One person wrote to Stop Smart Meters Australia (SSMA):
“The power companies are saying things verbally like threatening to cut off power etc. but not in writing. That’s exactly what happened to my friend in Ballan. I advised him to ask Powercor to put in writing the threat he received over the phone that his power be disconnected if he didn’t have a smart meter installed. But the Powercor rep wouldn’t agree to state this in writing. We showed what BS artists they have now become!
As their deadline of December 2013 approaches for total installation of smart meters across the state, power distributors are becoming increasingly shrill and desperate in their attempts to bully and coerce people to accept these microwave emitting electronic devices. But people are standing firm.
Another writes,
“Power distributors are certainly stepping up the pressure. The other day my wife (who is 74 and not very well) received a phone call from them saying: ‘We are going to install a smart meter on your property on Sept 7 whether you like it or not. So we demand you remove the locks on the front gate and the meter box and take down the signs.’ (NO SMART METER signs that are prominently displayed). Well, in the event I doubled the locks on the front gate and rammed my car up again it. They duly arrived and saw they couldn’t gain access. After a few minutes they drove away. I have since put up a sign on the front gate stating: ‘You will be committing a criminal offence if you break into this property.’ It is almost inconceivable that this unlawful and thuggish behaviour is being condoned in Australia.”
Yet another writes,
“Powercor will not listen!!! My Father did the right thing and phoned them when he received a letter to say they needed him to call them to make an appointment for installation of his smart meter. He phoned them, not for an appointment, but to tell them he would not be having one under any circumstances, and his box was staying locked. Two days later he received a call from a person at Powercor who had received an email from the person Dad had phoned, and wanted to discuss Dad’s reasons and tell him that he had no choice, he had to have it installed. Unfortunately, my Dad, being the respectful gentleman he is, explained to the Powercor representative his reasons, to which Dad was told he is an idiot. By this point my Dad was really shaken up and feeling ill, so he told them they were a pack of “bloody liars” and hung up.
Since then, a friend with a small business told me that she refused twice last week, and now the installer has been seen walking back and forwards past her business, and he told her on Friday in no uncertain terms, “I will be back and I will install the smart meter”.”
It’s time to show power distributors and the Government that we do have rights, and WE WILL STAND UP FOR THEM!
SSMA suggests that those who are experiencing similar situations consider taking the following actions:
We cannot emphasise enough that you ensure your meter box is locked (with a window for meter reading) and placing ‘No trespass’ signs as per the description and copies here: https://stopsmartmeters.com.au/actions-you-can-take/.
However, IF YOU ONLY HAVE SIGNS they are still going ahead with installations.
If they come to your door to install a smart meter, simply say “no thanks, I am not having one”. If they try to discuss this with you say “I am not willing to discuss it with you, I will only deal with the power distributor in writing.” Then put in writing to the power distributor that you are refusing a smart meter on your property and to send your name to the Government as a conscientious objector to having a smart meter installed and to be placed on the refusal list (despite what they tell you, SUCH A LIST EXISTS). Also demand that the company stop bullying and intimidating you, behaviour that should not be tolerated in in a civil society, and is arguably illegal.
If you have a video camera or camera on your phone, take it to the door with you if the installers come ,and simply say I am recording this for evidence.
If a power distributor or installer arrives at your address, then before they start to speak, state the following:
“Please wait a moment while I get my phone or video to record this conversation for accuracy of statements being made, as it may be used in future legal action” , then start recording.
Also, keep a copy of all correspondence to and from the power distributor.
Request that all future communication is to be done in writing. Also avoid talking with the power company on the phone or anyone representing them. Keep saying that you will only deal with this matter in writing. We are finding that threats are often being made verbally but they are not prepared to make the same statements in writing….
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS NOW!!!
Stop Smart Meters Australia 