The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Josh Hart

1946:

2012:

What is considered acceptable and normal now- doctors encouraging the use of wireless devices to keep track of your health info- may be viewed as preposterous and reckless in future years as the health costs of wireless addiction start adding up.  Indications are that cell phone use is not only a psychological- but actually a physical addiction, much like smoking.  Don’t believe that?  The US National Institutes of Health found that brain glucose levels are boosted when exposed to normal levels of cell phone radiation.

The warning signs are everywhere if you open your eyes.  Sheryl Crow has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor and wonders aloud whether her cell phone is responsible. We urge you to protect yourself, your family, and friends not only from smart meters, but from an entire wireless industry that is actively and knowingly inflicting harm. “Smart” phones in particular emit high levels of radiation- even when they are switched off.

Social norms may seem unchanging and concrete, but in reality they are elastic and subject to occasionally rapid shifts.  It’s important to do your part to question the blind assumption that limitless use of wireless technology is not harmful.  Speak up and ask others to switch off or put away their phones if you do not want to be exposed in a public place. Wireless radiation is a Class 2B carcinogen according to the World Health Organization(pdf).  You have a right to avoid exposure.

If wireless makes you feel ill, talk about it!  Silence- particularly around a subject like this- kills. You’ll be surprised how many people are being affected, and how receptive some people are to unbiased, truthful information on the topic.

For a good summary of the scientific evidence in support of brain tumors and cell phones, read Devra Davis’ book Disconnect.

“Let me be very clear.  The Industry has NOT said once, ONCE, that cell phones are safe.”

-Dane Snowden, vice president and representative of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) at a safety legislation hearing in California

Posted in California, Cell phones, health effects, Health studies, World Health Organization | 51 Comments

BC, Canada Man Wonders “What the Bloody Hell is Going On?” as Dogs Shocked by Smart Meter

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Josh Hart

The international smart meter deployment has been characterized by screw up after screw up, affecting health and safety, not only of humans, animals, insects, and plants but of electrical systems as well. If we had regulatory agencies that genuinely functioned to serve the public, the entire fiasco would have been shut down long ago.

Setting aside for the moment the wisdom and morality of strapping a wireless, electrocuting device to an animal who presumably has not given their consent, this report from BC, Canada sheds some light on how unforeseen interactions between complex, technological systems are opening a Pandora’s box of nightmarish consequences, not only for us, but for our animal companions as well.  We have the same question as the dogs’ guardian– “What the bloody HELL is going on?”

Canada.com reports:

Sahtlam resident Chris Davis lives on a five-acre parcel near the rural community’s fire hall.

To give his two dogs Minnie and Katie room to roam but to also keep them contained, Davis installed an electric dog fence around the entirety of his property.

“My dogs wear a collar and then it gives them a little shock if they get too far past the fence,” Davis explained. “There’s never been an issue. Ever.”

That is, until BC Hydro contractor Corix installed a smart meter at his house.

“The smart meter gives my dogs electric shocks when they go near the meter,” Davis explained. “The collar starts bleeping and shocks them to the point where they yelp.”

The meter sits just outside Davis’s kitchen window, in a patch of yard typically used by the dogs to do their business.

“I look at it now and it’s perfectly clean,” Davis said….

Davis.. said Hydro was not willing to help. “They told me it couldn’t possibly be happening,” he relayed. “They’re pretty well denying that it’s happening. Effectively they’re calling me a liar. They still won’t send anyone around to check it. I’m fuming.”

When red flags were first being waved by smart meter opponents, Davis didn’t think twice, he said. He didn’t understand why everybody was up in arms.

“But now I’m thinking well, what the bloody hell is going on?”

Posted in Animal Harm, Canada, Citizen rebellion, interference | 20 Comments

Smart Meter Legal Rights: The Fine Points

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Josh Hart

The following was submitted to us by a reader just like you- keep your submissions coming!  Keep them brief and to the point- less than 800 words- we love to publish local reports, videos, and photos of what is going on in your area. Get out there and interview your neighbors.  Be the media!

The fine points of “smart” meter technologies.

By Ken H.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005, section 1252, allows opting-IN to a “smart” system by customer request. The utilities however, and under an assumed color of right, are forcing this “smart” pill down our throats while trying to charge us if we spit it out, and the CPUC- against its own Code, State and Federal Law- is supporting them.

Energy savings and securing our infrastructure are not the goals here, it is the gathering of your personal information, controlling your energy usage and making money.     The World Bank reported in 2010 that US per capita electrical usage is below 2000 levels.

The “smart” system destroys your constitutional protection from unreasonable search and seizure while documenting your private habits within your home. California Constitution Article 1, Sections 1 and 13, U.S. Constitution Amendments 4, 9 and 14.  No group has the right to your personal information.

Extortion is defined as “the acquiring of anything through the use of force or threats”. California Penal Code sections 518 & 519 and the United States Code section 1951.  “Your info or your money.”

“Smart’ technologies do not strengthen the infrastructure of our nation, they merely allow the fine manipulation of utility usage within the aging system. Fact: microelectronic systems are more sensitive to natural and manmade damage or manipulation that could cripple our way of life, than electromechanical (analog) systems.

The “smart” meter grid will also introduce an unregulated electromagnetic radiation source to our lives that is far greater than current cell phone or other wireless usage. Seeming lack of definitive evidence of harm from this radiation IS NOT proof of safety.     Consider the history of DDT.

The Public Utilities Code section 745(d) states, in part, “On and after January 1, 2014, the commission shall only approve an electrical corporation’s use of default time-variant pricing in a manner consistent with the other provisions of this part, if all of the following conditions have been met:

(1) Residential customers have the option to not receive service pursuant to time-variant pricing and incur no additional charges as a result of the exercise of that option….”

“Service pursuant to…” is having a “smart” meter capable of supplying the information to run the “smart” system.

You have the rights and voice to deny extortionate demands and protect your privacy, health and finances.

Pay your bill, pay no extortion, defend your rights.

Say NO to “smart” meters every way you can.

Posted in California, Citizen rebellion, CPUC, Democracy, Federal Energy Act of 2005, legal issues, Smart Grid, Time of Use Pricing | 2 Comments

Breaking: Southern California Edison Opt Out Fees Suspended

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Josh Hart

From Burbank Action: SCE is putting orange “Opt Out Customer” stickers on its analog opt-out meters. If you’re an SCE customer, call 1-800-810-2369 today to make sure you’re in the Opt Out program or else SCE is going smart meter you. If SCE refuses to give you an analog opt out, submit a complaint with the Tobin Law Firm (read Post). Photo courtesy of StopOCSmartMeters.com

The ability of utilities to charge a fee to customers who refuse a smart meter was dealt a serious blow today in California. It appears that “opt out” fees for customers of Southern California Edison (SCE) have been placed on hold for 120 days pending a CPUC determination of whether the fees are in fact legal or not.

It is still unclear what effect- if any- this decision may have on customers of other monopoly utilities in CA like PG&E and SDG&E- or for that matter municipal utilities.

According to the Burbank Action website- a great site to follow for smart meter news affecting Southern California:

The CA Public Utilities Commission has temporarily suspended SCE’s opt out fees, effective June 4, for 120 days while they look into this matter.  Consumers Power Alliance, meanwhile, is encouraging residents to opt-out of SCE smart meters today, and has issued an alert and advice to SCE customers.  CPA is also encouraging SCE customers to file complaints with CPA’s hired law firm (read more below).

Action you can take?

Please share this CPA advisory below with other family and friends you know who are SCE customers.  IMPORTANT: The advice and recommendations below apply ONLY to SCE Customers (not BWP, GWP or LADWP customers):

1.  (June 4, 2012) Due to legal action by Consumers Power Alliance (CPA), the PUC has suspended SCE Opt-Out Fees effective 4 June 2012 for up to 120 days while staff reviews. Opt-Outs are proceeding on a District basis…and SCE is continuing to install smart meters like there is no tomorrow.

2.  Opt Out Now

SCE customers throughout the state are receiving Opt-Out letters. They may come certified mail or “critical mail.” The Notices have varying default deadlines, depending on where you live. If you were on Delay Install, you MUST return the form by the deadline noted in the letter, or you will be smart-metered. We suggest that you make a copy of the signed form and return it immediately. In addition, you may call 800.810.2369 – now only between 8 AM and 5 PM. Note: Opt-Out Plans allow you to have the Smart Meter removed at any time for any or no reason, but it may take time to get it removed, and you may have to wait for an analog meter.

3.  Complaints are Requested

Our attorney, Mr. Tobin, recommends that our chances of getting what we want will improve if we provide documented incidents and other complaints to the PUC. Our goals include (a) immediate restoration of meters for those who got smart-metered when on the Delay Install list, (b) reduced fees, (c) Opt-Out Applications on SCE website, (d) SCE should make their website more Opt-Out accessible and post up-to-date information, (e) improve notification procedures, (f) stop installers from forcing installations , (g) impose deadlines for completing restorations, (h) longer hours for calling to Opt-Out,while default installs are happening, and (i) more respectful customer service.

Please email your letters of complaint to Channing at channing@tobinlaw.us with the notation CPA Support – Letter of Complaint, so the law firm can get them in the right hands.

In addition, encourage your friends and family in SCE territory to contact Consumers Power Alliance today, and support their efforts, receive their e-mail updates and alerts, and donate to their Legal Fund.  They can do this by visiting the CPA website for more details at: http://www.consumerspoweralliance.com

June 8th Update: Oh we’re playing this game again are we?  CPUC and the utilities are again pretending that they are above the law- though the advice letter which is the basis for fee charging is suspended, the CPUC is insisting that the fees have not suspended- a strange kind of doublethink.

Addendum from Burbank Action: One of our readers reported that he contacted SCE and the CPUC and reps from both organizations told him the fees had not been suspended. Those who are receiving similar responses, or have questions about the fee suspension, or have complaints about the SCE smart meter opt out program and fees, should contact CPA at admin@consumerspoweralliance.com. I’ve thus updated our post to include more detailed info (below) from CPA’s alert regarding Item #1:

“1. (Santa Barbara, CA – June 4, 2012) Per the attached Suspension Notice issued by the CPUC Energy Division, the SCE Advice Letter implementing its Smart Meter Opt-Out Plan, recently protested by CPA , has been suspended effective 4 June for up to 120 days for staff review. As long as this Advice Letter remains suspended, SCE has no authorization to implement the rates or other terms and conditions contained in the Advice Letter.

“We currently do not know how this will impact Opt-Out fees for SCE and the Gas Company or the Opt-Out practices by SCE protested by CPA. However, Opt-Outs are proceeding on a District basis…and SCE is continuing to install smart meters like there is no tomorrow.”

Other sources for Southern California smart meter information include:

StopOCSmartMeters.com

StopSmartMetersIrvine.com

CenterforElectrosmogPrevention.org

Southern Californians for Wired Solutions: info.scwssm@gmail.com

ThePeoplesInitiative.org

SmartMeterHealthAlert.org

Posted in California, CPUC, Democracy, legal issues, SCE | 20 Comments

City of Ojai First So Cal Government to Criminalize Meters

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Josh Hart

The City of Ojai last week became the first government in Southern California to adopt an ordinance officially banning smart meters within its jurisdiction.  Our congrats and respect both to the city council and the residents of Ojai who brought about this landmark vote.  Ojai joins a proud and elite corps of local governments in California including Santa Cruz, Marin, Lake, and Mendocino Counties who have followed through on their legal right and moral obligation to pass laws protecting their residents from a utility industry and regulatory environment out of touch with health, safety, and sanity.  More than 56 local governments in the state have now officially declared their opposition to current smart grid policy, an overwhelming statement of democratic opposition to a flawed and dangerous system.

While some local governments such as the Town of Fairfax have indicated a willingness to enforce their ordinance using police powers, which has kept smart meters out of town for the most part, others like Santa Cruz County Sheriff Phil Wowak have shirked their responsibility to enforce the law, instead arresting peaceful protesters and facilitating the illegal deployment, allowing smart meters in and sickening many.  It’s unclear whether Ojai police are prepared to cite violations of the ordinance by Corix and SCE or whether the public will be left to enforce the ban on its own.

In any case, Ojai has blazed a path for other governments in Southern California- and beyond- to follow.

Local media coverage can be found here.   The full ordinance can be downloaded from Ojai’s website (pdf).  Below are excerpts from the adopted ordinance:

Ojai City Council: "FCC safety standards are inadequate....(smart meters are) a current and immediate threat to health." Proof democracy is still alive- at least on a local level!

Ojai grassroots spreading the word!

Posted in California, Citizen rebellion, Democracy, legal issues, neighborhood organizing, radio-frequency radiation, Safety, Ventura County | 17 Comments