It is fairly easy to agree with most of the statements made by Tom Fletcher in his column on the Hydro Conspiracy Club.
That being said, there are still many reasons to not want Smart Meters installed on our houses.
I will not repeat many of those reasons, as they have already been made public in various formats and letters in the past.
So, I will voice my main concern as a senior citizen on a fixed income, and hope to speak for the many people and families that are low wage earners in this time of increasing prices on everything from food to gas.
Right now, the Hydro meter only registers the amount of electricity I use for one month at a time. It doesn’t show what it is used for, or when I use it.
With the new Smart meters, they will show exactly when I use my hydro. And there is only one reason for that function.
Tom Fletcher, along with B.C. hydro, want us to believe that this particular and integral part of the meters will enable a “voluntary time-of-use” system where we can all get a “discount” by shifting our consumption to low-peak times.
Well, to me that means that if I want to enjoy any heat in my house, I had better stay in bed during these cold winter days, and enjoy my heat from midnight to six in the morning.
If I don’t, and want to stay awake during the day and actually stay somewhat warm, as I assume would 99 per cent of the population of B.C., I will be punished financially for having the audacity to use Hydro during the peak time of use.
This is the main reason for these meters, and it is a cash grab by BC Hydro from the most vulnerable in our society. If Tom Fletcher doesn’t believe this, then I have some great oceanfront property in the Sahara Desert for him to buy. Cheap.
If he doesn’t want to take advantage of this great value, than perhaps I can at least send him my new Hydro bill every month. He shouldn’t mind paying, what with the amazing discount that will be available.
Steve Lombardo, Bowser