I’ve heard differing views on advanced meters. Are they safe?

Before any meters were installed, FortisBC went through a public approval process with the BC Utilities Commission. The regulator determined advanced meters pose no risk to our customers. Our advanced meters operate far below the exposure limits set by Health Canada in Safety Code 6 – the electromagnetic frequency guidelines. Advanced meters operate around 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz, similar to a household cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers. However, the AMI meters have lower RF emissions than these items or other electronic devices that many of us use every day in our homes, like Wi-Fi-connected laptop computers. Top authorities – including Health Canada and B.C.’s provincial health officer – have confirmed that advanced meters do not pose a health risk.

Fortis, began exchanging meters in the South Okanagan this week.

The company says it notified customers in the area a few weeks ago, by mail.

On the day of the exchange, the statement says, a meter installer from authorized contractor Corix Utilities will knock on the door to inform residents. There will be a brief power outage during the exchange, so they will make sure customers have a chance to turn off any electronics.

The meters will make new billing options available, and customers will have the ability to view more timely information about their electricity use to help them better understand and manage bills.

What about the total amount of RF exposure?

​Advanced meters add only a tiny amount to the total amount of a person’s RF exposure. The RF exposure from many devices all functioning at the same time is well within Health Canada’s guidelines in Safety Code 6. More detailed information on total RF exposure was published by the British Columbia Utilities Commission in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project Decision. The calculations were made by Dr. Yakov Shkolnikov who specializes in the development and analysis of high performance electronic devices, software and communication systems.

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Bit of push back on the Penticton Indian Band – Dawn Russell says not enough communication took place with the local governing band council or Fortis… “But Russell still feels enough isn’t being done.

“Basically, it’s just sit down, shut up and take it,” she said. “My feeling is we are fighting a losing battle trying to stop Fortis. It will never happen.”

Fortis, began exchanging meters in the South Okanagan this week.

The company says it notified customers in the area a few weeks ago, by mail.

On the day of the exchange, the statement says, a meter installer from authorized contractor Corix Utilities will knock on the door to inform residents. There will be a brief power outage during the exchange, so they will make sure customers have a chance to turn off any electronics.