/strong><\/p>\n

11 – Network running over both WIRED and wireless communication protocols<\/strong><\/p>\n

12 – Fairfax PG&E considers a WIRED Smart Meter alternative<\/strong><\/p>\n

——————————————————————————<\/p>\n

1 – ITRON “OPENWAY” uses PSTN Telephone Lines<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

OpenWay is the brand name that is on <\/strong>HOMES \/ RESIDENTIAL<\/strong> smart meters<\/strong><\/p>\n

ITRON CENTRON II \u00a0OpenWay handles PSTN MODEMS in the PATENTS, <\/strong>and<\/strong> even on the website :<\/strong><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.itron.com\/na\/productsAndServices\/Pages\/CENTRON%20II.aspx?market=electricity<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“A\u00a0variety<\/strong> of communication options\u00a0from industry-leading OEM providers”<\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

2 –\u00a0WIRED METER IN ONTARIO use PSTN phone lines <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

ELSTER WIRED\u00a0SMART\u00a0METER\u00a0–\u00a0MANUAL SAYS <\/strong>on page 10 of 192\u00a0of the PDF\u00a0 <\/strong> <\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Telephone Regulatory Information<\/strong><\/p>\n

The A3 ALPHA meter internal modem complies with Part 68 of the\u00a0FCC Rules. A label on the meter nameplate contains the FCC<\/p>\n

registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this\u00a0equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the<\/p>\n

telephone company. The connection to the telephone network is\u00a0through a modular jack USOC RJ-11C.<\/p>\n

The REN is used to determine the number of devices that can be\u00a0connected to the telephone line. If there is excessive ringer load on<\/p>\n

the telephone line, it is possible that a device will not ring in response\u00a0to an incoming call. On most lines, but not all, the sum of the RENs<\/p>\n

should not exceed 5. To be certain of the number of devices that can\u00a0be connected to a line, the local telephone company should be\u00a0contacted.<\/p>\n

If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the\u00a0telephone company will notify the user in advance that temporary<\/p>\n

discontinuance of service may be required. If advance notice is not\u00a0deemed practical, the telephone company will notify the user as soon<\/p>\n

as possible thereafter. At that time, the telephone company will also\u00a0advise the user of the right to file a complaint with the FCC if believed\u00a0to be warranted.<\/p>\n

The telephone company may make changes in its facilities,\u00a0equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation\u00a0of the equipment.<\/p>\n

If this happens, the telephone company will notify\u00a0the user in advance that any necessary modifications can be made to\u00a0ensure\u00a0uninterrupted service.<\/p>\n

If the user experiences trouble with this equipment, the Elster\u00a0Electricity RMR Department should be contacted at +1 919 212 4700.<\/p>\n

If the equipment is causing harm to the telephone network, the\u00a0telephone company may request that the equipment be disconnected\u00a0until the problem is resolved.<\/p>\n

This equipment should not be repaired by unauthorized personnel\u00a0except when replacing an entire module. This meter is not intended to<\/p>\n

be used on digital PBX lines, party lines, or pay telephone service\u00a0provided by the telephone company<\/p>\n

\n

3 – PATENT :\u00a0System for remote data collection<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Patent #: 6163276<\/p>\n

Issued on: 12\/19\/2000<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.patentstorm.us\/patents\/7782225\/description.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Other communication means between the DOC and the Base Stations<\/p>\n

may be a wireless cellular network, CDPD,\u00a0PSTN<\/strong>\u00a0and satellite data network.<\/p>\n

\n

4 – ITRON Form 10-K \u00a0Annual Report\u00a0<\/strong>Filed March 31, 1998<\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/investors.itron.com\/secfiling.cfm?filingID=780571-98-2<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Communications between NCNs and the utility’s GIHP typically utilize radio, telephone<\/strong>, frame relay or other wired communication<\/strong> media.<\/p>\n

\n

5 – ITRON Form 10-K \u00a0Annual Report <\/span><\/strong>Filed Feb 26, <\/strong>2008<\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/investors.itron.com\/secfiling.cfm?filingID=780571-08-42<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/investors.itron.com\/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1032210-01-500085<\/a><\/p>\n

Data collection hardware consists of handheld computers, mobile AMR and fixed network AMR. We provide several models of handheld computers that are used by meter readers to walk a route. Most handheld units we sell today are radio-equipped (handheld AMR); however, where there is not an AMR enabled meter, the meter reader visually reads the meters and inputs the data. Mobile AMR uses a radio transceiver located in a vehicle that communicates with all AMR-enabled meters within range and receives meter reading, tamper and other information from the meters. Mobile AMR is designed for reading concentrated deployments of AMR-enabled meters. Fixed network AMR communicates with AMR-enabled meters through an RF network on a more frequent basis. Concentrators are installed within a utility\u2019s territory and use a variety of\u00a0public communication platforms\u00a0<\/strong>including GPRS,\u00a0Ethernet, PSTN (public switched telephone networks)<\/strong>, BPL (broadband over power line) and others to transfer data between the concentrators and a host processor at a utility<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

6 – ITRON PATENT <\/span><\/strong>using <\/span><\/strong>T<\/span><\/strong>ELEPHONE\u00a0Connections via Modem<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0Itron, Inc.\u00a0(Liberty Lake, WA)<\/span><\/p>\n

Appl. No.: 12\/507,157<\/p>\n

Filed : July 22, 2009:<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/patft.uspto.gov\/netacgi\/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7847537.PN.&OS=PN\/7847537&RS=PN\/7847537<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Electricity meter with resilient connectors<\/strong><\/p>\n

A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing. Physical stability and strength is provided by using tapered mounting posts and integrated snap fit arrangements without requiring any screws for assembly. A light pipe provides external output through an innercover to indicate correct meter operation. Meter data and other metered information may be output through different configurations optionally involving hardwired output, RF links, pulse outputs, and telephone connections via modem<\/strong><\/span> or wireless.<\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

7 – ITRON ANNUAL 2008 REPORT <\/span><\/strong>Filed 02\/26\/08 \u00a0for the period Endingn 02\/25\/08<\/h2>\n

http:\/\/files.shareholder.com\/downloads\/ITRI\/1212411828x0xS780571%2D08%2D42\/780571\/filing.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

On page 7 ( page 4 number at footer ) \u00a0explains that Ethernet and PSTN ( Telephone Lines) can be used :<\/p>\n

The\u00a0OPENWAY\u00a0system <\/strong>can utilize a variety of<\/p>\n

public communication platforms to transfer data,<\/p>\n

including GPRS,\u00a0Ethernet<\/strong>, <\/strong>PSTN<\/strong>, BPL, WiFi, WiMax and others.”<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

8 – ITRON\u00a0Introduces Two\u00a0Additional Network-Based AMR Solutions and\u00a0Expands Communication\u00a0Capabilities.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.thefreelibrary.com\/Itron+Introduces+Two+Additional+Network-Based+AMR+Solutions+and…-a053900324<\/a><\/p>\n

The MicroNetwork consists of three components:<\/p>\n

Itron meter modules; locally installed\u00a0communications nodes called concentrators; and an<\/p>\n

Itron host processor station. The system uses a\u00a0two-step process to gather metering data.<\/p>\n

First,\u00a0using Itron’s radio communications technology, the\u00a0concentrator units automatically gather consumption<\/p>\n

data collected from nearby electric, gas, and water\u00a0meters equipped with Itron meter modules.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0MicroNetwork then\u00a0utilizes\u00a0TELEPHONE<\/strong> and\/or<\/strong> cellular\u00a0communications technology<\/p>\n

to send the\u00a0gathered\u00a0consumption data to the host processor station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There the metering data is processed \u00a0and\u00a0forwarded to billing services and other\u00a0utility\u00a0business operations as needed<\/p>\n

\n

9 – PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_switched_telephone_network<\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0public switched telephone network<\/strong> (PSTN<\/strong>) is the network of the world’s public\u00a0circuit-switched<\/a> telephone networks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It consists of\u00a0telephone lines<\/a>,\u00a0fiberoptic cables<\/a>,\u00a0microwave transmission links,\u00a0cellular networks,\u00a0communications satellites, and\u00a0undersea telephone cables all inter-connected by\u00a0switching centers which allows any telephone in the world to communicate with any other. Originally a network of\u00a0fixed-line analog telephone systems, the PSTN is now almost entirely\u00a0digital in its core and includes\u00a0mobileas well as\u00a0fixed telephones.<\/p>\n

The technical operation of the PSTN utilises standards created by the\u00a0ITU-T. These standards allow different networks in different countries to\u00a0interconnect seamlessly. There is also a single global\u00a0address space for\u00a0telephone numbers based on the\u00a0E.163 andE.164 standards. The combination of the interconnected networks and the single numbering plan make it possible for any phone in the world to dial any other phone.<\/p>\n

\n

10 – TELUS PSTN<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

PRI Service is a high speed digital facility between your serving wire center and your<\/p>\n

premises that provides access to the <\/strong>public switched telephone network (\u201cPSTN\u201d)<\/strong> and other<\/p>\n

networks. TELUS provides three types of PRI Services: (a) Voice\/Data DS-1 PRI (23B+D),<\/p>\n

which supports incoming and outgoing voice and data calls; (b) Starter Bundle (10B+D),<\/p>\n

which supports 10 PSTN Links for incoming and outgoing voice and data calls; and (c) ISP<\/p>\n

PRI, which supports incoming data calls only.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/business.telus.com\/en_CA\/BC\/help\/Small_Business\/Help_And_Support\/Terms_of_Service\/details\/bcSmbISDNTermsOfService.html<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

11 – ”\u00a0Smart Energy 2 defines an IP-based network of running over both WIRED and wireless communication protocols”<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/www.eetimes.com\/electronics-news\/4216970\/Zigbee-gets-consensus-on-smart-meter-spec<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

12 – Fairfax considers WIRED <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/sananselmofairfax.patch.com\/articles\/fairfax-begins-abatement-against-pge-utility-considers-wired-smart-meter<\/a><\/p>\n

Fairfax Begins Abatement Against PG&E; <\/strong>Utility Considers <\/strong>Wired<\/span><\/strong> Smart Meter<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong>Fairfax could physically remove PG&E antenna, even as the utility considers an alternative to its wireless meter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By\u00a0Kelly Dunleavy |\u00a0Email the author | November 5, 2010<\/p>\n

Despite the possibility that PG&E may finally consider a <\/strong>wired alternative<\/span><\/strong> to its controversial wireless digital smart meters, Fairfax decided to begin the process of nuisance abatement against the utility. This is the first step towards the town physically removing thefour PG&E antennas that serve as gathering and transmission points for the smart meters.<\/p>\n

“We might as well take that next step and see where it goes,” said Fairfax Council Member Larry Bragman.<\/p>\n

The antennas or transponder units, Fairfax claims, were put up without the necessary town approval or permits. Fairfax has issued a number of citations and PG&E has said that the utility is not subject to local jurisdiction’s ordinances.<\/p>\n

A nuisance abatement proceeding \u2013 designed for those that defy town codes and do not amend the violation \u2013 is a hearing that occurs first in front of town staff, then in front of the council, and could ultimately be appealed to the courts. If it is decided that the PG&E antennas are a nuisance in violation of town code, then they will be abated or physically taken down.<\/p>\n

It is not yet clear if PG&E will voluntarily participate in the nuisance abatement hearing.<\/p>\n

“I don’t know how we’re going to get them to participate in a hearing, when they won’t acknowledge our right to issue these citations,” said Mark Lockaby, Fairfax’s building official.<\/p>\n

“State law gives the [California Public Utilities Commission] exclusive oversight over the utilities,” said PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno, who also said he hadn’t been notified by the town of the proceeding yet and so wouldn’t comment on the specifics.<\/p>\n

The decision Wednesday night by the Fairfax Town Council to begin the process came close on the heels of a demonstration in Stinson Beach this week where residents attempted to create a blockade and surrounded a Wellington Energy truck \u2013 which is serving as the contractor installing the meters in Marin. In Fairfax, there has also been at least one police report of a PG&E worker being harassed.<\/p>\n

The town is encouraging residents to simply report any installations of smart meters to the police and to the town staff.<\/p>\n

Since Fairfax declared a moratorium on the PG&E meters within town limits, it appears that meters have continued to be installed. PG&E also voluntarily agreed, at that time, to a temporary moratorium on the installation of the meters within Fairfax until a number of community question and answer sessions were conducted. Only two of the three meetings have happened; the last was rescheduled for Nov. 30 at the Women’s Club.<\/p>\n

Bragman said it seems gas meters are being replaced. Town Manager Michael Rock also acknowledged that the police department has taken a number of reports of meters being installed. But, PG&E has said that they are only replacing meters that are broken or need replacement. In those cases, they don’t have any older meters to replace them with, and so residents are getting the new digital smart meter. However, the meters that are being installed are not active and are not transmitting or receiving data.<\/p>\n

In more than one case, Wellington contractors have been confronted by angry residents demanding to know why PG&E is violating both the town’s moratorium and the utility’s voluntary delay. In nearly every instance, the contractors have said they had no knowledge of the moratorium and were given work orders to install the meters.<\/p>\n

The council also voted Wednesday night to send a certified letter to the subcontractors notifying them they were in violation of the moratorium.<\/p>\n

“So, they can’t feign surprise with such sincerity,” said Bragman.<\/p>\n

On the positive side, for those who have been concerned about the health, safety, privacy, and security issues surrounding the meters, PG&E has agreed to consider a wired alternative to the wireless meters at the behest of the Marin Energy Authority (MEA).<\/p>\n

“They are looking into it and will get back to us in the next couple of weeks,” said MEA Executive Director Dawn Weisz.<\/p>\n

Moreno also acknowledged that MEA asked PG&E to look into wired meters<\/strong> and that they will be reporting on the feasibility of offering an alternative for some residents.<\/p>\n

Weisz said that MEA, which doesn’t have any control over the installation of the meters, may help PG&E with outreach and public education about energy efficiency, but only if customers are offered a choice about what type of meter they could have installed: wired or wireless.<\/p>\n

For critics of the meters, the wireless transmission of individual usage data raises health concerns about electromagnetic frequencies and radio frequencies. Because the data is transmitted from the smart meters on individual’s homes via a mesh cellular network to the transponder antennas on nearby poles, there is also concern that that network could easily be hacked into \u2013 making it easy for criminals to know when residents were home or what their daily habits were.<\/p>\n

PG&E has said these criticisms are unfounded.<\/p>\n

A wired option \u2013 using either fiber optic or a shielded cable \u2013 has been suggested by a number of opponents and is used as part of a smart grid in a number of countries, including Italy<\/strong>. In its application to the CPUC, the EMF Safety Network asked for a wired smart grid instead of the wireless one.<\/p>\n

“At this point, as a first step, I would be satisfied with a moratorium and an opportunity to be heard by the CPUC,” said Sandi Maurer, president of the EMF Safety Network.<\/p>\n

PG&E has said in the past that a <\/strong>fiber-optic or wired option<\/strong> would be prohibitively expensive and would be a large-scale project involving construction and further disruption of residents’ lives. The CPUC approved the wireless, digital meters as part of a larger smart grid. PG&E will finish the deployment of 10 million meters by 2012.<\/p>\n

If PG&E does agree to a wired alternative meter at MEA’s request, it will be the first such concession it has made.<\/p>\n

“So, that’s a glimmer of good news,” said Fairfax Mayor Lew Tremaine.<\/p>\n

PDF of This Report <\/span>:\u00a0Truth_about_Itron BC Hydro Wired Smart Meters<\/a><\/p>\n

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