Dear Mr. Editor,

In regards to the upcoming replacement of our analog meters by smart meters in the Oliver area.
We would like to inform you that there is a third option not mentioned by Fortis B.C.
We are referring to a NEWS RELEASE from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (#2013MEM0004-001125) dated July l8, 2013.

Entitled: “Smart meter options announced”

VICTORIA – Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, announced today that B.C.Hydro will offer new options for customers who have put their smart meters on hold.

Here are the options offered:

1) Choose the standard smart meter at no cost.

2) Accept a digital meter with the radio off.
This option will be subject to a one-time cost to modify the meter, plus a monthly fee to read the meter.

3) Keep the old analog meter, which will be subject to a monthly fee that will include both the extra cost of reading the meter and the cost of instituting duplicate systems.

Bill Bennett continued to say:
“As we have said, nobody will be forced to take a smart meter.
I believe that this is a fair and reasonable solution for all British Columbians.”

We still have a concern about all the extra costs to customers, who decided to keep their analog meter.
Aren’t we paying already enough in our bi-monthly electrical rates to accommodate those expenses?

Thank you.   I remain, James Demetrick,
Oliver, B.C.