Dive Summary:
- Opponents of smart meters rallied during GridWeek on Thursday's National Day of Action to Stop Smart Meters, in particular claiming that scientific studies have shown that the radiation emitted by smart meters is harmful to humans, citing financial and cyber-security concerns and some even claiming the technology does not conserve energy.
- Utility companies and energy efficiency advocates argue that smart meter rollouts do not merely reduce cost and consumption for the individual but also lower emissions, improve operational efficiency and load shifting.
- Steady dissent from opponents of smart meters have led a growing number of utility companies to offer smart meter opt-out programs.
From the article:
"Smart meter opponents gathered in Washington, D.C. yesterday to call for a moratorium on smart meter deployments and publicize what they believe are the harmful effects of smart meters on health, privacy and cost.
The modestly attended D.C. demonstration was one of 35 gatherings held across the U.S. as part of Thursday's Action Day to Stop Smart meters, which was designed to overlap with GridWeek and draw awareness to a small but still growing contingent of utility customers who reject smart meters and their benefits. ..."