Editor:
The front page story of Coast Reporter, Jan. 6, confirms that a legal challenge is to be made against BC Hydro's smart meter installation program.
The case will be made that Hydro is adding a wireless capability to its network and adding the capacity to collect information. Previously the opponents of this program complained on health grounds.
Hydro is acting within the law. Its distribution network already makes wide use of various bands within the radio spectrum for voice and data communications. It already collects user datain the mainby meter readers visiting subscriber premises.
The new meters operate in the 900 Mhz band and in compliance with federal rules and regulations, specifically RSS210. The technology they use is spread spectrum frequency hopping within the 900 Mhz band. The actual power generated by the meters is minute, perhaps two microwatts per sq cm. That is two over one million watts (this level reduces to 0.005 micro watts at a distance of three metres). The meters transmit three or four times per 24 hours for a total time of perhaps one minute.
All of us are bombarded 24 hours a day by radio signals across the whole spectrum and at much higher signal strengths than these meters will generate. Examples would include Telus, RCMP, marine and aircraft beacons, Coast Guard, emergency services,the military, CBC and commercial radio and TV.
Whether or not we as individuals use cell phones or marine radio, we are surrounded by those transmissions whether we like it or not.
Invasion of privacy? Big Brother or access to private data - all are concerns; however, not in this case, me thinks. I would just add that looking back over the past 40 to 50 years, I can't remember any of the old mechanical meters ever failing.
Paul Rhodes
Sechelt
