NS Power will begin replacing these digital power meters with smart meters this fall.
A community group is sounding the alarm on smart power meters.
The new meters send information via a wireless signal that will allow Nova Scotia Power to more accurately monitor when homeowners are using the most energy.
The power corporation will begin installing the meters in every home and business across the province this fall.
Co-administrator of the group “No Smart Meters in Nova Scotia” Janette Georges warns the meters are known to cause fires, produce dirty energy and can result in a host of health problem including headaches, sleep disruption, dementia and even cancer.
“So it’s not just, I’m making this up. Not at all. I am citing top scientists from around the globe and I am sharing the most pertinent information with the public.”
Georges says Nova Scotians are running out of time to opt-out.
“They can find out the information for themselves and they should be allowed to make the educated decision as to if they want one of these devices on their home, business or property or not.”
The group is hosting an information meeting at the Oakdene Centre in Bear River tonight starting at 6:30pm.
Georges says more information is available on the groups website and Facebook page.
Nova Scotia Power insists the group’s concerns are unfounded.
Spokesperson Melissa Foshay says the meters meet all Health Canada and Measurement Canada standards and have been found to be completely safe.
Foshay says the smart technology will help NS Power meet customer’s demands for affordable rates and reliable service.
“Any time we’re able to make our business more efficient with technology and making things automated, it makes things more efficient from a cost perspective as well.”
Foshay says the smart meters are currently used in about 70% of Canadian homes.
“We’ve really had an opportunity to carefully review the technology and are confident that they’ll be able to enhance our service to customers and that they are safe.”
Foshay says if people want to opt-out of Smart Meter installation they can do so by contacting NS Power but they would be subject to an additional four dollar monthly charge to have someone come to read their old meter.
She says Nova Scotia Power expects to have the smart meter system online in 2021.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
