Opposition to smart meter systems in growing March 1, 2012 The Maui News A Feb. 6 letter by the project manager of the Maui Smart Grid Project invited 100 Maui Meadows residents to participate in an ongoing study that utilizes new wireless smart meters to monitor electric usage. There is a growing groundswell of opposition nationally and internationally to the implementation of this monitoring system, primarily because of health concerns, along with resistance to utility companies forcing this technology on consumers. In response to the outcry, the California Public Utilities Commission passed a resolution in February making their installation voluntary. Maine's PUC passed a similar opt-out provision last May. Citing concern that the devices emit electromagnetic radiation 24 hours a day and cannot be turned off, the British government recently decided to not make them obligatory throughout the U.K. In January, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine announced official opposition to the installation of wireless smart meters in homes and schools based on a scientific assessment of the current medical literature. "We have an obligation to urge precaution when sufficient scientific and medical evidence suggests health risks which can potentially affect large populations," the physicians stated. They called for an immediate moratorium on smart meter installation. Jon Woodhouse Kula http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/558665/Opposition-to-smart-meter-systems-in-growing.html?nav=18