LIHU‘E — Smart meters are either a 21st century answer to a more efficient and reliable energy grid, or a potential health hazard and Big Brother nightmare. It depends on who you talk to. The Kaua‘i Transparency Initiative, led by
LIHU‘E — Smart meters are either a 21st century answer to a more efficient and reliable energy grid, or a potential health hazard and Big Brother nightmare. It depends on who you talk to.
The Kaua‘i Transparency Initiative, led by Ray Songtree of Hanalei, held a “Real Truth about Smart Meters” meeting at the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center on Monday night.
Songtree presented the opposition’s side to the plan by the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, or KIUC, to begin installing the wireless electric meters in homes in April.
Songtree presented a 113-page report based on studies and feedback from other metropolitan areas with smart readers. KIUC should slow down and follow the precautionary principles of ethics and science before proceeding with the plan, he told an audience of nine people at the meeting.
Some participants said they were concerned about possible effects on their health, saying a compromised immune system is especially sensitive to even low-level energy transmissions.
Even if an opt-out choice were allowed, a majority opting to allow installation would not negate the possible effects of exposure, they said.
KIUC spokeswoman Maile Moriguchi said Tuesday there is no opt-out option at this time. “Until a decision on an opt-out program has been made, KIUC will established a deferred installation process for members who do not want a smart meter,” Moriguchi said. “The deferral process will allow members to notify KIUC, and no smart meter will be installed pending a final decision by the board.”
According to KIUC, electronic meters are more accurate than analog or mechanical meters. The project allows remote meter readings and detection of outages at the household level with six to eight daily transmissions that last less than a second and are weaker than a cell phone signal.
KIUC has said the meters comply with safety standards.
Security and privacy concerns about how energy usage information will be used also were expressed at Monday night’s meeting.
“KIUC does not sell its members’ data to any third party,” Moriguchi said. “KIUC abides by stringent policies protecting the privacy and security of your electric usage data.”
Meter manufacturers are incorporating security features recommended by national security experts, Moriguchi added.
For more information about the Kaua‘i Transparency Initiative, call Natan Kauakahi at 245-2232 or email kauaitruth@gmail.com.
For more information from KIUC, call 246-4300.
