Got this email from a friend.
If you live in Orem you probably received a letter from Rocky Mt Power about the installation of new smart meter’s during the month of April on Orem homes.
I have long had concerns about smart meters (see https://americanpolicy.org/fil Ies/smart-meter.pdf plus some additional resources below) . While this report was written in 2013, it is interesting to see how many of the goals mentioned at that time have been moving forward. No doubt the technology has also been advancing. It seems that many of the issues described then are still be applicable, SO I just called the phone number on the letter 866-869-8520 to get more info from Rocky Mountain Power.
Although the letter states that there is a monthly fee to opt-out and a new fee for reading the meters. Opting out is as easy as a phone call AND I was just told those fees do not apply if we opt out BEFORE the meters are installed. .
Here are a few more details: I asked the service rep what the emitted frequencies will be and she didn’t know, but she did say that the meters could transmit readings every 15 min. She said there was more info about on the new meters at https://www.rockymountainpower.net/my-account/energy-usage/meter-upgrade.html On this website, under user insights it says, “Sign in to your account to see your energy usage broken down into monthly, daily, and even hourly levels. Business accounts can view their usage in even smaller increments.” (like the 15 minutes she mentioned.) Under smart grid, it states “Upgraded meters are just one way we’re modernizing our grid. Our new meters use sensors to adjust the flow of energy and flex with demand. It’s the infrastructure we need for clean energy ” Does this mean that they can control the amount and flow of energy into our homes and even turn it on and off? It is my understanding that newer appliances can/do have chips that can communicate with smart meters. Will the power company will be able to tell what appliances you are using and when they are running? Will they be able to turn off and on specific appliances via smart meters?
PS Here are a few more resources
https://thenewamerican.com/the-great-smart-meter-con/
in this short video a couple of advantages of smart meters
