Many Jemena customers have recently been sent a letter advising them that they must allow the installation of a smart meter.
In short the letter states.
- This compulsory meter exchange is Government policy. If you have a smart meter resistance sign on the meter box or elsewhere on your property, technicians are still required to carry out the installation.
- If you have a Victorian Power Industry lock (VPI) on your meter box, the technician will be able to access it to exchange the meter. If you have another type of lock, this may be removed to gain access to the meter.
- If you deny access to your property, Jemena may, in accordance with the Electricity Distribution Code, disconnect your supply as a last resort until access to exchange and test the meter is provided. [SSMA emphasis is in bold]
A copy of the letter in full: Jemena installation letter 19 April 2013
Jemena very well knows that people have the legal right to refuse smart meter installations and that the Electricity Distribution Code does not contain express terms to the effect that consumers are obliged to allow persons on to their property to install smart meters. Even the Essential Services Commission has written that it “does not consider the behaviour described [threatening to disconnect electricity, impose financial penalties, telling the customer that they have to accept installation, threatening to break any locked meter box] as being consistent with “best endeavours”. We recommend any such instances be brought to the attention of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV).”
See: Essential Services Commission answers questions on bullying and threats
So don’t be intimidated by any misleading letters. Electricity distributors must perform their “best endeavours” to install smart meters. It’s a shame they often rely on bullying and intimidating their “customers”.
Last year Stop Smart Meters Australia launched the song and film clip Intimidation (smart meter plan). Today we dedicate it especially to Jemena. See: Intimidation (smart meter plan)
We will not be intimidated!
Stop Smart Meters Australia 
Received the third or fourth letter from SP Ausnet. This time after happening to meet the installation technician at the gate where notice was posted, and where he said with good manners, ” It is obvious you won’t take a smart meter, do you understand the consequences?” I said I did , which I don’t! Whereupon, he offered me his phone to contact his superiors…this I refused. We parted amicably.
The new letter stated among other things, “The planned work is part of the Victorian Government’s Smart Meter Program……….This means that it is mandatory for all Victorian electricity consumers to have a smart meter installed at their premises.”…..As advised under Section 3.3 of the Electricity Distribution Code (January 2011) a customer is required to allow SP Ausnet, as the owner of the electricity meter, clear and unhindered access for the new meter installation to occur.
Please contact (us) to reschedule your installation..etc…..”
This time the Notice of Prohibition will be sent. Here’s hoping that will end the matter….ha ,ha!
Rabbie,
Can SSMA try to get onto a show such as Insight? – Jenny Brockie seems to have compassion for injustice, or Q&A on the ABC. These shows have a large following although they aren’t typically mainstream. There’s just not enough coverage of the smart meter/ smart grid issue affecting us all at the moment and it’s getting really frustrating waiting for some breakthrough to happen on this website.. I think most would agree. Time is running out and there is an election on the horizon…anybody, could you please give us an update on progress or campaigns – Thanks.
Another thing – writing letters only gets you a generic response and is a waste of time in my opinion. Action is what’s needed now… Strength in numbers, pounding on doors and getting heard once and for ALL!
No, I disagree. The right letters, saying the right things, are an important part of our battle. You have to build a file of credible objection. You have to show that you are a compliant, law abiding person who is only objecting to the installation of a smart meter for valid reasons. I fully understand that we will only get BS, generic responses. You don’t think I expect them to write back and say “Oh sorry, we see your point, you’re right, you don’t have to have one,” do you? No. But we build a picture of ourselves as decent, law abiding citizens with genuine concerns. We keep our meter boxes locked, but with windows so the meter can be read. We say we are willing to have our meter changed as long as they change it with a conventional analogue meter. All this paints a picture of us as being reasonable. They are then forced to display THEIR true colours, by taking a heavy handed approach, as I mentioned, by sawing through our padlocks or busting open our meter boxes which are OUR property! Once they do that, or unlawfully restrict our supply, they are GONE and they know it! We have to make sure if ever they are stupid enough to do anything like that, we record it. Another thing regarding letters, all these official bodies have it written into their charters that they have a commitment to respond to written, public enquiries – and within a certain time frame. If enough people wrote and wrote and kept writing, eventually their systems would not be able to cope and they just might throw up their hands and say “Hey, we’ve got to do something, we aren’t coping. Maybe we can let these obstinate objectors keep their analogue meters. Maybe we can work around them somehow.”
Here is the actual wording of the law of which I notified SP Ausnet they will breach if they ignore my notice. I have to confess the penalty does not appear to be what I stated in my letter, I copied another source verbatim before I confirmed the penalty. $10,000,000 is not correct – it feels correct, though 😉
168 Harassment and coercion
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses physical force, or undue harassment or
coercion; and
(b) the physical force, or undue harassment or coercion is used in
connection with:
(i) the supply or possible supply of goods or services; or
(ii) the payment for goods or services; or
(iii) the sale or grant, or the possible sale or grant, of an
interest in land; or
(iv) the payment for an interest in land.
Penalty:
(a) if the person is a body corporate—$1,100,000; or
(b) if the person is not a body corporate—$220,000.
Dear TPG,
That $10,000,000 was a typo error and it is incorrect. That’s what I got but found out by phoning the ACCC in Canberra and checking with their Lawyers that it is a $1.1 Million Dollar Fine, sorry about that. As soon as I was aware of the mistake I corrected the typo I had received and sent out the correct notice, here it is below.
Please copy it out, Copy and Paste is best and send it off PRONTO to the foreign owned Electricity Power Company making life HELL for you. That’s what I did and PRESTO, no more threatening letters from these GRUBS so far, just on 12 months now.
(DATE)
(INSERT OWN NAME)
(ADDRESS)
(Insert name and
Address of Power Distributor)
NOTICE OF PROHIBITION OF UNDUE HARASSMENT OR COERCION FOR SMART METER INSTALLATION
This notice is provided to _______________________________________________ and any persons, entities,
(Insert Power distributor name and ACN no off letter you received)
Employees, associates, corporations, sub-contractors and agents of the fore mentioned (herein referred to as Your Company).
Notice to agent is notice to principal.
Note: This notice is provided in addition and following a NOTICE OF PROHIBITION FOR
SMART METER INSTALLATION (date of your first letter) and NOTICE Your Company’s
INTENTION TO DISHONOUR AND VIOLATE PROHIBITION FOR SMART METER
INSTALLATION NOTICE (date of your letter received from Power Distributor after) served on Your Company.
Your Company is prohibited and forbidden from communication in any manner, with the intent to solicit for the installation of a “smart meter” or meter containing wireless communication function(s) at the following (service) address: (Insert your address). Such an act is herein referred to as a PROHIBITED ACT.
I have lawful and legal standing and claim of right to make such a demand.
Any PROHIBITED ACT will be considered an act of undue harassment or coercion with the supply or possible supply of goods or services as defined by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CTH) Vol. 3, Ch. 4, PT> 4-1, Div. 5 Sec. 168; such an offence carries a penalty of $1.1,000,000:00 One point one Million Dollars. If Your Company is in any way directed by the Government (State of Victoria) and State of Victoria Corporation to perform such an offence, the Government and individual members are liable under tort may in addition be held vicariously liable.
Any PROHIBITED ACT remains prohibited unless I provide a NOTICE OF CESSATION OF PROHIBITION explicitly annulling this notice, or following a sale of property and change of property title holder for the property in question.
A copy of this notice will also be provided for their records to (via regular mail):
1. Customer Relations, DPI,
2. Minister Michael O’Brien, Government in the State of Victoria.
If a response to this notice containing any dispute of facts or CLAIM OF RIGHT based on lawful claim of right is not received within fourteen days from Your Company, it shall be fact that you accept as fact this notice and facts contained within, and will honour this notice; such requiring no further action on your behalf.
Sincerely
_______________ ____________________ _____________________
(Your SIGNATURE) (Witness to your Signature) (Print Witnesses name)
I thought it may be helpful to others for me to provide an update on how my own personal battle is progressing, Following my letter to SP AusNet (posted below), I received further communication from them, quoting chapter and verse of their so called “mandate.” It was worded more strongly than their previous letter. In a nutshell saying they don’t care how much I object, they’re going to install a smart meter at my house and if that means disconnecting my power then so be it.
Now, I’m not sure how that would actually play out if I keep my meter box locked (which I intend to do). Will they come along with armed police and force me to open it? Will they saw the padlock off? Bust the meter box open with a crow bar? That will be a great look, won’t it? I hope I can get the TV cameras here in time to capture that. I will certainly be capturing it in full colour myself. Should go viral on YouTube I reckon.
Now, to save time people. I must tell you, I lodged a complaint with EWOV. They aren’t much help. They basically agree that the power distributor has a mandate to install a smart meter at my house (their words). It is outside the scope of what they can do. They gave me the telephone number of my closest General Community Legal Centre, as taking civil action is my only recourse.
I have also been in touch with http://www.shine.com.au, the legal service with which Erin Brokovich is connected. They sound like very nice people. But again, stopping the installation of a smart meter is not something they do. They specialize in personal injury claims. I would recommend if there is anyone reading this who has already been adversely affected by the installation of a smart meter, I mean where it has already been installed, and their health or wellbeing has suffered because of this, you should contact Shine Lawyers.
For now I have send a further letter to SP AusNet (thanks to information I gathered from this site) which I have copied and pasted here below. I hope this post has helped someone. Will keep you posted on developments.
“NOTICE OF PROHIBITION OF UNDUE HARASSMENT OR COERCION FOR SMART METER INSTALLATION
This notice is provided to SP Ausnet and any persons, entities, employees, associates, corporations, sub-contractors and agents of the aforementioned (herein referred to as Your Company). Notice to agent is notice to principal.
Note: This notice is provided in addition and following NOTICES OF PROHIBITION FOR SMART METER INSTALLATION, dated 21 February 2012, 30 October 2012 and 10 July 2013, and NOTICE Your Company’s INTENTION TO DISHONOUR AND VIOLATE PROHIBITION FOR SMART METER INSTALLATION NOTICES, dated 8 July 2013 and 18 July 2013, served by Your Company.
Your Company is prohibited and forbidden from communication in any manner, with the intent to solicit for the installation of a “smart meter” or meter containing wireless communication function(s) at the following (service) address: *******************. Such an act is herein referred to as a PROHIBITED ACT. I have lawful and legal standing and claim of right to make such a demand.
Any PROHIBITED ACT will be considered an act of undue harassment or coercion with the supply or possible supply of goods or services as defined by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CTH) Vol. 3, Ch. 4, PT> 4-1, Div. 5 Sec. 168; such an offence carries a penalty of $10,000,000. If Your Company is in any way directed by the Government (State of Victoria) and State of Victoria Corporation to perform such an offence, the Government and individual members are liable under tort and may in addition be held vicariously liable. Any PROHIBITED ACT remains prohibited unless I provide a NOTICE OF CESSATION OF PROHIBITION explicitly annulling this notice, or following a sale of property and change of property title holder for the property in question.
If a response to this notice containing any dispute of facts or CLAIM OF RIGHT based on lawful claim of right is not received within fourteen days from Your Company, it shall be fact that you accept as fact this notice and facts contained within, and will honour this notice; such requiring no further action on your behalf.”
TPG, I am not 100% sure, but I think they can cut your power off by removing a large fuse(screws out with extension pole) which is situated in the black plastic box on the pole where the electrical wire enters the house. This was done to us many years ago.
TPG, any chance you can cut (,edit if needed) and paste the wording that they used
I didn’t have the letter online,I had it in hardcopy. But this issue is so important I have typed it out verbatim and posted it below. Forewarned is forearmed. It is essential that people know what they will do in an attempt to intimidate them in the hope that they go weak at the knees and give them access to their meter boxes. Which, by the way, I was referring to in my post where I said I would capture in living colour and audio any heavy handed effort to get into my meter box to install a smart meter. John C is referring to the actual disconnection of my power. I don’t claim to have control over that. Accept that I personally do not believe stage they have the right to do that. If you read SP AusNet’s letter carefully you will see that their dishonesty stands out like a dog’s proverbials. They do not have a LAW to install a smart meter. They have an agreement with the government. There is a BIG difference! Make no mistake, there is a MASSIVE difference! Also, notice how the liars pretend that they have the right to cut off your power if you don’t agree to have a smart meter installed? What they quote actually says no such thing. It says they have the right to shut off power to carry out their works. Sure, but I’m not giving them permission to install a smart meter – SO THEY HAVE NO WORKS TO CARRY OUT – SO THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO CUT OFF MY POWER! Do you see my point? They couldn’t lie straight in bed these crooked scumbags. Here is the letter. I am a bit tired after all this typing. I would really appreciate it if others with legal expertise could point out other flaws in their claims, as they see them.
****I refer to your letter received on 12 July 2013 regarding the installation of a smart meter on your property.
Our Customer Service Centre has provided you with the facts of the rollout in order to clarify the misinformation related to health, safety and privacy. There is currently no option to defer or refuse a smart meter installation in Victoria.
In 2006, the Victorian Government decided to roll out advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or ‘smart meters’ to all Victorian residential and small business electricity customers. The regulatory arrangements relating to the roll out are set out in a November 2008 Order in Council (OIC) made under the electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic). The Order in Council; states that all electricity meters are to be exchange (sic) for AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters (Smart meters).
SP AusNet is obliged by its license to comply with Orders in Council and Codes established by the Essential Services Commission of Victoria. The relevant Orders in Council and Codes require SP AusNet to use their “best endeavours” to install smart meters for all customers with an annual electricity consumption of 160 MWh or less before 31 December 2013 and is required by the Electricity Distribution Code to provide, install and maintain standard metering in accordance with the relevant Orders in Council and the Electricity Customer Metering Code.
These meters must, according to the Order in Council, be smart meters. The electricity metering equipment is owned by the distribution company. Customers must provide free and unrestricted access to metering on its property.
Clause 3.3.2(a) of the Essential Services Commission’s Electricity Distribution Code Version 7 gives distribution businesses a right to access premises, provided official identification is provided, for “any purpose associated with the supply, metering or billing of electricity”. This right is intended to facilitate performance by a distribution business of its functions and obligations associated with the supply, metering or billing of electricity.
These functions and obligations include ensuring that all premises have an electricity meter, that electricity meters are properly maintained, that they are replaced, where necessary, due to fault or age, and in this case particularly, that smart meters are installed in accordance with Government regulation.
A customer is bound to comply with the Electricity Distribution Code pursuant to their contract with their distribution business, (which takes effect as outlined in section 40A(5) of the Electricity Industry Act 2000). The Electricity Distribution Code can be accessed at the Essential Services Commission website at http://www.esc.vic.gov.au.
In addition, a distributor is given the right to enter land in certain circumstances under section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.
Section 5.3 of the Electricity Distribution Code also goes on to state; a distributors right to interrupt supply; it is noted in this section that a Distributor may interrupt supply at any time for augmentation of the distribution system.
It then follows on to say; Augmentation is defined in section19 of the Electricity Distribution Code as the process of upgrading the Distribution System by replacing or enhancing existing plant and equipment or by adding new plant or equipment and includes modifying any of the Distributor’s fixed assets.
SP AusNet is required to replace the old meter and install a smart meter at your premises. The current meter is the equipment of SP AusNet and as such we are entitled to replace it. As a property owner you are required to provide free and clear access to your property fro this to occur.
SP AusNet is administering the AMI program for the Victorian Government by following an agreed protocol developed and endorsed by the Department of Primary Industries website – http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au.
Quite a lot of $H#T thrown at you but at the end of the day regardless of what they say we have legitimate authority to tell SP AUSNET to F OFF with their intrusive toxic device.
Armed with the Magna Carta 1215 (exhibit A) and The Nuremberg Code of Ethics (exhibit B), We, The People, can not be forced to participate in a program that is “of our opinion” – “a scientific experiment”.
I rest my case.
To Just say NO !
Quite right, please note that not only under Magna Carta 1215 (exhibit A) and the Nuremberg Code of Ethics (exhibit B) but also under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ we the People of Victoria Australia are a Democracy and in a Democracy we the people cannot be Legally forced to be made to do anything which goes against our democratic rights where we the people feel that any goods or services proffered or in this case are being ILLEGALLY attempted to be forced upon us MAY possibly cause us to become sick as is proving to be the case with these damn stupid and intrusive dopey Microwave so-called Smart Meters that are not safe for humans or any life at all, and can and do in a number of cases cause fires in the customers Electric Meter Boxes and can and have caused damage to these customers private electrical goods. These facts are being proven not only here in Victoria, but now World-Wide. See also your own Victorian Charter of Human Rights 2006.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/cohrara2006433/ See clauses 10 and 13 in particular. which state the following.
Clause 10. [Index] [Table] [Search] [Search this Act] [Notes] [Noteup] [Previous] [Next] [Download] [Help]
——————————————————————————–
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 – SECT 10
Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
Clause 10. Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
A person must not be-
(a) subjected to torture; or
(b) treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way; or
(c) subjected to medical or scientific experimentation or treatment
without his or her full, free and informed consent.
Clause 13. Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 – SECT 13
Privacy and reputation
13. Privacy and reputation
A person has the right-
(a) not to have his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence
unlawfully or arbitrarily interfered with; and
(b) not to have his or her reputation unlawfully attacked.
Please also see the rest of these clauses to get the full picture.
Please note that these five foreign owned Electric Power Companies are acting is if they were a Bunch of Nazis as they continue to attempt to Jack-Boot us into doing what they want with their shiny Stiefeln = the German word for BOOTS as they did to their own German Citizens just before the Second World War through which I lived in London.
These five foreign owned Power Companies are being aided and abetted in their CRIMINAL attempts to force us to accept these Dangerous to all Life Dopey Microwave poisonous so-called Smart Meters which are not SMART in any way at all
by this Now Proving to be Criminal Victorian Liberal Party Government and its weak and criminal officers who are nothing but a Bunch of Crooks aided and abetted by Mr Nicholas Kotsiras and Mr Dennis Napthine and the C.E.O’s of the five foreign owned Electrical Power Companies and the C.E.O of the Department of Primary Industry in charge of the Smart Meter Section.
I have spoken to and written to all of these GRUBS and each blames the other for this Stinking Smart Meter Mess they have made for themselves and the people of Victoria as these corrupt officers sink ever deeper into this Stinking Mire they have created. I for one and thousands like me will never give into these EVIL PEOPLE. As I said before we are a Democracy and we will not be dictated to by these Stinking Low Life SCUM !
Remember dear readers, to padlock your Electric Meter Boxes to keep your Passive and Safe to Life Analogue Meters securely locked in your Electric Meter Boxes. Make sure you post your Legal Common Law Anti-Trespass $167,000:00 Dollars Notices on both your Electric Meter Boxes and your front fence/s and or gates.
You own both the Electric Meter Box/s and the Safe and Passive Analogue Meters. Do not accept the CONSTANT LIES from the five Electricity Companies that …….” They own the Analogue Electric and Passive Meters and the Electric Meter Boxes, they don’t YOU DO. I asked PowerCor to prove to me in writing that they owned the Electric Analogue Meter and the Electric Meter Box, on several occasions and they never could. So they are a pack OF LYERS as are the other four foreign owned Electric Power Companies here in Victoria. You own both the Electric Meter Box/s and your Safe and Passive Electric Analogue Meter/s.
Remember that the Microwave so-called Smart Meters are not smart in any way at all, but a load of cheap foreign made rubbish and also the source of many fires in not only Victorian Customers Electric Meter Boxes but those overseas as well as these DOPY so-called Smart Meter Installer men continue to go about their Evil or Luciferian and Criminal Tasks of FOISTING these INCENDIARY Microwave Meters onto in many cases a too trusting and gullible Victorian Public.
Disconnection matters should not be outside the scope of EWOV. Electricity is an essential service. If some vulverable member in my household was to pass away as a result of electricity disconnection then the persons responsible would need to be watching their every single footstep for every moment of the rest of their lives.
Is the current meter really their equipment? Ask for proof of ownership. Also ask what they intend to do with all the analogue meters, since they care so much about the environment – NOT! What the hell happened to the catchphrase ‘SUSTAINABILITY’ then??
Upon reviewing my response I found it necessary to reword the second last paragraph as follows. I think this makes my point crystal clear whereas the first draft seemed a little vague perhaps.
Second last paragraph take two:-
“This letter, which has been forwarded by registered post, should be kept on record by SP AusNet, as evidence that I am a customer in total compliance with the installation of a device to accurately measure my electricity use. However, if it is believed the device threatens the health, safety and privacy of my family it is my constitutional, human right to refuse such a device. I believe a smart meter poses such a threat. Also, this letter is evidence that SP AusNet has used its best endeavors (the government’s ONLY mandate) to install a smart meter, albeit unsuccessfully.”
That’s the final draft and will be in the post tomorrow. Don’t go weak at the knees people.
It is WRONG what they are trying to do. Putting my position on official record as I have done, surely, in the eyes of a fair judge can be seen to have no motive other than the desire for the wellbeing of my family. If that can’t be acknowledged and if we are to end up being forced somehow into accepting these damned things no matter how honest, strong and righteous our protestations, then all I can say is move over China, Russia, North Korea et al and make way for Australia. That would be a sad, sad day.
I apologize for the length of this post, but I thought people may like to know how I responded to a heavy handed, high-horse, threatening letter from SP AusNet. I will include firstly their letter to me and then my response. You will see that my response mirrors their letter somewhat in style. This is very deliberate as I see it essential we don’t bow down to these bullies. They project themselves as powerful, government backed big shots. We must project ourselves as more powerful. In matters relating to our own homes – we are the authority!! – we have a natural human right to protect ourselves and our families from harm. That is more powerful than their position. But, importantly, we must go on record as being compliant. But how? My letter, I think, shows how we can be viewed as compliant, thus robbing them of their excuse to cut off our power, and yet at the same time steadfastly refuse the installation of a smart meter. I think this is very important. I hope you like my letter.
Their letter:
Our records indicate a refusal of access to exchange the existing electricity meter at the above address.
The planned work is part of the Victorian Government’s Smart Meter Program, and the new smart meter is now the industry standard in Victoria. This means that it is a requirement for all Victorian electricity customers to have a smart meter installed at their premises.
SP AusNet is not currently accepting refusals or deferrals for the installation of a smart meter.
Under Section 3.3 of the Electricity Distribution Code (May 2012) a customer is required to allow SP AusNet, as the owner of the electricity meter, clear and unhindered access for the new meter installation to occur. Refusing access constitutes non-compliance with the Code and, as such, customers may be disconnected for not complying, with subsequent reconnection charges.
In order to ensure you meet your obligations under the Code, we are contacting you to let you know your installation will now be rescheduled.
We are committed to providing the best service we can to our customers, and we are keen to work with you cooperatively so that both parties meet their respective obligations.
Should you wish to schedule a specific installation time, or require any further information, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 360 795.
My reply:
My records indicate that SP AusNet has been formerly advised in writing of my valid objections, on the grounds of health, safety and privacy, to the installation of a smart meter at my home.
My household is not currently accepting threats or bullying in relation to this matter.
Be it known, I am in full compliance with Section 3.3 of the Electricity Distribution Code (May 2012) and will willingly and cheerfully provide unhindered, clear access to SP AusNet should you wish to replace my current, conventional analogue meter with an updated, conventional analogue meter.
I am a model consumer who has an unblemished record of absolute cooperation with every utility and government authority I have dealt with in my forty years as a home owner.
In order, however, to meet my obligations under my household’s code in relation to health, safety and privacy I cannot allow the installation of a device which the household’s research has shown to be highly questionable, at the very least, in all of these areas.
I am committed to providing the safest, healthiest and most private environment for my family and myself, and I am keen to work with you cooperatively so that both parties meet their respective obligations. Me, by allowing you to measure my electricity use accurately, and SP AusNet, by doing so in a way acceptable to me by the use of a conventional analogue meter – an updated model if necessary.
This letter, which has been forwarded by registered post, should be kept on record by SP AusNet, as evidence that I am a customer in total compliance with any request to measure my electricity provided it does not breach my family’s natural, human rights of health, safety and privacy. Also, that SP Ausnet has used its best endeavors (the government’s ONLY mandate) to install this device, albeit unsuccessfully.
Should you wish to install an updated, conventional analogue meter, please advise me of this in writing, with the exact meter model and type, and I will schedule a specific installation time to enable me to inspect and monitor the installation of an approved meter.
Nice letter. If they still persist then you can up the ante by massaging the text below to suit your needs.
You can mention to your power company that they are being willfully negligent and in breach of section 98 (a) of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 which requires power Utilities “to design, construct , operate and maintain their networks to minimize as far as practicable hazards and risks to the safety of any person arising from the supply network” because they are are fully aware of the fact that the IARC in 2011 announced that RF is a group 2B carcinogen. That you are aware that there have been numerous complaints by the public over health issues arising only after the installation of smart meters which will be found through legal discovery of the power company records should you decide to take legal action. When push comes to shove they don’t have a leg to stand on.
Thanks Steve, I will keep that up my sleeve.
So the Singapore Govt is now the largest supplier of energy to Australia! How did this happen!
Well the answer is simple. Our government has sold us out to overseas much like everything else.
It happened ,
Because back in the 1990’s Jeffrey Kennett of the Victorian Liberal Party sold off our or the Peoples’ Victorian owned State Electricity Commission and 99% of all its assets to Singapore and China just to make a FAST BUCK. It was not Jeffrey Kennett’s Power Company in the first place so what was it. THEFT is a rather apt term I think.
Has there actually been any cases where someone has had there power cut off? Or where any sort of police action has been taken against them for refusing a smart meter? Because I am happy to lock my meter and put a window in. I don’t want to have my power cut or be in any sort of trouble for refusing though. Am not scared of a few letters though.
Dave – Not to my knowledge, and some have been keeping their meterbox locked for at least 2 years now, so I guess they (the distributor) don’t have the power to force these things upon anyone really. They are playing a dangerous game of deception – one they will lose, eventually.
POWERCOR LETTER – “UNLINKED FIELD” ? (not from Jemena)
POWERCOR sent me another letter telling me they want to access the meter this week/next week to install a smart meter.
It says “The access issue is described below – ‘Unlinked field’ ”
There is a list of access issues and FAQ’s on the back but of course it does not explain what ‘Unlinked field’ means.
Anyone know what ‘Unlinked Field ‘ is meant to mean? I guess it means watch out – protesting customer has locked meter box.
Thanks to this site: Last year I cut a viewing hole, put on a thing to put the padlock on, wrote the meter number on the outside of the door and made a STOP Do Not Trespass and Do Not Install notice on my meter box.
I hope this works.
The field could mean Electromagnetic Field? Unlinked because your place is not smart-grid linked. Congratulations Ingrid – they are unable to gain access via your property, so by keeping the meter box locked you are effectively getting the upperhand. Remember, there is NO LAW that says you must have a smart meter… others must be made aware of the facts, before it is too late!
Gee, thanks ‘Informed Choice’ you made me smile. (but I guess now I better get on with writing all those letters to the Power Company CEO etc)
This is probably from the software on the computer used to do the mail outs (in other words, a “mail merge”).
There is a database list of names and addresses and there are links in a template letter to the database.
This saves time because they don’t need to write individual letters.
It is a common practice.
Would be terrific if someone smart could hack into their database of addresses and ERASE them all, then none of us would have to put up with the ridiculous repetitive mailouts from them ever again!
I firmly believe that Jemena and other distributors are using intimidation and threats in letters being sent out to customers. I have stated this in my contact to A Current Affair via their ‘share your story’ page and am hoping many of you can do this also with your accounts so as to get our message heard (again!) on ACA and similar programs. I also made mention of the excellent video from the 5th of May Protest by SSMA supporters. I have not heard back yet as it was only a couple of days ago but am determined to get a response… so if anyone would be willing to contact this program please do so and we might get some success in the coming weeks. Worth a try! Thanks:)
Can anybody tell me on what basis I should believe the claims of industry funded research that I am being TOLD to believe by harrassing, bullying and thuggish persons having their own vested interests as opposed to independant peer reviewed research ?
Is it on the basis that I no longer have a choice to choose what I believe ?
When I rang the Ombudsman they told me I had no choice and I had to let it be changed or they could turn off my electricity. The woman there told me the elec company had a right to change the meter. So what is going on?? I’m so tired of being bs’d about this topic and being bullied by those who are supposed to represent or help the public as well as those working for the elec company.
All that was hot air, and scare tactics to force you into accepting a meter against your will.
Tell that woman at the Ombudsman office that unless she is prepared to tell you what LAW you are breaking and under what LAW they can turn off your power, she is bullying and harassing you.
Just make sure you pay your power bill on time and they CANNOT disconnect your power.
What the…? “Bullying and harassing”?
I agree with you that the woman at the Ombudsman’s office should be able to quote the law (if there is one) on which she is basing her advice. If she can’t do that, she is both misleading @Boopsy, and doing a disservice to the Ombudsman’s office.
But you went further than that, and told @Boopsy that “she is bullying and harassing you”.
Utter nonsense. @Boopsy rang the Ombudsman’s office for an opinion, and was given one. It may be right, it may be wrong, but that’s all it is. The woman at the Ombudsman’s office didn’t phone @Boopsy, she merely did what she was asked to do – provide advice – and she’s not the one threatening to cut off @Boopsy’s power if the meter isn’t installed. She’s not bullying or harassing anyone.
Be careful, @Anonymous, that your dislike of smart meters doesn’t cause you to make ridiculous statements. If you want to win people over to your side, you need to stick to the facts.
Funny story:-
Recently had a dust-up with Origin over another matter, and they blamed SPAusnet, told me they’d do as they pleased on re. my power-supply and their schedules, billing, etc….In short, they were making the rules and I could get stuffed.
My response was ‘fine: I’m opting out: no ;longer require your incompetent services. You have seven days to come and disconnect your property and remove it from my property, after which time I will remove it myself and leave it on the nature strip for you to collect.’
They told me I couldn’t do that, I said ‘watch me’; they said I COULDN’T get disconnected, and would have to go to another supplier ~ which I outright rejected. They said I’d have to hire an electrician at my own expense to cut off my power: I said it was OK, my axe has an insulated handle. They said I’d be breaking the law: I said only if they could PROVE it was me who did the ‘disconnection’.
And so it went on for a while, until finally a very competent, mature and authoritative woman (Dispute Resolution Division) promised me she’d sort out my problem and we’d all live happily ever after.
She did and we have…for now. Fortunately I decided long ago that connection to the grid was unsustainable in the longer term and have installed a solar-system big enough to run my house on a stand-alone basis. For now it’s making me a bit of a profit, on-grid, but only a dill would expect that to last.
Point is that you can tip over the biggest edifice if you can get a bit of leverage. (In this case you own power-supply. About 5 or six $k can set the average household for life (along with a few changes in power-usage.)
Dear Boopsy,
You do have a choice. First Padlock your Electric Meter Box and get up you Legal Common Law $167,000:00 Anti Trespass signs on the Electric Meter Box and on your front fence or gate. Please laminate your signs against the rain. Write to the C.E.O of the Electric Power Company for your area and send your letter to him stating politely and clearly, exactly why you refuse to accept a Microwave so-called Smart Meter on your property for Health Reasons and for the FACT that these Electric so-called Smart Meters can also and do damage people electrical goods etc.
.
Send this letter of yours by Registered Post and get a signed return slip as evidence that your letter has been picked up by an officer of the Electric Power Company and keep a copy of same for Legal Reasons.
Please also send a letter to Mr Nicholas Kotsiras the new Victorian Minister for power and a similar Letter to the C.E.O of the Department of Primary Industry in charge of the Microwave Smart Meter Department, also by Registered Post. Get the post office to return the acceptance slip as evidence that an officer has accepted you letter/s and keep copies of these letters as well for Legal Reasons.
Powercor came to install our meter the week before last. The meter box was locked, glass in a window that we cut out of the meter box door, and sign stuck to the front. All the Powercor technician said was, “Don’t suppose I can change your mind, can I?” My partner said, “No”. Technician got back in his vehicle and drove away. Not sure if we’ll hear anything else but so far the strategy has worked fine.
Julie – shows our strategies are working just fine. We will win this battle, we have got them bluffed, because they bloody well know we are right in refusing installtions of dumb Smart Meters. Hope Meeting in Melbourne goes well. Looking forward to Outcome……Pam
Julie, well done for communicating this.
Congratulations Julie,
I have also locked my Electric Meter Box with an INUSTRIAL Padlock but no Perspex window. I record the readings five days ahead of and up to the day before the due reading date on a sheet of paper and sign each entry. I also do this if the Meter Reader Man comes a bit late like a couple of days late and he can read it off the same paper I sign against each entry. Sometimes he rings the front door bell and I simply unlock my Meter Box and he gets his readings. He thanks me for keeping him in a JOB.
Like most of you, I have locked my meter box & installed a perspex window. An installer told me that United Energy and/or Jemena have told the installers they are not to cut the padlocks as they are the property of the homeowner. He also told me that and the end of the year they expect the Victorian Government to change the Law to make us have one.
I wish there was a way of finding out exactly what the cause of so many house fires over the last six months. Even if any of them were smart meter related, I bet you couldn’t find any mention of them in official reports. When has it become so easy for corporations to lie & get away with it?
Peterrocker- Yes I would like to know why everytime I turn the TV on there is another ‘UN-EXPLAINED HOUSE FIRE”. We never ever hear how they were caused or if a SMART METER could have been the cause.
I will never ever have a SMART METER. I value my HEALTH, PRIVACY, SAFETY and my DOLLARS too much.
Cheers Pam 🙂
peterrocker, truth will prevail in the end and they won’t get away with it
I found this on the web, http://www.powercor.com.au/docs/pdf/Smart%20Meters/AMI%20INDUSTRY%20AD%2002%202011%20final.pdf
In the second paragraph ….’Victoria’s electricity distributors, who own and operate the network of poles and wires, have now installed….’. NO mention of meter ownership. Is this an admission they do NOT own the analogue meters?
Yes, I believe it is Maxie. If they expect the Victorian Government to change the law in order to force installation of ‘their’ equipment then they are going to have a hell of a fight on their hands and we will win this. The more analogue meters retained and locked up…the better!
I have had several letters of communication with these Distributors regarding stupid meters. Interestingly the last 2 have come on UNITED ENERGY letterheads, but signed by a person who works at JEMENA….mmmm curious; two different corporations with two different ABN’s but they use one another’s letterheads – imagine some dude from COKE signing on a PEPSI letterhead – you’d want to know what they’re plotting…just remember, they’ll tell you they’re completely different companies (yer right!!).
Okay, so they want to play that game? Perhaps we should remind the likes of UE, SPAusnet, Jemena that there are some ‘laws’ such as COMPETITION AND CONSUMER ACT 2010 – SCHEDULE 2 that states the following;
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caca2010265/sch2.html
168 Harassment and coercion
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses physical force, or undue harassment or coercion; and
(b) the physical force, or undue harassment or coercion is used in connection with:
(i) the supply or possible supply of goods or services; or
(ii) the payment for goods or services; or
(iii) the sale or grant, or the possible sale or grant, of an interest in land; or
(iv) the payment for an interest in land.
Penalty:
(a) if the person is a body corporate–$1,100,000; or
(b) if the person is not a body corporate–$220,000.
(2) Subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) Subsections (1)(b)(iii) and (iv) do not affect the application of any other provision of this Part in relation to the supply or acquisition, or the possible supply or acquisition, of interests in land.
You want to keep harassing me UE/JEMENA? – because you are, and I’m losing sleep and becoming incredibly anxious and stressed and upset and starting to feel ill about the whole situation as you exert your corporate pressure on me; Let’s talk $1,100,000 shall we?
WHAT PART OF ‘NO’ DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND??!!
Just so you know, sharing administrations is common among big companies. eg. This arrived in my financial-watch stuff today:- . “…….swipe (transaction) fee practices were illegal. This battle has raged on for eight years, with retailers claiming that Visa and Mastercard, which have interlocking boards of directors, colluded to fix swipe fees for their mutual benefits. “
I have had a letter from SP AusNet saying the Government has mandated smart meters. This makes people think that householders are breaking the law if they refuse to have a meter installed. I find this very intimidating. Chris James.
Dr Chris James – So do I…………….. Pam 🙂
Hi all – The Power Distrubutors are hard at work aren’t they – the mongrels. Well I got my power bill today, no problems, no increase. so a friendly annalogue meter man must have read my meter (perspex cut-out) I was not at home and didn’t even have to open my box. Don’t put up with harrassement or bullying from them. They are at their wits end trying their “best endeavours” to get the darn dumb smart meters installed. If we all stick to our guns we are going to BEAT THEM. Don’t ring them waste of your time and money, everything in writing. KEEP bOXES LOCKED AND SIGNS EVERYWHERE. Unfortunately I can’t get to the Rally, but this Website will keep me informed. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND…………..CHEERS PAM 🙂
Harassment? — Bullying? — Intimidation? Surely not.. The Power supplier would not do this .
Here is a sample what they understand under “using their best endeavours”.
A counsellor in Dandenong asked this at a ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING — He had received a call from a 94 year old legally blind resident of Dandenong who had been advised by AGL the electricity supplier that a smart meter was going to be installed on his property. He was also told that he had to have it installed and the power is to be disconnected to facilitate installation. The resident would like to know whether an officer can come into his property and recalibrate his electrical equipment as he is legally blind and lives alone. AGL failed to tell him he needs to get his independent electrical contractor to come in and recalibrate and do whatever needs to be done to his electrical equipment once the power is turned back on. AGL advised it is not their responsibility. Based on that advice can we organise through our Home and Community Care Services to contact the gentleman to assist him?
Fortunately the council agreed to help this person
Gerhard
I was talking to a meter man a week ago an he said don’t paint the aerial on smart meter with lead based paint or it wont work , I strait away said great ill do it !!!! , he also said he wont loose his job as he will have to go around fixing all the ones that don’t work, an they have been having trouble with a lot of them an have had to pull the ones in some areas out an replace with other types all ready, just cheap overseas crap no wonder they are blowing up appliances an starting fires
Thanks Michael
Reading these tips is a LIFE-SAVER!!!! Thank you for providing this essential service. I did try the local parliamentarian route about installation of dumb meters and was told he couldn’t help. Good luck to the foreign trained tech who tries to scale over my 6ft high speer-tipped fence with locked gate to instal these pieces of junk.
‘couldn’t help’! MP’s are such rubbish talkers – what are they elected for anyway? Oh, that’s right … to talk garbage and do NOTHING.
Jemena should come and spend a night at my place , the buzzing is truly awsome on your ears.. the jitters and anxiety to name a few , but oh no theres nothing wrong at all …
Greg Stewart
Great Satire there Greg.
I have received a letter today from United Energy – do I need t make sure all the letters are sent and a reply back from the government departments or can they actually do this?
I have the meter locked and a sign on the box, but I think I will get my sign on our property that explicitly states smart meter installers are not to come onto the property.
This is so out of character for me to take this action but so annoyed about this that I am driven to take action.
I am concerned they will come in without my permission and do this, even with it locked and simply cut the meter box padlock and just turn the power off without telling me.
Nina,
I too received an installation letter from United Energy. I called the installer to say I did not give consent, was told I was breaking the law (which I suppose is the script they have to follow), the reference number from the letter was taken and then I ended the call. My meter is locked, I’ve sent letters and signs are up. The time period in which they said the meter was going to be installed has been and gone. No smart meter. I’m like you didn’t think I would take such action but enough is enough. It’s a bluff on their part. We need to stick together and fight for our rights. Keep in mind that the roll out is to be completed by the end of the year so the pressure will be on, they will try anything. Join the May Day March this Sunday at 12.30. The more people come the better.”In unity there is strength.”
Maria
Nina, your comments are exactly what happened to me, only difference being, a man turned up, I was on the phone, said ‘wait a sec and I will be with you’, by the time I had hung up from my phone call, I went outside to talk to him and a new meter was already installed and he had gone! I rang my power company who told me, it has only been installed but not yet turned on? My old meter is still running my power? All too weird – that was over 3 months ago, I have no idea which bit of equipment is actually powering my house, wait for the next bill I guess and see if it has escalated (or maybe it will be free!)
Jac did you have your meter locked or did they put up a meter next to the one you have?
Nina,
If they were so stupid as to do this, then this would be ‘ Breaking and Entering which is both ILLEGAL. and a CRIMINAL OFFENCE ‘ I have this on good authority from our Local Police who have been very supportive towards me.
Can Jemena be accused of intimidating and threatening their customers?
A: Yes.
It breaches the Commonwealth Constitution 1901
It most likely breaches our Commonwealth Bill of Rights, despite many trying to argue we do not have one.
We do as we inherited them from Britain as they were included in our Constitution when it was built.
Breaches the Commonwealth Weights and Measures Act.
Breaches the Commonwealth Crimes Act
Breaches the Trade Practices Act by using monopoly powers in the market place to force goods and services on people who neither request them or want them
Threats fines are outside of its authority.
Threats of disconnection would probably qualify as a breach of contract.
Any state or territory claiming it can mandate for its installation are acting outside of their authority.
A good legal researcher could probably list other crimes to add.
Possible areas might be conflict or vested interests in the power companies.
Has the state/s any shares, etc.
However, apathy will not reject any unlawful Acts or Legislation, only the people (the Sovereign people of the Commonwealth of Australia) can do this
As the Tune “Intimidation” says ‘RADIATION IS RADIATION” We. as a Huge Group are sick and tired of the Power Distributors THREATS AND BULLYING TACTICS. Frankly I feel they are scared stiff of our Group. Their THREATS AND HARRASSMENT will eventually come back to bite them in the you know where. Thanks SSMA for all your hard work…………..Pam 🙂
I have recently received a phone call from SP Ausnet (my provider) to inform me that I must now allow them to install my ‘dumb’ meter’ as the government has changed the legislation allowing them to do so. They confirmed they would send me a copy of this new legislation via email. I’m still waiting, two weeks later, nothing……………….
All lies Lisa……………all lies. Pure intimidation. They have nothing else to work with so just stand your ground. All the best, and remember that there are many of us out there dealing with the same level of intimidation, and make it clear to them that correspondence is only via mail……..full stop. Don’t speak to them as they are betting on catching you or anyone else in your household unawares and willing to say ‘Yes’ to anything. These are their desperate and underhanded tactics being used as the time for the end of the so-called roll out of these despicable devices draws near.
Send them a letter stating Undue Harassment ( you can find a template of the letter on
this site ) then they can no longer pursue the issue without legal action on your part.
Cheers. Paul & Di McMahon.
Lisa – Don’t hold your breath waiting for a Reply – you won’t get one. My Solicitor has been waiting since before Christmas for a reply to his letter to put me on the Refusal List. As Paul and Di said don’t engage in conversation with them absolute waste of time and your energy. Keep your Box Locked an d Signs displayed all available on this Website.If you ever get ‘THE LEGISLATION” they are referring to it would be interesting to have SSMA post it on this Website…………………..Cheers Pam 🙂
As I said way back when:- go down to the dog-pound/animal shelter and get a rottweiler.
Failing that, get a ‘dangerous dog’ sign and stick it on the front gate. Like bullies everywhere, the power-industry goons have no guts when stood up to.
Practically, for those of you that are able to do so, the best deterrent is to set up a lockable front gate way in advance of your power-meter and/or a security grill to prevent entry to your meter ~ which is usually on a front porch.
Any one that threatens/intimidates you ( all that’s necessary is for YOU to feel threatened or intimidated) commits several crimes; call 000 and report that somebody is frightening you.
Talk can only do so much.
oh….and don’t forget to tackle your local and state politicians; tell them you’ll work tirelessly to get them thrown out of office for gutlessness and dereliction of duty.
Hi Lisa Demos ,
PowerCor has been trying the same thing to me and I have told them I am prepared to lay charges against anyone who illegally tries to force the smart meters on me.
They threatened to come on the property and take the meters out. I told them they would be charged with theft, property damage and trespass and any other action applicable to forced entry.
The meter belonged to the property as it was bought and paid for by the homeowner. They then claimed they had bought all of the electrical equipment. My response was that Kennett and his mates had no authority to sell or give away property that did not belong to them.
We the people have not consented to handing the government over to vested interests.
Parliaments have been acting outside of their authority for many years, relying on the fact that the public has been kept ignorant of their Constitution and their rights under this Constitution.
There is no “new legislation”. Its all lies…..
How can I find out what legislation about this issue is current?
@ Cedar, from what I can gather from this site, there is NO legislation…All that exists are comments from power companies and Energy Ministers which do not bind us as home owners. Even if legislation comes into the equation, we do not have to allow installers into our homes to attach these meters because we have not entered into a contract with the Power companies. Someone else can probably add to my comment.
@ Remembering my Power, that pretty much sums it up in a nutshell as far as we’re concerned………………..it takes two to enter into a contract and if you don’t consent then NO CONTRACT!!!!………simple as that. All these power companies are doing is trying to hoodwink people into believing that a mandate exists….oh yeah….where’s the evidence??? Desperate measures for desperate times.
How these people sleep at night is beyond us.
Paul & Di McMahon.
So much for people having choices ( As the PM said), here is a story I have just learned from a friend in my area who is also an Electrical Contractor like myself and to whose home was sneakily fitted a Smart Meter whilst he was absent.
Recently he had the misfortune to overlook payment of his Electricity Bill and when he and family arrived home from work one night found there was no power and after checking everything as an Electrician naturally would, he discovered that there was really no power on his side of the Smart Meter. He then phoned the appropriate department to report this and was told that his power had been cut off because he had not paid his bill and that when he had done so power would be restored, so naturally this shocked him to the core to realise that he was now under the full control of Powercor who could do just whatever and whenever they liked via remote operation of that rotten Smart Meter.
I therefore ask what sort of Democracy do you call this when like a lot of sheep all of our private and personal actions are well on the road to being fully controlled by anybody that desires to do so, which I might add is something I will not be bowing down to without a fight for my rights.
Sincerely, Don Fitzpatrick
Don – Similar happened to my Neighbour. She was in the process of moving, came home one night to find she had no Power. She rang Power Cor and they said they where closed for the day and to ring in the morning. I gave her some candles. It was freezing cold and no heater or lighting. Next morning she rang them and they said she hadn’t paid her bill either. She was sure she had paid it, but because she was in the process of packing she thought she may gave overlooked it. Until her power was restored she couldn’t access her computer to check her accounts as she pays by BPAY. They eventually came around 6pm that night and restored her power – she has a Smart Meter. She was without any power for over 24 hours. Once restored she got on her Computer and checked her accounts and she found she had paid the account. She phoned them again for an explanation only to be told they had made a mistake. They have the power at the flick of a switch to turn peoples’ power off. Like you I will never give in to them either. I value my Privacy, Health, Safety and Dollars. .. Pam 🙂
Good on you Pam keep up the good work and here’s just one of my thoughts:
Powercor the Meterbox is mine
Bought and paid with the house at the time
What’s locked in it today
I’m determined will stay
Stick your Smart Meter where the sun does’nt shine
Don – My thoughts exactly …. Pam 🙂