Stand up against smart meters | Sunraysia Daily

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

 

I WAS watching a trailer of the movie Compliance, which is based on true events, when it hit me that most people just comply with authority figures and don’t raise the questions, even when its wrong

I mean, what is this world coming to? We need to stand up, stand proud and stand strong and say no smart meters.

That’s it, slam the door in the face of installers, lock your power boxes, end of discussion. We will not be bullied by private companies, or even the government.

We will not comply with health-affecting privacy-invading devices being attached to our homes which we worked hard to pay for.

Stand up, Australia, we have rights.

As for the government, we put them there, we can vote them out.

Don’t you ever forget that.

Stand united as one in the fight to stop this bureaucratic madness.

Stop smart meters, protect your property – smart meters are privacy-invading, health-affecting and cause financial damage by the power company charging you more for the same power with their time of use charging.

It’s wrong. Stop the madness.

Domenic Bartalotta,

Mildura.

via Stand up against smart meters | Sunraysia Daily.

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Public Meeting Glenlyon Town Hall Sunday 19th August 2-4pm

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Posted in Meetings | 4 Comments

Seaford Smart Meter Community Meeting – Great Success!

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

A Public Meeting was held on Thursday 9th August at the Seaford Community Centre to discuss the health, safety and privacy issues relating to the smart meter roll-out.

The meeting proved to be a great success with around 100 people attending.

This follows growing opposition to and concerns about the program such as:

  • Why are these meters being pushed upon Victorians when other countries have stopped their compulsory roll-outs for health reasons?
  • Why are so many people falling ill after the installation when they are supposed to be having no impact on health?
  • Who is able to see most intimate data of your daily life?
  • Who is paying for the millions of dollars this roll out is costing on top of the calculated expenses?
  • Who is insuring major electrical installations on your house that have not been done by a qualified electrician?

The meeting heard from Stop Smart Meter Australia representative Sonia Rutherford who detailed the adverse effects the roll-out of these meters is having and will continue to have on the community.

A medical doctor also spoke addressing the effects on health in the community from the stream of harmful electromagnetic radiation.
 A motion was passed unanimously which in part called for a halt to the roll-out of Smart Meters and requesting support from Frankston and Peninsula Councils.

A copy of Councillor Glenn Aitken’s speech: Cr Glenn Aitken Speech at Seaford meeting

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Declared “exempt” from smart meter installation

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

 

Correspondence to Stop Smart Meters Australia….

“Registered letters to SP AusNet have had no effect…we received a THIRD letter, this one stronger than the others, and with a date of installation. Honestly, if I hadn’t done research, I would have “caved in” to the “fear tactics!” Thanks to the information I’ve been given via the Smart Meter meetings, I KNOW that neither the electrical companies NOR the government have the right to force us to have this meter on our house.

In the letter is stated that IF the installers were not to be given clear access to the meter, to call ELECTRIX on 1-300-961-833. I was asked WHY I didn’t want to have the Smart Meter installed. When I explained that I’m recovering from Adrenal Fatigue, and am concerned that the extra load of EMR’s would tax my immune system, I was given another no. to call: 1-300-360-795, and told to press: options no. 2, no.1 and no.3. The man I spoke to seemed “familiar” with such requests, and calmly advised me to simply have a letter sent to them, written by my GP, to the following address : SPI Electricity Pty Ltd., Locked Bag 38004, Southbank, Victoria 3006.

That’s it…I was told that our property would be declared “exempt” from installation!”

[However, our correspondent still has her meter box locked with a window cut out for the meter reader]

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , | 38 Comments

MEDIA RELEASE – Final ESV smart meter report sidesteps the health effects issue altogether!

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

 

On July 31 Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), released its final report on the safety of smart meters. Titled Safety of Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Victoria, the report was written in response to ‘new issues’ raised regarding the safety of smart meters.

Stop Smart Meters Australia is appalled that there has been no attempt to address the issue of the health impacts of smart meters.

Although the draft report stated that the emphasis was on safety, the issue of possible health effects received little mention, simply concluding that the subject was “beyond the detailed scope” of the report and that the emissions were “well below the safe levels set by ARPANSA.”  This totally overlooks that the ARPANSA standards are only designed for protection against immediate thermal hazards (tissue heating) at high intensity exposures and not against cumulative biological-effects from low intensity exposures.

In response to the draft report, many submissions were sent to ESV, a number of them expressing concern over possible health hazards from RF exposure.   We were expecting a considered response to the issue of health effects.  Our firm belief is that health safety is an integral component of any true safety audit, but ESV chose to completely ignore this issue!

Don Maisch, a spokesperson for Stop Smart Meters Australia, said “People at ESV have obviously decided that that the health issue is in the way-too-hard-basket and better left ignored.  Perhaps ESV hopes that all those people reporting insomnia, tinnitus, headaches, etc. after a smart meter installation at their home (especially those installed close to the bedroom) will simply vanish to a ‘less smart’ state?”

“When questioned about the health impacts of smart meters, Government members continually refer to the ESV report indicating that smart meters are safe.  They choose to overlook that this issue has been conveniently ignored!”

In its submission to ESV, Stop Smart Meters Australia presented a series of questions.  ESV failed to address these in its final report. It also disregarded an EMFacts’ submission recommending independent research on health impacts of smart meters. These two submissions can be found at: https://stopsmartmeters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/esv-submission.pdf and http://www.emfacts.com/download/Comments_on_the_Draft_report.pdf

Further, the Electricity Safety Act 1998 quite clearly places a number of responsibilities on ESV.  These do not appear to have been met in connection with the AMI roll-out.

“What is ESV trying to hide?  ESV’s final report is cavalier and short on substance.  It negligently ignores their duty of care.  At best it is a lame whitewash, at worst, a cruel insult to the many concerned Victorians who bothered to send in submissions” said Don Maisch.

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , | 29 Comments

Advice for landlords and tenants…..

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

I have a rental property, rented out through an Agent, in Richmond Vic. When Citipower reps arrived to changeover meters early in 2011, I was there and told them not to install it. I said the house was heritage listed….they eventually went away. I had a meterbox cover made and installed with a little hole for the meter reader, and put up a sign saying “no Smart meter” on it. In July 2012 Citipower sent Agent a letter saying a smartmeter was about to be installed. I wrote to CEO….

Now, here’s the fun bit…

The Tenant has a Lease contract and is not allowed to make (or permit another party to make) changes to the Landlord’s property, unless the L/L gives consent in writing. If a tenant does make, or allows another party to make changes without L/L consent, the tenant is in breach of their lease and can be taken to the Tribunal over the breach and the L/L can also apply for compensation. Furthermore, the Agent does not automatically have authority to allow changes to the L/L property. The Agent needs to have L/L written authority to do this. If the Agent permits changes to L/L property without L/L consent, then the Agent can be held liable for “Breach of Contract” (assuming there is the valid basic “letting authority” contact only in place) and the Agent can therefore not only be taken to REIV disciplinary committee, but also be sued under a couple of Acts for acting outside his authority and again compensation/ damages awarded.

Also, Heritage properties require Planning Permit applications usually from both the local Council and Heritage Victoria should there be anything proposed which would either alter the appearance of the building from the street, or which would/could result in damage to the “fabric” of the building…the Permit applications don’t happen quickly, nor are the outcomes guaranteed….but the Heritage Act does allow for large penalties to be applied for a breach (and ignorance of the provisions in the Act is no defence!) Added to that, if a Heritage permit DOES issue, then the works must be properly supervised by a recognised Heritage expert…

This all raises several issues:

1. The rental Agent has no authority to allow Smartmeter installation. Make sure you put that in writing to the Agent. Ask that the Agent sends the Electricity Company a letter stating that fact (naturally giving the L/L a copy) and in addition, sending a copy of that correspondence to the Minister O’Brien.

2. Make sure you as L/L also tell the Electricity Company in writing that the Agent does not have your permission to allow a smart meter installation.

3. The tenant has no authority to allow a smart meter installation, as it is to be a fixture (ie supposedly non-reversible) to the L/L property. Make sure the tenant is aware of this fact in writing. If the tenant is amenable, ask them to send the Electricity Company a letter informing that the tenant has no authority to permit changes to the L/L property and in the event of a smartmeter installation “without consent”, the tenant will seek full compensation and punitive damages from the Electricity Company. (Remember, that Tenants can end up with a bad record at VCAT and the other tenancy check organisations if they allow changes/damages to L/L property. This bad record can result in not being accepted for another rental property for years afterwards…This is what the compensation & punitive damages $$$ is for – ruining their name and rental prospects!)

4. If the property is Heritage listed, or in a Heritage overlay area, make sure you advise the Electricity Company of this in writing and include a copy of the HO map/listing. Tell the Electricity Company that they MUST apply for a Planning Permit, engaging a recognised Heritage consultant expert of YOUR choice (make sure you choose one from interstate, say W.A.) but at THEIR Company’s cost, costs which including preparation of all plans, photos, reports and site inspections and attendances which are normally associated with the lodging of a Heritage Planning Application and any subsequent work on Heritage buildings. Advise them that you require a written undertaking from them that they will comply with your request (ie plans, permits & consultant at their cost, but your choice of consultant) and give a written undertaking that NO WORK to swap meters is to be undertaken until such time as the necessary approvals have been received, and that should works be undertaken on your Heritage property without Planning and/or Heritage Permits, AND if any damage – no matter how small – to the “fabric” of the Heritage building occurs, you will seek a prosecution under both Council Planning processes and the Heritage Act,as well as seek full compensation and punitive damages from them.

Send a copy of this correspondence to the Energy Minister O’Brien. If they do send you a written undertaking, make a copy &send for Minister O’Brien.

The point of all this? The Electricity company and its Agents, employees etc are exposed to large compensation and damages claims from at least three parties – you, the Agent and the tenant. In addition, there could be two successful prosecutions brought about from your Council and also Heritage Victoria.

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

East Gippsland Council Success – Victory for People Power!

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

 

 

East Gippsland Councillors and local Members of Parliament have constantly refused to meet with concerned residents to discuss smart meter issues. However, locals spread the word and encouraged people to go to the Council offices on Monday 6th August to hold a sit in until Councillors agreed to listen to their residents. Over 60 people of all ages crammed into the foyer. It was a marvellous sight! Eventually the Mayor came out and was compelled to assure everyone that the Council would give local residents time to present their case at the next council meeting which was to be held the next night on Tuesday. Over 50 people crammed into the Council chambers to attend the meeting. Ms A Nugent spoke for 10 minutes to the Council about smart meters. Local residents erupted into applause when Council unanimously passed a motion to support its local residents in their stand against smart meters and act as advocates in communications with the Hon. Michael O’Brien, Minister for Energy and Resources.

It is reported that many of the Councillors had no idea smart meters were wireless – they believed the meters were just digital. They were also unaware of the related installation of monopoles and that no planning permits were needed for such poles.  Speaking after the Council meeting, Ms Nugent said “It was all made possible by the willingness of Council to keep an open mind and explore the issue with the best interest of this area in mind and by the determination of all the people who came to the Council chambers to show support for the motion.”

Stop Smart Meters Australia congratulates the people of East Gippsland for their concerted and persistent efforts!

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Austrian Medical Association Guidelines

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

 

Here’s a link for the Austrian Medical Association Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses (EMF syndrome).  This is a good document for people to print out and take to their doctor:

http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Austrian-EMF-Guidelines-2012.pdf

 

Also, here’s a link to a quick guide to the major sources of electro-magnetic fields (EMF) in everyday life, as well as some suggestions about how to avoid unnecessary EMF:

http://www.healthandenvironment.org/?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=1148

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Public Meeting Seaford Thursday 9th August 7pm

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Posted in Meetings | 4 Comments

Letters to the Editor recently published in the Swan Hill Guardian

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Smart Meter Madness
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
By John Cornish

In Melbourne it is common to find a bed-head up against a bedroom wall with an electrical meter immediately on the outside. In this case it seems possible that for people sleeping in close proximity to a smart meter on the outside wall, their RF exposures may be significantly in excess of a Swiss transmitter study that found increased nervousness, difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, general weakness and joint pains. Sleep disturbance was associated with a maximum exposure of 1.85 uW/cm2 and a mean night-time exposure of less than 0.7 uW/cm2.
A recent Melbourne study revealed frequent RF spikes every few seconds that are of far greater intensity – (up to 36.4 uW/cm2)
Higher amounts of electromagnetic field radiation is a huge public health issue for Melbourne (and elsewhere), given the ubiquitous roll-out of the meters. This should call for an immediate halt to the roll-out and a commencement of independent research to determine the extent of people’s exposures, especially when a smart meter is in close proximity to a bedroom. Symptoms reported and their actual home RF exposure levels would be a good start. The BIG question: Is there a research organisation left in Australia that is not financially dependent on $$$ handouts from the corporations promoting smart meter technology?
The Victorian Government is trying to convince us that smart meters are good for us. We should not blindly accept what official sources tell us. In the 1940s governments were saying there was no proven evidence to suggest that smoking was harmful to health, and smoking was deemed to be a safe activity. Tobacco companies knew of the dangers but protected their financial interests by remaining silent over the health risks of smoking. In the 1960s asbestos was still being manufactured and sold to an unsuspecting public even though governments and asbestos manufacturers had known of the dangers of this product for many years. We must not allow the smart meter madness to saturate our region with heightened levels of EMF radiation and endanger the lives of our men, women and most vulnerable children.
Many shires in the USA have had enough of the smart meter nonsense and legislated against further roll-outs in their county. Others have legislated to allow people to opt out of having to accept the devices without financial penalty.
Why is Australia behind other countries in acknowledging the health dangers of ever increasing levels of electro magnetic radiation on the population?

 

Smart Meter Safety
Sunday, 29 July 2012
By Sarah Elliott

Hugo Armstrong, of CitiPower and Powercorp Australia, states correctly in his letter (The Guardian July 27) that there is a lot of inaccurate information circulating with regard to Smart Meters. There is no doubt that this is true, given that the wider community does not have the resources or education to ensure that they are well informed. He goes on to cite that Smart Meters and their levels of electromagnetic and radio frequency emissions have been found to be safe. What Mr Armstrong does not address, are the concerns regarding the cumulative effects of EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation), which are becoming increasingly well documented by leading world scientists, including those who have had involvement in the World Health Organisation. The WHO has (in May 2011) acknowledged via an IARC designation that this form of wireless technology is “possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)”.
Most of us do not realize that the physiological functions in human beings (as in all living organisms) are electrochemical in nature. Dr Magda Havas PhD, an Associate Professor of Environmental & Resource Studies at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, has worked in the field of EMF for many years. Her research investigates the biological effects (both positive and negative) of electromagnetic energy. Many of her credible findings are not to be ignored.
The Swedish government have officially recognised EMR Sensitivity as a disability. Highly respected Professor Olle Johannsson PhD, who has worked alongside Nobel laureates, has been instrumental in providing years of research to highlight the impact of EMR.
The Swiss Government has enforced some of the world’s strictest radiation guidelines. One only need to look to Swisscom, the government owned telecommunications provider, who have exercised extreme caution with regard to EMR, including the provision of cable networks rather than wireless WiFi to its schools’ computer systems. To counterbalance such technologies as smart meters, the government has released many standards and advices to its citizens, who as a result are well informed and can exercise due caution. In Victoria, however, it has been admitted that the Government and power companies have not done well in this regard. Switzerland is the home of the WHO, and their caution is to be noted.
The concern is that we are all being exposed to a new potential carcinogen bombarding us daily in our homes. Until the present time we have all had a choice as to how much EMR exposure we allow into our home life. At the local Smart Meter information meeting the Powercor representative, in defeated tones, alluded to the fact that in time, smart meter technologies will also be used to track our water and gas usage. Such devices remove our choice in the matter.
Are we all going to use the let’s wait and see attitude, and allow these extra invisible challenges to our health and immune systems? I’d rather have a choice in this matter.
Mr Armstrong, should I abandon the wireless technologies I have control of in my home for one that I have no wish for, in order to try to balance the cumulative effect on my family? Would my power bill be any cheaper if I did??

 

Posted in Smart Meter | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments