I just got my second “notice” from Eversource saying that my “electric meter will be getting an upgrade,” to a new “smart meter” and that “no action is required from you at this time.” National Grid is doing the same.
What it failed to say is that I can opt out of using the new meter, how to opt out, or why to opt out? There are no disclaimers or disclosures or warnings about the health or safety impacts of the meters.
Don’t want this device used in your home? You can opt out by paying about $35 a month so that the meter can be read like it is now. Otherwise they will read your meter remotely. You will not get a discount with a “smart meter” because they are not paying a driver to read your meter. To opt out you will have to figure that out for yourself by calling or writing Eversource and then hope it all works out for you.
Will a “smart meter” lower your light bill? No. Lower your energy usage? No. Are there potential health effects and safety issues that you should be concerned about? Yes.
Can you opt out without paying if you are a senior citizen, a veteran, have health issues made worse by radio frequency exposure, are disabled, or cannot afford the monthly fee? No. Who said so? The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
Does it hurt Eversource to let people not pay? Since 2012, people opt out without paying in Vermont, and life has gone on there.
What can you do? Attend in person or on Zoom the Nov. 13, 7 p.m. presentation at Greenfield Middle School: “Smart Meters: Health Safety and Opting Out” with National Safe Tech expert Dr. Kent Chamberlin.
Call your state legislators and ask them to support the bills to opt out without paying: H.3551/S.2306. Sign on to support the statewide ballot question 25-44 (Petition 9) “Guarantee Meter Choice” at the event. Go to https://www.hilltownhealth.org/.
Janet Sinclair
Shelburne Falls