http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131217/ulster-county-lawmakers-back-opt-out-proposal-for-electronic-utility-meters
KINGSTON>> Ulster County lawmakers have thrown their support
behind state legislation that would allow residents to opt out of having
electronic utility meters installed on their homes.
Legislators voted 12-0 Tuesday, with 11 members absent, during a meeting
of the Ulster County Legislature in favor of the resolution, which
urges the state Legislature prohibit electric utilities from forcing
consumers to use so-called smart meters or transmitting utility meters
on their homes.
My comment: Victorian "democracy" is very different, parliament and Energy and Water Ombudsman pretend to have no knowledge about any Smart-meter related issues.
Thursday 31 July 2014
Canada Removes of 105,000 Smart Meters Because Fire
http://cjme.com/story/two-more-smart-meters-start-fire-saskatchewan/396968
http://news.ca.msn.com/canada/saskpower-to-remove-105000-smart-meters-following-fires-2
The Saskatchewan government has ordered its power utility SaskPower to remove 105,000 so-called smart meters installed at homes and businesses across the province, following concerns about eight unexplained fires associated with the units.
The minister responsible for the provincial Crown corporation, Bill Boyd, announced the move Wednesday.
..."The concerns are significant enough that we believe that any time that families are at risk here in Saskatchewan, actions have to be taken. That's why we've directed SaskPower accordingly."
Questions about the meters surfaced in July when SaskPower announced it was investigating a handful of cases where newly installed meters malfunctioned. In all cases, the failures only affected the outside of a home and no one was hurt.
SaskPower had put its meter replacement program on hold while it investigated the fires. As of Monday, eight had been reported.
Sensus Corporation, the company that supplied the meters, said in a statement to CBC News Wednesday that it has millions of meters operating safely across North America.
"We have no confirmation that the meter is the source [of the fire problems]," the statement said. "We are working with SaskPower to understand what specific events led to those issues and to determine the best course of action. The investigation is still underway."
Sensus is a multinational company servicing the utility industry with headquarters in the U.S. and operations around the world.
Cost of swap could reach $14M
According to officials, it will take about six to nine months to swap out the meters already installed. That is expected to cost about $90 per customer — $45 for a different meter and $45 for the work. That works out to around $9.5 million for the entire province. SaskPower also has a cache of more than 100,000 new devices in storage that will not be used.
Later on Wednesday, SaskPower indicated it expected the total cost could reach $14 million.
It was not immediately clear who would cover the costs associated with the swap. Boyd said he hoped to recoup the money from the company that supplied the meters.
The smart meters, which are manufactured by Sensus Corporation, allow SaskPower to bill customers for the power they use each month rather than relying on estimates between meter readings. The utility introduced the replacement program in October 2013.
No changes for some Saskatoon residents
The government's move applies to customers of SaskPower throughout the province, but does not apply to parts of Saskatoon that receive service from that city's power and light utility. According to Saskatoon officials, their meter replacement program, which uses a different supplier, has not had any problems.
"We have not heard any reports of problems with the Elster brand meters," Kevin Hudson, a Saskatoon city official, said in a statement Wednesday.
Two more smart meters start on fire in Saskatchewan
SaskPower continues to investigate cause of failures
An eighth smart meter has caught fire in Saskatchewan since SaskPower started installing thousands across the province.
http://news.ca.msn.com/canada/saskpower-to-remove-105000-smart-meters-following-fires-2
The Saskatchewan government has ordered its power utility SaskPower to remove 105,000 so-called smart meters installed at homes and businesses across the province, following concerns about eight unexplained fires associated with the units.
The minister responsible for the provincial Crown corporation, Bill Boyd, announced the move Wednesday.
..."The concerns are significant enough that we believe that any time that families are at risk here in Saskatchewan, actions have to be taken. That's why we've directed SaskPower accordingly."
Questions about the meters surfaced in July when SaskPower announced it was investigating a handful of cases where newly installed meters malfunctioned. In all cases, the failures only affected the outside of a home and no one was hurt.
SaskPower had put its meter replacement program on hold while it investigated the fires. As of Monday, eight had been reported.
Sensus Corporation, the company that supplied the meters, said in a statement to CBC News Wednesday that it has millions of meters operating safely across North America.
"We have no confirmation that the meter is the source [of the fire problems]," the statement said. "We are working with SaskPower to understand what specific events led to those issues and to determine the best course of action. The investigation is still underway."
Sensus is a multinational company servicing the utility industry with headquarters in the U.S. and operations around the world.
Cost of swap could reach $14M
According to officials, it will take about six to nine months to swap out the meters already installed. That is expected to cost about $90 per customer — $45 for a different meter and $45 for the work. That works out to around $9.5 million for the entire province. SaskPower also has a cache of more than 100,000 new devices in storage that will not be used.
Later on Wednesday, SaskPower indicated it expected the total cost could reach $14 million.
It was not immediately clear who would cover the costs associated with the swap. Boyd said he hoped to recoup the money from the company that supplied the meters.
The smart meters, which are manufactured by Sensus Corporation, allow SaskPower to bill customers for the power they use each month rather than relying on estimates between meter readings. The utility introduced the replacement program in October 2013.
No changes for some Saskatoon residents
The government's move applies to customers of SaskPower throughout the province, but does not apply to parts of Saskatoon that receive service from that city's power and light utility. According to Saskatoon officials, their meter replacement program, which uses a different supplier, has not had any problems.
"We have not heard any reports of problems with the Elster brand meters," Kevin Hudson, a Saskatoon city official, said in a statement Wednesday.
Saturday 26 July 2014
Smart meter, Refugees and Human Rights Activists
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal experience and many hours of research.
If you have a smart meter that
is making you, unwell and/or have other symptoms related to EHS and
you complain to your distributor, they will simply reply: “Smart
meters are mandated/standard".
You can then complain to the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV), they will send a request to your distributor, who will send the usual answer, which will be passed on to you that: " Smart meters are mandated/standard".
As far as the distributors are concerned, it is your problem and nobody else’s. I know the names of refugees who have left their jobs, friends, who have sold their property in VIC and moved interstate because they could no longer take the pain from smart meters.
You can then complain to the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV), they will send a request to your distributor, who will send the usual answer, which will be passed on to you that: " Smart meters are mandated/standard".
As far as the distributors are concerned, it is your problem and nobody else’s. I know the names of refugees who have left their jobs, friends, who have sold their property in VIC and moved interstate because they could no longer take the pain from smart meters.
Do
you think Human Rights activists, mass-media or any Ombudsman paid
any attention to their stories? Nope. The only "refugees"
which they care about are illegals, those who coming from overseas direct to our
Centrelink offices by boats.
Not
one Human Right activist, mass-media editor or Green Party official
is foolish enough to risk interfering with billions of dollars
"donations" into pockets of corporations under the pretext
of "Advanced Metering Infrastructure". So you can be sure
the smart meter issue will not get into the front pages of any major
media outlet until YOU make it happen.
Currently Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria is answering to all complains in same way:
"Smart meters are mandated/standard/compulsory".
So if Smart meter is killing you, that’s fine by everyone who is supposed to protect you, as long as it done legally. Nazi murdered millions of people because laws of Raich allowed it.
So if Smart meter is killing you, that’s fine by everyone who is supposed to protect you, as long as it done legally. Nazi murdered millions of people because laws of Raich allowed it.
I wonder that kind of answer we would hear from Ombudsmen if distributors got permit to shoot their customer on spot? Probably something like this: "Killing unhappy clients is allowed by Order in Council and section 6A Electricity Industry Act"?
Only one way to force Ombudsman to do his job, to protect you - complain. And not just complain - use law. There is Equal Opportunity Act, force Ombudsman to read it! Look at my post under heading "Equal Opportunity Act and Human Rights."
Legal
Aid can waste a lot of money to help child molesters or rapists, but
if an honest citizen has a problem with a big corporation, ‘sorry
mate, it is your problem and no one else’s’.
And only you and no one else can force them to protect rights and liberties of honest citizens!
Not be shy. Write to local and main mass-media. Lodge complains. Demand answers and actions. Bring distributor to Human Rights division of VCAT (it is free).
Since forcing Aboriginals from their lands it is first ever time in Australian history then people are forced from their homes.
Not because they are criminals, enemies or anything like this. People who suffer from EHS cannot live in Victoria and they are forced to move away.
Power industry needs profits and politicians cover-up them. It is against all our Human rights, against Constitution, against all democratic liberties.
But it is happening JUST NOW. Because our politicians put profits of foreign corporations before humans.
Do NOT vote for Labors who started Advanced Metering Infrastructure rollout.
Do NOT vote for Liberals who did not lift a finger to take into account rights of citizens of Victoria.
Do NOT vote for Greens who supported desal plant, who against cheap clean water from Mitchell river, who did not say a single word to protect rights of Smart Meter' refugees!
Do NOT vote for National (current energy minister National one) who have same policies as Liberals!
Do NOT vote for National (current energy minister National one) who have same policies as Liberals!
Equal Opportunity Act and Human Rights.
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
If
you complain that your smart meter radiation is making you sick and
you get the answer that “everything is within ASPANSA limits".
Technically, this answer is correct. It is not the job of
distributors to check out faults in standards. ARPANSA RPS3 (the
standards) have some issues, I spoke about it in another post.
But the distributors do have other obligations. For example they have to obey Equal Opportunity Act.
But the distributors do have other obligations. For example they have to obey Equal Opportunity Act.
Sections
44 and 45:
«Discrimination in the provision of goods and services»,
(b) in the terms on which goods or services are provided to the other person
It sounds as though distributor must supply you with electricity regardless of what kind of electrical meter you have.
«Discrimination in the provision of goods and services»,
(b) in the terms on which goods or services are provided to the other person
It sounds as though distributor must supply you with electricity regardless of what kind of electrical meter you have.
Section 15: Duty to
eliminate discrimination...
(1) This section applies to a person who has a duty under Part 4, 6 or 7 not to engage in discrimination...
(2) A person must take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate that discrimination... as far as possible.
(1) This section applies to a person who has a duty under Part 4, 6 or 7 not to engage in discrimination...
(2) A person must take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate that discrimination... as far as possible.
So if you have medical condition (EHS) your distributor must make some adjustments. For example remove Smart meter from your house.
And also distributors in Victoria should have policies and procedures how to deal with people who suffer from EHS. But I never heard about miracle like this.
As far as I concern mostly they just bully people into moving interstate.
And there is section 45:
Service provider must make reasonable adjustments for person with
a disability
According
to this, a Distributor should use another meter, which does not emit
radiation. It is NOT your problem which meter they will use and what
written about it in THEIR rules. You have rights! If they do not want
to know about your rights because they too much concern about their
profits - bring them to court!
Human
rights division of VCAT is FREE for Applicant. How much money will be
spent by distributor - it is THEIR problem. Applicant is not responsible for expenses of Defendant.
You just want to keep your
Manually Read Meter, which was used (and still is) around the world
for a century. No way it can be treated as "un-reasonable"
adjustment.
The distributors try to
cover-up their bulling tactics by this:
PART
5—GENERAL EXCEPTIONS TO AND EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROHIBITION OF
DISCRIMINATION
Section 75 Things done with statutory authority
(1) A person may discriminate if the discrimination is necessary to comply with, or is authorised by, a provision of—
(a) an Act, other than this Act; or
(b) an enactment, other than an enactment under this Act.
Yes, they have orders to install Smart meters. But "the best endeavours" never made them compulsory. And "the best endeavours" do not allow them to make people suffer from EHS.
Section 75 Things done with statutory authority
(1) A person may discriminate if the discrimination is necessary to comply with, or is authorised by, a provision of—
(a) an Act, other than this Act; or
(b) an enactment, other than an enactment under this Act.
Yes, they have orders to install Smart meters. But "the best endeavours" never made them compulsory. And "the best endeavours" do not allow them to make people suffer from EHS.
So usage section 75 as a defence is very questionable in this case.
More, there was "Waters v Public Transport Corporation" case which may be a good precedent in case of class action.
More, there was "Waters v Public Transport Corporation" case which may be a good precedent in case of class action.
And there is a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
1
Purpose and citation
(c) imposing an obligation
on all public authorities to act in a way that is compatible with
human rights;
So there is a fare chance
VCAT will interpret section 75 in your favour.
(d) requiring statements
of compatibility with human rights to be prepared in respect of all
Bills introduced into Parliament and enabling the Scrutiny of Acts
and Regulations Committee to report on such compatibility
And it NEVER happened with
any document related to Smart meter rollout!
But
unless you go to court you will not know for sure. You may suffer for
rest of your life from radiation or get rid of Smart meter if you
take action.
The
choice is your.
Write me if you have any
questions.
Friday 25 July 2014
Your right to choose kind of meter and how to defend it.
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Choice
One
of the main differences between totalitarian and democratic countries
is the right to choose.
It is a shame Victorian electricity distributors and Energy and Water Ombudsman are not aware of it.
1. By law, Australians are allowed to have a
choice of whether to keep their ‘old analogue’ electrical meter.
ELECTRICITY CUSTOMER METERING CODE:
6. INSTALLATION
6.1 Obligation to provide
(aa) This clause 6.1 is subject to the minimum standard of metering equipment being smart meter following the initial installation of smart meter at a customer’s premises.
So if you got Smart meter you can change it for... ANOTHER Smart meter.
But, clauses (b) and (d) make it very clear that you can request a different type of meter to that quoted in 6.1 and 6.2!
But, clauses (b) and (d) make it very clear that you can request a different type of meter to that quoted in 6.1 and 6.2!
(b)
Subject to clauses 6.1(c) and 6.2, if a customer requests a
distributor or a retailer to install a type of metering equipment
which is different from the type the distributor or the retailer
(whichever is responsible for providing the metering services)
otherwise would install in accordance with the NER or the Metrology
Procedure, the customer must bear any costs incurred by the
distributor or the retailer (as the case may be) installing that new
metering equipment in excess of those which the distributor or the
retailer would have incurred in installing the other type of new
metering equipment.
(d) Where a customer requests a distributor or a retailer (whichever is responsible for providing the metering services) to install interval metering equipment in accordance with the NER or the Metrology Procedure, the distributor or the retailer (as the case may be) must use its reasonable endeavours to install that type of metering equipment within 20 business days of receiving a written request to do so from the customer.
(d) Where a customer requests a distributor or a retailer (whichever is responsible for providing the metering services) to install interval metering equipment in accordance with the NER or the Metrology Procedure, the distributor or the retailer (as the case may be) must use its reasonable endeavours to install that type of metering equipment within 20 business days of receiving a written request to do so from the customer.
It sounds for me you are allowed to have ANY time of electrical meter as long as it can do the job.
2. If you are told that Smart meters are mandated/standard/compulsory please read my post with heading "Terms mandated, compulsory, standard – do all they have the same meaning?".
3. My home - my castle strategy.
You
locked your meter box, installed sign «No Smart meter», "no trespassing". You already sent away contractor from distributor and told him loud and clear "I do NOT want Smart meter". You phoned and sent letter to your distributor with same information.
What does it mean from point of view law?
Summary
Offences Act 1966 Victoria No. 7405 of 1966 Version incorporating
amendments as at 16 July 2012 Section 9:
(a) the person enters that place after having been previously warned not to enter (you already send away contractor previously) by the owner or occupier or a person authorised to give such a warning on behalf of the owner or occupier; or
(c) the person enters that place in breach of a prominently displayed sign erected at that place by the owner or occupier or a person authorised to erect such a sign on behalf of the owner or occupier stating that—
(ii) persons engaging in that place in the type of activity in which the person concerned is proposing to engage in that place are prohibited from entering that place (No Smart Meter sign) —and the person has no other lawful excuse for entering that place.
(a) the person enters that place after having been previously warned not to enter (you already send away contractor previously) by the owner or occupier or a person authorised to give such a warning on behalf of the owner or occupier; or
(c) the person enters that place in breach of a prominently displayed sign erected at that place by the owner or occupier or a person authorised to erect such a sign on behalf of the owner or occupier stating that—
(ii) persons engaging in that place in the type of activity in which the person concerned is proposing to engage in that place are prohibited from entering that place (No Smart Meter sign) —and the person has no other lawful excuse for entering that place.
Other
hand there is also ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CODE 2011 which tells
about Distributor right to trespass:
3.3.2 Provided official identification is produced by the distributor’s representatives on request, a customer must provide to the distributor’s representatives at all times convenient and unhindered access:
(a) to the distributor’s equipment for any purposes associated with the supply, metering or billing of electricity; and
(b) to the customer’s electrical installation...
3.3.2 Provided official identification is produced by the distributor’s representatives on request, a customer must provide to the distributor’s representatives at all times convenient and unhindered access:
(a) to the distributor’s equipment for any purposes associated with the supply, metering or billing of electricity; and
(b) to the customer’s electrical installation...
Does it mean contractor allowed install Smart meter against your wishes? Does "the best endeavours" enough strong term to allow commit crime of trespassing?
This issue is waiting for court challenge. I do not have any information about any cases about this topic or their results.
CHARTER
OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT 2006 - SECT
32
Interpretation
(1) So far as it is possible to do so consistently with their purpose, all statutory provisions must be interpreted in a way that is compatible with human rights.
Because installation Smart meters has a lot of to do with Equal Opportunity Act and Charter of Human Rights there is a chance that court may rule in favour of owner of the property and distributor/contractor will be punished for trespassing.
Interpretation
(1) So far as it is possible to do so consistently with their purpose, all statutory provisions must be interpreted in a way that is compatible with human rights.
Because installation Smart meters has a lot of to do with Equal Opportunity Act and Charter of Human Rights there is a chance that court may rule in favour of owner of the property and distributor/contractor will be punished for trespassing.
If you go to court Charter of Human Rights Victoria may be handy:1 Purpose and citation
(1) This Act may be referred to as the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and is so referred to in this Act.
(2) The main purpose of this Charter is to protect and promote human rights by—
(a) setting out the human rights that Parliament specifically seeks to protect and promote; and
(b) ensuring that all statutory provisions, whenever enacted, are interpreted so far as is possible in a way that is compatible with human rights; (it never happened with any Advanced Metering Infrastructure document).
4. One
day you found the lock cut off and Smart meter installed?
You
should contact the police ASAP. The crime happened: your property was
deliberatly destroied, someone trespassed your land.
And
not to be shy, contact local mass-media, sent message to me, post on
http://stopsmartmeters.com.au/forum/
You
will find support and people who did it will have problems.
Not allow police or court drop this matter.
5. Punishment for trespassing: http://www.activistrights.org.au/handbook/ch02s08s02.php
It
is a State offence to wilfully trespass in any place and neglect or
refuse to leave that place after being warned to do so by the owner,
occupier or a person authorised by the owner or occupier (section
9(1)(d) Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) ). The maximum
penalty is $2500 or six months' jail, although the penalty is usually
a small fine. However, every case is different so you should seek
legal advice about the penalty you may face.
If you enter onto another person's land without their permission, you will be trespassing. If you deliberately or carelessly do something that directly causes interference with someone else's land, a trespass is committed. Trespass is a civil wrong, and you can be sued for doing it. The most common example of trespassing is when you go onto someone's land without their permission.
If you enter onto another person's land without their permission, you will be trespassing. If you deliberately or carelessly do something that directly causes interference with someone else's land, a trespass is committed. Trespass is a civil wrong, and you can be sued for doing it. The most common example of trespassing is when you go onto someone's land without their permission.
Thursday 24 July 2014
Capital Punishment from distributor: Disconnection
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Disconnection
From information which I have received, it appears to me that distributors can disconnect "troublemakers" quick and easy.
Not many Victorians are aware of the rules
which regulate disconnection, so I try to tell you some basics.
It may come as a surprise for electricity distributors and Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV), but there is a law in this country which is called the ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CODE 2011.
You
may ask your distributor for a copy:
9.1.4 On request by a customer, a distributor must give to a customer a copy of this Code (which, if so requested, must be a large print copy).
Before disconnection, a distributor has to send you at least TWO letters:
12.2.1 A distributor may disconnect supply to a customer’s supply address if supply otherwise would potentially endanger or threaten to endanger the health or safety of any person or the environment or an element of the environment or if there is otherwise an emergency.
12.2.2 Except in the case of an emergency, or where there is a need to reduce the risk of fire or where relevant regulations require otherwise, a distributor must not disconnect a customer’s supply address under clause 12.2.1 unless the distributor has:
(a) given the customer written notice of the reason;
9.1.4 On request by a customer, a distributor must give to a customer a copy of this Code (which, if so requested, must be a large print copy).
Before disconnection, a distributor has to send you at least TWO letters:
12.2.1 A distributor may disconnect supply to a customer’s supply address if supply otherwise would potentially endanger or threaten to endanger the health or safety of any person or the environment or an element of the environment or if there is otherwise an emergency.
12.2.2 Except in the case of an emergency, or where there is a need to reduce the risk of fire or where relevant regulations require otherwise, a distributor must not disconnect a customer’s supply address under clause 12.2.1 unless the distributor has:
(a) given the customer written notice of the reason;
(b) allowed the customer
5 business days from the date of receipt of the notice to eliminate
the cause of the potential danger; and
(c) at the expiration of those 5 business days given the customer by way of a written disconnection warning another 5 business days’ notice of its intention to disconnect the customer (the 5 business days is to be counted from the date of receipt of the notice)
If there is a dispute, or you have lodged a complaint with your distributor, the EWOV, they are not allowed to disconnect you at all, clause 12.6.2 (b) dot point 2 states, ‘a distributor must not disconnect supply to a customer’:
(c) at the expiration of those 5 business days given the customer by way of a written disconnection warning another 5 business days’ notice of its intention to disconnect the customer (the 5 business days is to be counted from the date of receipt of the notice)
If there is a dispute, or you have lodged a complaint with your distributor, the EWOV, they are not allowed to disconnect you at all, clause 12.6.2 (b) dot point 2 states, ‘a distributor must not disconnect supply to a customer’:
•
if there is a dispute between the customer and the distributor which
has been notified by the customer under clause 10 and is still being
dealt with by the distributor under that clause, or is the subject of
proceedings before the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) Ltd. or
other relevant external disputes resolution body;
I have heard several instances where these rules have been ignored, office of EWOV was informed and did their usual job: pen-pushing. And of course they obeyed their policy, which appears to be: ‘don’t create problems for the distribution industry’.
So you have to be demanding and not shy if dealing with them.
I have heard several instances where these rules have been ignored, office of EWOV was informed and did their usual job: pen-pushing. And of course they obeyed their policy, which appears to be: ‘don’t create problems for the distribution industry’.
So you have to be demanding and not shy if dealing with them.
No law exist which allows distributor to cut off your electricity because you do not consent to the installation of a Smart meter.
Unfortunately people are not prepared to take action. As result, the offenders
get away with unacceptable and in some instances; unlawful behaviour.
I believe that if enough Victorians stand up for their rights, it
would make all the difference!
You not supposed to pay for court. EWOV is free, but you have to annoy them to get result. If they refuse to help you - there is VCAT, Human Right Division. It is free, Applicant pays nothing.
It should be born in mind that, under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 – Sect 40b, in a case of wrongful disconnection, a distributor may have to pay you $250 per day, if no other amount applies.
(b) if no amount is prescribed by the regulations, $250 for each whole day that the supply of electricity is disconnected and a pro rata amount for any part of a day that the supply of electricity is disconnected;
The last thing any distributor wants - to get court ruling about removal Smart meter and going back to manually read one. As far as I know Victoria still has none court ruling like this. Court ruling is public and cannot be hidden under "gag order" which is usually part of out-of-court settlement.
Highly possibly your case will be settled quietly out of court - they will give you manually read meter and (possibly) compensation for unlawful disconnection, you sign "gag" order in return for "favour".
They honestly believe they are doing favour to you - allowing to have manually read meter after charging you $1000 for Smart one, which you never needed at all!
Agreement may be worded in so twisted and confusing way that only later you will understand you cannot claim any compensation for illegal disconnection or damages to your health from Smart meter radiation.
And you cannot even speak up about it because you sign "gag" order!
And all it perfectly LEGAL! Why? They are rich bully (or multinational corporation, it is the same), you are just honest citizen.
You should know who has law on their side.
You do not like these laws and want some changes? Visit this page: http://www.peoplepowervictoria.org.au/home
What can you do?
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
What can you do?
Just for start - let know your distributors, politicians, local and big mass-media about your opinion. Not be shy.
They pretend "care about you", "listen to you", "represent you". So force them to do exactly this. Ensure they will not be able to get away "I did not know about any issues with Smart meters".
Politicians created laws which force you to pay for useless and dangerous electronic toy, distributors got brand new infrastructure for your expense - so they have to have a bit time to answer your questions, yes?
And if you upset them and spoil their day - it is not your problem, do you agree?
They rip you off for $1000, and I think you have to say something about it. If they do not want to listen - make them listen!
Here the list of contacts to start:
Electricity distributors: http://jemena.com.au/outages/find-my-distributor.aspx
Your MP: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/
Minister Energy and Resources: http://www.vic.gov.au/contactsandservices/directory/?ea0_lfz99_120.&roleWithSubordinates&8d3e407f-6c39-4da0-8893-530e4b03b5f3
Energy and Water Ombudsman: http://www.ewov.com.au/
You know better them me about your local newspaper and radio stations. Ask them questions, tell your opinion about Smart meters, raise concerns. Ensure everyone knows about $1000 rip-off.
And do NOT allow them to answer you with garbage like "mandated/standard/benefits for you"! Do not allow them to fool you!
Join political party which cares about your health, about your right to have a choice, which wants to make politicians accountable and responsible: http://www.peoplepowervictoria.org.au/home
Write me if you have any questions or need support.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Profits.
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Money
and Advanced Metering Infrastructure program.
Who profits?
Nazis killed millions of people in gas chambers/death camps perfectly
legal (because the laws of the Reich allowed it). After WWII,
companies who supplied death camps with deadly Zyklon B gas got away
it. Why should they be punished? They were only guilty of making a
few bucks; it was never a crime for capitalists.
So electrical distributors in Victoria got brand-new Advanced Metering Infrastructure which dangerous for US, which is paid by US and it is LEGAL.
Even Nazi did not charge victims for cost of gas chambers and Zyklon B, it was government-funded.
The costs of the implementation of the AMI in Victoria have already blown out from $800 million to $2.8 billion
Also, we pay almost double the price and no one cares. I am sure it has nothing to do with corruption or kick-backs:
Landis + Gyr, the company that amassed about 56 per cent of the market in deals to supply the electricity distributors in Victoria with smart meters...
Landis + Gyr, to which Bayard then changed its name, ...managed to fetch high prices for its devices, perhaps the highest in the world...
According to eMeter Corporation, a meter data intelligence department of Siemens, the average cost of smart meters sold to utility companies in the US is $221, and in Europe $272. A spokesperson for the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the Victorian distribution companies paid an average of $346 to their suppliers. Powercor paid the highest at $423.
Read more:http://www.smh.com.au/business/smart-meters-but-at-whose-expense-20121223-2btjd.html#ixzz37D6ZH11E
According to eMeter Corporation, a meter data intelligence department of Siemens, the average cost of smart meters sold to utility companies in the US is $221, and in Europe $272. A spokesperson for the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the Victorian distribution companies paid an average of $346 to their suppliers. Powercor paid the highest at $423.
Read more:
May the absence of attention from media may be
explained by this?:
Success
of Landis + Gyr has confirmed Cameron O'Reilly as one of the most
savvy businessmen in Australia. The O'Reilly family had controlled
regional media group APN.
Fairfax family would make about $203 million, through Marinya Holdings, and the Smorgon family's Escor Investments, $36 million.
Fairfax family would make about $203 million, through Marinya Holdings, and the Smorgon family's Escor Investments, $36 million.
Any benefits for consumers?
Of course we were told that Smart meters give consumers «a lot of benefits». So politicians and fat cats from corporations did not need to ask our opinion, we supposed to be extremely happy from their care anyway.
But
South Australia confused about so-called benefits:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/south-australian-electricity-consumers-likely-to-be-offered-new-smart-power-meters-but-at-a-price/story-fni6uo1m-1226882988159?nk=beea83faaaab86f387abe6cc6f8dbde8
South
Australian Council of Social Service director Ross Womersley said
there was no guarantee the cost of installation to householders would
be matched by savings.
“SACOSS accepts that
advanced metering offers a range of benefits, but is disappointed
that the discussion paper does not provide any quantitative
information in this regard,’’ he said.
“SACOSS is concerned
that the costs of implementation have the potential to overwhelm the
value of these benefits for the consumers of most interest to SACOSS.
“Asserting that a policy
is ‘cost effective’ without demonstrating it to be so is not an
approach that SACOSS prefers.’’
Also
South Australian newspaper was able to disclosure THE BIGGEST
SECRET of Victorian power industry – HOW MUCH SMART METERS COST TO
US???
Mr
Henley said a compulsory rollout in Victoria cost $1000 for each
meter, but falling costs meant experts now estimated the price to be
between $300 and $400.
I
do not know if I got any single cent of «benefits» but
definitely my power bills now include $1.32 per day ($480 per
year!) «infrastructure cost»
consumer groups say their benefits of the digital devices are murky.
Smart meters have been introduced in Victoria over the past several years, but it's been far from successful.
The mandatory roll-out has cost nearly three times more than anticipated, and electricity consumers are still questioning the benefits.
Smart meters have been introduced in Victoria over the past several years, but it's been far from successful.
The mandatory roll-out has cost nearly three times more than anticipated, and electricity consumers are still questioning the benefits.
Something that does not surprise me:
These things are great for the distributors, they're great for the
retailers, they're great for the generators, but I don't think they're
so great for the consumer.
Politics in relation with Smart meters.
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Political
developments in relation with Smart meters.
1.
In July 2014 Energy Minister Russell Northe finally understood that
he cannot keep pretending that everything is fine with smart meters
and promised one more test. The problem is, he has predicted its
result by stating that: " smart meters will be shown to
operate well within the ARPANSA standard" . So he still has
no idea (or pretends not to) about EHS and like all politicians',
remains in denial of the harmful effects of his decision. If he were
really interested, he could read more about EHS here:
I
will keep you informed about developments.
Limits for Ultra High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Exposure
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Limits
for Ultra High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Exposure
Smart
meter radiation must be within limits specified by AS 2772 RADIATION
PROTECTION STANDARD Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields
— 3 kHz to 300 GHz. This Standard was created by AUSTRALIAN
RADIATION PROTECTION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY (ARPANSA).
As I understand soon it will be updated:http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2014L00960
As I understand soon it will be updated:
But
I don’t see that there will be much change here which will benefit
the people of Victoria. Also, the ‘compatibility statement’ for
this piece of legislation ignores the fact that Victorians are
unknowingly being subjected to an experiment. (There has been no
meaningful research into nonionizing radiation).
If we look at the history of the ARPANSA standard written in 2002, there was a prior standard of 1985. In the late 1990s it was time to update it, but it was not that simple:
If we look at the history of the ARPANSA standard written in 2002, there was a prior standard of 1985. In the late 1990s it was time to update it, but it was not that simple:
The
technical committee did not reach agreement on the last revision of
the Standard in 1999, which sought to introduce the more lenient
ICNIRP Guidelines.
Also,
in the conclusions in this document, para 4.240, the committee chair
did not support the decision to transfer the responsibility for
setting a new standard to ARPANSA. Despite this, the job of creating
new standards; was passed on to ARPANSA. What did ARPANSA use as a
base for the 2002 standard? See page ii
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/publications/codes/rps3.cfm
Standard are based on the published 1998 Guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
So I get the impression that the 1985 standards had stricter limits than the current standards. If so, this does not sound very promising!
Standard are based on the published 1998 Guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
So I get the impression that the 1985 standards had stricter limits than the current standards. If so, this does not sound very promising!
International
approach to UHF radiation.
In
many countries, standards are based on ICNIRP guidelines, but not
everywhere.
This
site lists many countries/regions where standards are stricter. And
it is a shame our Victorian government did not try to find out why:
Italy:
The basic limits for magnetic flux density are identical with the
reference levels in the Recommendation. A 10 times lower 'attention
value' applies to existing situations with exposure for more than 4
hours in homes, playgrounds and schools. A 'quality goal' of 3% of
the reference level applies to new construction of homes, playgrounds
or schools near power lines, substations or transformers (or vice
versa). An even stricter limit for magnetic flux density (0.2% of
the reference level) was adopted in three regions before the
federal law came into force. This too applies to power lines near
homes, schools and other places where people may stay for more than 4
hours per day.
In Switzerland, an Ordinance on Non-ionising Radiation has been in force since 1999. Exposure limits identical to the reference levels in the European Recommendation apply to all areas accessible to the public. A stricter, precautionary limit on magnetic flux density of 1% of the reference level applies to new installations...
In Switzerland, an Ordinance on Non-ionising Radiation has been in force since 1999. Exposure limits identical to the reference levels in the European Recommendation apply to all areas accessible to the public. A stricter, precautionary limit on magnetic flux density of 1% of the reference level applies to new installations...
Technical terms for measuring UHF radiation.
The
rate at which radiofrequency radiation is absorbed in the body is
measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg).
The
Australian limits are determined by AS 2772 which has Whole-body
average (W/kg) 0.08 with allowed maximums of up 2-4 W/kg (see page 7,
table 2).
The
European Unions’ main standard is the same as Australia, from 0.08
up to 4 W/kg, see Table 1 page 64:
Our smart meters emit up to 2.5% of Recommendations:
so
their usage in Switzerland or some parts of Italy would be
questionable.
Notice
that in tests of a bunch of Smart meters which are installed together the
radiation reached 31% (Table 10).
In
multistorey buildings, the situation may become really bad. We can
only guess the amount of radiation people living close to bunch of
then on their floor and also exposed to Smart meters above
and below.
There
are reports that radiation in areas of multistorey flats which are
next to Smart meter locations is well beyond ARPANSA limits, but
these reports are ‘not official’.
Department
of Housing, owner of some buildings with possible over-the-limit
levels of radiation is not in any rush to check this out. They settle
aged and fragile people next to the source of powerful radiation and
‘forget’ about any Duty of Care.
In Russia, general rules for the protection are set in a 1999 framework law. Exposure limits for specific frequency ranges are set in so-called 'Hygienic epidemiological requirements'. The public exposure limit for electric and magnetic fields of 50 hertz is 10% of the reference level in the European Recommendation. The motivation for this is to prevent biological effects that are not seen as health risks in Western countries.
Russia found some "biological effects" in UHF radiation! And cut the limits by 10 times. The USSR had stricter rules than USA, and more, in USSR there was a belief that UHF radiation has "bio effects", this is something that ARPANSA does not want to hear! For example, the Soviet limits for occupational exposure were just 0.4 W/kg per hour, while ARPANSA "generously" give us up to 4 W/kg in our homes, 24/7! This sounds alarming to me. May be it would be worthwhile our Government asking Russia for more information on this subject?
jmpee.org/JMPEE_PDFs/21-1_bl/Vol21-1-Pg9-Czersk.pdf
Terms mandated, compulsory, standard – do all they have the same meaning?
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Terms
mandated, compulsory, standard – do all they have the same
meaning?
Are
Smart meters "mandated"? To answer this question we must
first define ‘mandate’. According to the Australian Oxford
Dictionary ‘mandate’ = ‘authority to perform certain tasks’.
Pay
attention: authority does not mean obligation. You can do something,
but you not have to do it.
The Victorian government and distributors claim that the mandate for the AMI rollout is in the government gazette S200 dated 28th of August 2007 and specifically sect 14.1a, which requires the distributors to ‘use their best endeavours’ to install remotely read interval meters in every home and small business in Victoria. ‘Best endeavours’ is defined in the Electricity Distribution Code sect 19 and states; ‘in relation to a person, means the person must act in good faith and do what is reasonably necessary in the circumstances’. Now, reading ‘the mandate’ in plain English, it should be read as: ‘the distributors are to act in good faith and do what is reasonably necessary in the circumstances’. NOTHING MORE!
There
is one more Order in Council from 10 December 2013:
www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2013/GG2013S439.pdf
which use same term "each
distributor must use its best endeavours to install a complying
remotely read interval meter "
So
to answer the original question, yes, there is legislation which
requires the distributors to ‘use their best
endeavours to install remotely read interval meters’, the
distributors have mandate
to install them, the meters are mandated.
Are
they compulsory?
According
to ‘the mandate’, no they are not! The government/distributors
are putting their interpretation on what the
legislation says and fail to quote what it actually says!
I
do not know any Government-issued document which use term
«compulsory» in relation with remotely read electrical
meters.
There is no legislation which says a customer cannot refuse to have one or which interpret refusal having Smart meter as offence. It therefore stands to reason, that if a customer says ‘no thanks’, that should be the end of the storey! Sadly, this is not the case.
Is coercion, bullying, trespassing, cutting off padlocks, disconnection - ‘acting in good faith and doing what is reasonably necessary in the circumstances’? The Essential Services Commission has said no. What have they done about it? NOTHING!
Can
"non-standard" meters be used?
In
agreement with Information from Department of Environment and Primary
Industries YES,
they CAN:
Where
a customer has refused the installation of a Smart Meter, the
Government has decided that the costs associated with manual reading
may be recovered by a distribution business through an additional
fee.
It is anticipated that the fee will be introduced in March 2015.
A distribution business will only be able to recover the costs of maintaining a non-Smart Meter if the customer has actively refused the installation of a Smart Meter.
So this document tells us loud and clear: smart meters are NOT the only option. It just depends on your actions: "if the customer has actively refused ".
It is anticipated that the fee will be introduced in March 2015.
A distribution business will only be able to recover the costs of maintaining a non-Smart Meter if the customer has actively refused the installation of a Smart Meter.
So this document tells us loud and clear: smart meters are NOT the only option. It just depends on your actions: "if the customer has actively refused ".
Smart meters and Health issues.
Avoiding
Smart Meter’s in Victoria
(A
Manual of facts to help you)
The
aim of this web page is to provide you with some little known facts
to assist you in your fight to protect your health, privacy and
democratic right to say ‘NO’. It has been compiled from personal
experience and many hours of research.
Health
issues.
Are
Victorians being subjected to an experiment without their knowledge
and consent? Neither the Victorian government nor the distributors
have produced any evidence that these devices are safe, all they have
done is ensure they comply with out of date standards!
For
some time a number of individuals have reported a variety of health
problems that they relate to exposure to electromagnetic fields
(EMF). Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
(EHS) has been known to
specialists for more than 50 years. EHS is recognised
by World Health Organisation:
It
is recognised by law in Australia, by decision of
Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia, McDonald
and Comcare [2013] AATA 105 (28 February 2013):
COMPENSATION
– Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Nth)
- Electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome.
More
information here:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/aat/2013/105.html
International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields as class 2b carcinogens, possibly carcinogenic
to humans:
Despite
all it EHS was NOT taken into account by Victorian
politicians or the distribution industry, who are responsible for the
Advanced metering Infrastructure project.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity has been known about for at least half a century and the distributor’s choice of wireless technology clearly shows they have no idea what they are doing, or, they just not care.
Alternatives.
Must
they be wireless? In agreement with Order in Council 10 December 2013
they must be “remotely read". (But the distributors
are still only required ‘to use best endeavours’!) ‘Remote
reading’ can be done not only by wireless, but by using power
cables for internet connection, for information on this subject see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadband_over_power_lines.
The Victorian government gave distributors a choice of meter design. So why did the distributors choose potentially dangerous wireless technology? I have no idea, but you can guarantee cost was a major deciding factor. Why has the Victorian government not tried to carry out any meaningful research? That is also a mystery to me, but you can also guarantee cost is a major issue with that too. On this point, you may well ask, ‘why would they, the responsibility for the rollout is industry led, so it is their responsibility’! The government is very good at ‘duck shoving’ blame, if you let them!
The Victorian government gave distributors a choice of meter design. So why did the distributors choose potentially dangerous wireless technology? I have no idea, but you can guarantee cost was a major deciding factor. Why has the Victorian government not tried to carry out any meaningful research? That is also a mystery to me, but you can also guarantee cost is a major issue with that too. On this point, you may well ask, ‘why would they, the responsibility for the rollout is industry led, so it is their responsibility’! The government is very good at ‘duck shoving’ blame, if you let them!
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity has been known about for at least half a century and the distributor’s choice of wireless technology clearly shows they have no idea what they are doing, or, they just not care.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)