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Smart Meters - Public Service Commission

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However, anti smart meter websites blast that wireless technology claiming it can cause<br />

health problems.<br />

Critics have posted videos of customers chasing off installers and what's described as a<br />

smart meter fire.<br />

If you have one of the 186,000 already installed Sensus meters and have concern it is<br />

overheating, PECO has set up this hotline 1-855-741-9011.<br />

(Copyright ©2012 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> meters raise troubling issues<br />

April 15, 2012<br />

Have you heard of a smart meter? I hadn't until I received a notice from Baltimore Gas<br />

and Electric advising that it will be installing them in Anne Arundel County soon, so I<br />

searched for it on the Internet. Wow, there are a bunch of "Stop <strong>Smart</strong> Meter" groups all<br />

over the U.S. Why?<br />

A "smart meter" is a wireless electric meter designed to transmit two-way radio<br />

communications between your houseand BGE so that BGE can track your energy use.<br />

What's wrong with that, you ask? The meter emits radiofrequency (RF) radiation into<br />

your home 24/7 at levels one hundred times more than cell phones and other wireless<br />

"toys." The American Academy of Environmental Medicine opposes the installation in<br />

homes and schools (yes, they will be installed in your children's schools, too) as chronic<br />

exposure to RF radiation can cause serious health problems. Children and seniors are<br />

especially vulnerable. This is a scientific experiment, and we are the guinea pigs.<br />

Because the smart meter is a two-way communication device, your daily routines (when<br />

we make coffee, use our dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) will be sent to BGE and they<br />

(and hackers) will know when you are home and when you are not.<br />

Various security experts are advising that the system is not secure and hack-free.<br />

BGE promises lower rates because we will be able to track our own energy usage. BGE<br />

admits it has not done a complete cost of service study to support its estimates. In fact,<br />

citizens in other states that already have the such meters are complaining of increases.<br />

Other states have issued moratoriums or opt-out programs. Hopefully, Maryland will be<br />

next, but it is up to the <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Service</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.<br />

Traci M. Radice, Baltimore

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