Monday, September 01, 2014

Lights finally back on for Cheltenham woman who removed her smart meter

Lights finally back on for Cheltenham woman who removed her smart meter

Sofia Telemzouguer and daughter Larissa have had their power reconnected. Picture: Jason
Sofia Telemzouguer and daughter Larissa have had their power reconnected. Picture: Jason Sammon
AFTER 155 days in the dark and battling United Energy over their smart meters, Sofia Telemzouguer’s power is finally back on — albeit temporarily.
Her Cheltenham home was reconnected after VCAT ordered her power provider United Energy to switch her electricity back on.
She and her daughter Larissa, 16, were disconnected in March when the company found out Ms Telemzouguer had taken out her home’s smart meter, claiming it was making her ill, and replaced it with an analog meter.
Since the disconnection they had been living by candlelight and without the ability to refrigerate food, which led Ms Telemzouguer to approach the VCAT’s Human Rights Division.
The respite is temporary, however, with the interim order lasting only until March next year, when she is set to have her hearing.
Ms Telemzouguer removed the initial smart meter after she claimed the electromagnetic waves were affecting her health.
People Power Victoria — No Smart Meters spokesman Marc Florio said it was a “correct and welcome decision”.
He said it was “outrageous” that Ms Telemzouguer had needed to go to court to get a manually read meter.
“The deplorable situation Ms Telemzouguer found herself in is the direct result of the State Government policy, both Labor and Liberal, to force smart meters onto peoples homes,” Mr Florio said.
“We support the actions Ms Telemzouguer has taken to regain her electricity supply in a form that is not detrimental to her health.”
The meter installed temporarily at her house has had its radio frequency chip removed, so it has to be read manually rather than continually sending out updates via radio signals.
Ms Telemzouguer did not want to comment as she was worried it might affect her case.

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