Neal Pobran says FortisBC will be using the same kind of smart meters as those installed by BC Hydro.

Pobran states that exhaustive testing, both before and during the conversion program, shows the devices, which transmit radio signals with information on power consumption, are safe.

When the conversion is done, technicians inspect all the equipment and wiring around the meter to ensure there are no problems that may have presented a safety hazard whether or not the meter was switched.

While the company maintains that smart meters don’t pose any health risks and will provide customers with numerous benefits, it has taken steps to comply with the BCUC directive to turn off the radio signal on meters if requested by customers, said Pobran.

“Every customer-owned meter base will be inspected prior to installation of a FortisBC advanced meter,” Pobran said. “The inspection will flag any unusual wiring, broken government seals, broken or cracked meter base lugs, and will include a voltage check.”

Utilities say the devices help customers better track their energy usage, and that they lower operating costs by eliminating the need for meter readers.