Call to ‘roll back’ roll out – Local News – Latrobe Valley Express

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Trevor Bridges is heading a local campaign against the installation of Smart Meters.

A CAMPAIGN to stop the local Smart Meter roll-out, amid claims of safety concerns, is gaining traction in Churchill.

Electricity distributor SP AusNet has advised it is currently rolling out smart meters in the Latrobe Valley in an effort to “help meet Victoria’s changing energy needs”.

The company said Energy Safe Victoria had confirmed smart meters were safe and did not pose “any greater safety risk” than existing electronic or electromechanical meters.

That information has done little to dispel concerns in Churchill, where the rollout has commenced.

Last Friday, more than 100 people attended a Smart Meter Forum in Churchill, organised by the Churchill Stop Smart Meters Action Group.

Chairperson Trevor Bridges said several speakers outlined the potential risks of smart meters, including a man who said his family had developed serious health problems when a smart meter was installed on his neighbour’s house, opposite their bedrooms.

Mr Bridges said three to four per cent of the population were sensitive to radio frequencies, which meant in Churchill there could be 141 radio sensitive people and in Traralgon the number could be as high as 660.

“A smart meter on their properties could be a real health problem for them,” he added.

Those at the meeting voted to support the right of customers to refuse installation of smart meters and to have their decision respected by electrical distributors.

It called on the State Government to allow customers the right to “opt out” of the smart meter program and it agreed those who experienced health problems considered to be caused by the smart meters should have them removed “and replaced with analogue or non wireless meter”.

The forum also discussed concerns about the program’s escalating costs and billing problems, according to Mr Bridges.

He said the action group would appeal to State Premier Ted Baillieu and State Energy Minister Michael O’Brien asking them to meet with community representatives over their concerns.

via Call to ‘roll back’ roll out – Local News – News – General – Latrobe Valley Express.

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Bairnsdale Smart Meter Community Forum – Friday 27 July

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Are you concerned about smart meters?

You can say NO!

Bairnsdale Smart Meter Community Forum

Friday 27 July 2012

7 pm Start

Bairnsdale Community College     Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale

Or go to Treasures of Atlantis 1/25 Wood St Bairnsdale (look for the red and yellow flags)  for more information

Posted in Smart Meter | 3 Comments

Health Meeting 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Sunday 29th July 2.30-4.30pm

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Posted in Smart Meter | 9 Comments

Public Meeting Horsham Sunday 5th August 3.00pm

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

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Residents express concern over smart meters – Swan Hill Local News – The Guardian

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

CONCERNED: Mother-of-three Sarah Elliot, pictured with children Arabella, Millie, and Henry, is concerned about the effect the new smart meters will have on her family’s long-term health.

LOCAL community members have voiced concern over health risks associated with new electronic metering equipment set to be rolled out across the state.

The new digital meters, called ‘Smart Meters’, are set to replace all analogue electricity meters across Australia as part of a Federal Government initiative.

Installations are set to kick off in the Swan Hill area around September, but some members of the community are worried about possible health risks associated with the new energy meter equipment.

Sustainable Living in the Mallee (SliM) president Peta Thornton said between 40 and 50 people attended the first of two information sessions held by Powercor on Monday, to voice concerns over health effects and the possibility of increasing tariffs, or to simply gain a better understanding of the new policy.

Read the rest of the article via Residents express concern over smart meters – Local News – News – General – The Guardian.

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Public Meeting Highton Geelong Saturday 28th July 7.30pm

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

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Smart meter rollout begins | Heads up Mitchell Shire!

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

SMART meters will soon replace analogue electricity meters across the Mitchell Shire as part of new industry standards for 2013.

SP AusNet is now installing the new technology throughout the shire including Beveridge, Broadford, Heathcote Junction, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Pyalong, Reedy Creek, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Wallan and Wandong.

“Victoria’s energy needs have changed; we are using more power today than ever before,” an SP AusNet spokesperson said.

“Smart meters are the first step towards smart grids, which can help us better manage the complex energy flows associated with an increasing contribution from renewable energy sources.”

The new technology will be installed in all Victorian households and small businesses by the end of 2013. Replacement of the meters began in 2009 and there are more than one million meters installed across the state.

Smart meters are remotely read so a meter reader does not have to visit consumer’s premises, which reduces the need for estimated billing.

The spokesperson said the smart meter has the ability to record electricity consumption in 30 minutes intervals and allows for accurate remote reading reducing the need for estimated bills.

They said other benefits of the rollout include more energy choices, restoring power faster, reducing estimated bills, faster connections, improved efficiency, accessible information and low costs.

While the information available from energy companies shows the positive effects of the new system, there are many groups opposed to the rollout.

Smart meters lobby group, Stop Smart Meters Australia, has published information about the technology on its website, highlighting many perceived flaws and health risks associated.

Some of the information compiled alludes to health risks, additional costs, privacy concerns, fire risks, environmental concerns, a link to glioma, human sensitivity to the high frequencies transmitted, and billing errors.

The Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria said customers raised 64 per cent more issues about estimated bills in the second half of 2010 than in the second half of 2009.

While many of Stop Meters Australia’s claims are unfounded, the group has gained much support.

As of yesterday morning, an ongoing petition against smart meters which was first published on October 27, 2011, has received 1582 signatures.

via Smart meter rollout begins | Local News.

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From your Smart Meter Lobby Group: Well done everyone we are really making an impact. Keep up the good work.

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Public Meeting Horsham Sunday 22nd July 2.30pm

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Posted in Meetings | 8 Comments

Stopping smart meters on the peninsula – Mornington Peninsula Leader

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

TAMARA Hicks is leading a street vigil to stop smart meter contractors in their tracks.

Ms Hicks is one of a group of residents from Sixth Ave and surrounding streets angry they may be forced to have the devices fitted against their will.

The group has posted signs banning workmen access to properties and some have locked up meters by drilling holes and fitting padlocks and chains.

Installation of the meters has begun at other houses on the street by the United Energy contractor Jemena.

“I will do whatever I have to do to stop them,” Ms Hicks said.

“If I have to chain myself to the meter box then I will.

“I have concerns over what effect they may have long-term to my health.”

Ms Hicks said she suffered multiple chronic illnesses and had a medical certificate stating these may be exacerbated by close proximity to electromagnetic frequency devices, such as smart meters.

Energy Safe Victoria recently released a report that found smart meters do not pose any greater safety risk than older meters.

Lola Kurzman, 89, fears the meter will increase her bill.

“We are on a budget and don’t see a reason for any change,” Ms Kurzman said.

United Energy corporate affairs manager Stuart Allott said while the company was entitled to replace the meters, he said contractors would not cut locks.

Read the rest of the article via YOUR SAY: Stopping smart meters on the peninsula – Local News – News – Mornington Peninsula Leader.

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Powercor has lost the plot!

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Stop Smart Meters Australia

Locks on Meter boxes are now claimed to be a “defect in your electrical installation” by Powercor. The defects require your attention to ensure the safety of your installation and the exchange of your current meter for a smart meter. The defect identified is Lock on your meterbox. They then go on to say “this may require you to engage a Registered Electrical Contractor”. “When the works are completed, please fill out and return the enclosed Compliance Declaration Form”.

They are also asking tenants to “provide Property Owner details”. (we ask wouldn’t this be a problem under the Privacy Act that we regular citizens have to abide by? Or is this Powercor’s way of getting around it?)

They say if you have any questions to phone them – WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU DON’T PHONE THEM, KEEP EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

They have also attached an information flyer and the first paragraph states: “What are your responsibilities in regard to customer installation defect rectification?” The flyer then states, “Under the Electricity Distribution Code, customers are responsible to ensure that the wiring and electrical installation at your premises are maintained in safe conditions. Unsafe conditions could lead to a risk of electrical shocks, overheating of wiring, fire starts or other safety issues”.

WE FIND THIS UNBELIEVABLE THAT THEY COULD PUT IN WRITING THAT A LOCK COULD DO ANY OF THESE THINGS AND THAT THEY CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF A SMARTMETER TO BE THE “SAFE” OPTION FOR US. If this is how they define a defect, then SMARTMETERS SHOULD BE BANNED BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN EVENTS INDICATING THAT SMARTMETERS CAN CAUSE electrical shocks, overheating of wiring, fire starts or other safety issues.

Perhaps we could send a letter back stating that our lock has been checked and it is working fine, and definitely not posing any “risk of electrical shocks, overheating of wiring, fire starts or other safety issues” and that we are not aware of any “wiring and electrical installation” at our premises that hasn’t been maintained in safe conditions.

All those getting these ridiculous letters, get your pens out again, write your response, (remember to keep a copy and if possible send it registered post keeping the receipt of the reg post with your copy) decide whether you want to keep your meterbox locked, and keep your “no consent” sign (downloadable here) and make sure you have the very important no trespass sign (download here) at the entry to your property.

We cannot emphasise the importance of the “no trespass” sign enough. Put the signs up everyone, they are making a difference and it shows others who are making a stand what to do as well. We have just created a new sign on the http://www.vistaprint.com.au site – its called a “lawn sign”, measures 455 mm x 305mm, is weatherproof and is clearly seen from the road. We have attached a picture and asked stopsmartmeters to put it on the site for others to download here. If you wish to use it you could print on an A4 and laminate if you like, but this looks big, bold and clear.

Good luck everyone and stay with the fight to take the Power back over forced installations many of us believe are against our democratic and human rights.

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