Del. Glass: “There is Evidence that Suggests these Meters May be Dangerous to Our Bodies and the Environment”

Del. Glass: “There is Evidence that Suggests these Meters May be Dangerous to Our Bodies and the Environment”

From Del. Glen Glass:

Dear Editor:

As you may know, I introducedHouse Bill 878 which is the Public Utilities – Smart Meters – Opt-Out Option this past Legislative Session in an effort to allow Marylanders the ability to Opt-Out out of having a Smart Meter installed. Unfortunately, the Bill was ruled “unfavorable” by the Economic Matters Committee and died.

There is evidence that suggests these meters may be dangerous to our bodies and the environment. In addition, these meters are very intrusive because they monitor what is happening in the home and also give the utility companies the ability to shut your electric off at any time. The utility companies haven’t provided any documentation which states they are safe. These large monopoly corporations are good and necessary but they can be like an aggressive dog; they are safe as long as they are kept on a leash. I support reregulating the utility corporations.

Since deregulation, which I opposed, our utility rates have doubled and the utility companies have raked in approximately $40 billion a year – in a bad economy! With Smart Meters the need for Meter Readers will no longer be necessary, which is a savings to the companies. Even though the companies are saying they’re retraining those in danger of losing their jobs because of the Smart Meters, some employees will still ultimately lose their jobs.

However, when I attended the last Public Service Commission Hearing on Smart Meters, a temporary Opt-out/Deferral was put in place that you can take advantage of. Unfortunately the PSC does not know exactly how long this deferral will last or when a decision will be made but you do have options at this time. At this moment, you can still keep your analog meter and there is no fee to have a smart meter removed and replaced with an analog meter. To Opt-Out/Defer, all that is really needed is for you to send a certified letter to BGE or Pepco indicating you do not wish to have a smart meter installed in your home. Included in your letter should also be the following information:

- the date that you are writing the letter
- your home address
- your BG&E billing account number
- your handwritten signature

Send certified mail with delivery confirmation to:

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
ATTENTION: Legal Compliance Department
PO BOX 1475
Baltimore MD 21203-1475

Send a copy of your exact same letter to:

Regina L. Davis, Maryland PSC
Compliance with PSC Order # 84926
6 ST PAUL ST
BALTIMORE MD 21202-6806

and

Pepco
701 Ninth St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20068

It is also recommended that you post a notice near your meter stating your opposition to the installation of smart meter and not to install a smart meter at this premise per Public Service Commission Interim Order# 84926, dated May 25, 2012.

Please check out my interview with Comcast Newsmakers regarding Smart Meters:

http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/district-34a-update/

Sincerely,

Your Servant and Delegate Glen Glass

http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/08/23/del-glass-there-is-evidence-that-suggests-these-meters-may-be-dangerous-to-our-bodies-and-the-environment/