Smart Meters - Public Service Commission

Image via Shutterstock
With hundreds of major utilities poised to start upgrading analog meters to smart
meters, accusations like this are a legitimate concern for the public and local
governments. Should we be worried that smart meters, while good for efficiency, are
hazardous to our health? Most research seems to indicate that smart meters, while a
source of RF emissions, are far from the worst offenders. In fact, the cell phones,
microwave ovens, garage door openers, and wireless routers we use for hours a day are
likely more of a health threat.
In early 2011, industry group Electric Power Research Institute released the results of
tests showing the radio frequency emissions of one smart meter fell well below the
federal safety threshold, and that the strength of the signal dropped with distance.
Because smart meters transmit for only a small fraction of the day, the RF level in actual
usage would be less than 1 percent of the FCC limit, EPRI said.
Just last month, the Michigan Public Service Commission released a report that
synthesizes much of the scientific research that has investigated alleged health risks
from smart meters. It points out methodological errors in the studies that agreed RF
exposure is hazardous, and ultimately concluded that the risk from installing and
operating these meters is insignificant.