Anti-Smart Meter Rally, Press Conference and Smart Meter Opt-Out Workshop 9/14/11

Wednesday, September 14th, there will be an anti-smart-meter rally, press conference, and Public Smart Meter Workshop, available in Video webcast and listen-only call in number in real-time: 877-347-9604, Participant Code #771069, at the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commisison) Auditorium, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco.

Click for Workshop agenda and Workshop notice. If you have a current comment now, or question during the webcast, the way the meeting is structured, you will be allowed to email Marzia Zafar, CPUC, zaf@cpuc.ca.gov,. Ms. Zafar will then present your question during the workshop, according to the CPUC's very restrictive perameters, below, or she will share your comment with the CPUC Commissioners.

Center for Electrosmog Prevention (CEP), a national nonprofit based in La Mesa, CA, has filed a formal Opt-Out Proposal that asks for no-cost analog meters as immediate relief for those with medical concerns, full public disclosure regarding all types of complaints, anypotential risks and health effects, removal of all banks of meters and replacement with no-cost analog meters, removal of all wireless smart meters and replacement with no-cost analog meters, removal of all wireless from the infrastructure (in your neighborhoods, etc.).

No-cost means you won't be charged more for having this. Analog means safe mechanical meters as we had before. CEP further requests that if fiberoptic or phone line communications are used instead of wireless, that these pass rigorous independent testing for public and environmental safety, first.

Along with the CEP Proposal, a dozen independent scientist and physician letters about the dangers of smart meters and rf radiation were submitted, including several from CA Dept of Health.

If a scientist, such as Dr. Leeka Kheifets, an industry consultant who is a paid frequent smart meter and utility defender (addressed in microwavenews.com/junkscience.html), works for the utilities or electric or gas industry, she may be considered "conflicted" and her information may not be trusted in the same manner.

As a reminder, despite the in-person and written pleas of thousands of Californians, the CPUC has been indifferent to the suffering of people sick from smart meters. They have ignored science and catered to the whims and desires of the California utilities, which they are supposed to regulate.

They have even accepted money from the utilities, via the CPUC Foundation. Mr. Michael Peevey, head commissioner, CPUC, is a former Southern California Edison vice president, who has not lost his original loyalties, it is quite clear.

Center for Electrosmog Prevention, under ADA, is requesting telephone conferencing that is customarily used for parties. This is being denied, through this hour. CPUC holds their meetings in San Francisco, where they are attended by those with easier access. CPUC is doing everything it possibly can to limit the speech of those who would ask that the health effects be taken into consideration.

At every turn, the CPUC, led by Mr. Peevey, turns a deaf ear to the health issues. For instance, at tomorrow's workshop, the cost of various options is the focus, not the safety issues.

I encourage you to participate in person if possible, or via the live webcast and send in questions that represent your viewpoints.

San Diego Gas & Electric has been ordered, under protest, to attend this workshop as a participant. They are not being held to any decisions, to date, arising out of this workshop, ie. have not been ordered by CPUC to provide opt-outs. The reason given by Commissioner Michael Peevey, in March, 2011, is that the CPUC has not heard from enough Southern Californians on this issue.

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A press release from StopSmartMeters.org on this workshop. Despite the references to PG&E (the largest utility in CA), much applies to SDG&E and SCE.:

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                       Contact: Joshua Hart, StopSmartMeters.Org

Tuesday, Sept. 13th 2011                                                          info@stopsmartmeters.org

SMART METER OPPONENTS CRY FOUL ON CHARGING PLAN; DEMAND LOCAL OPT OUTS

Electrosensitive Rights Groups Call Meter Opt Out Fees Extortionate, Illegal, and Immoral

San Francisco- An alliance of environmental health groups, disability rights organizations, and elected officials from throughout California will rally on the front steps of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from 12:30 to 1:15pm on Wednesday to call for a halt to ‘smart’ meter deployment, a free and fair “opt out” plan that is not discriminatory against people suffering from electrosensitivity, and respects legal rights of local jurisdictions that have passed legislative moratoriums banning further wireless smart meter radiation.  Inside the CPUC, an all day workshop will be held from 9:30am to 5pm- with Administrative Law Judge Yip-Kikugawa presiding- to discuss options for allowing CA residents to “opt out” of the wireless “smart” meter program.    The workshop is the closest thing yet to a statewide public hearing on the ‘smart’ meter program, which was approved without an environmental impact report. There are concerns that the workshop does not provide an opportunity for public comment, or a chance for medical experts (many of whom have written to the CPUC warning of potentially serious health damage from ‘smart’ meters) to speak on the record.

The new meters have been a public relations nightmare for utilities around the country as well as the state commissions that regulate them.  The public rebellion has been especially heated in California as residents flood utility call centers with demands to remove the broadcasting meters from their property.

Some who have been sickened by the pulses of radiation are increasingly turning to private electricians to remove the wireless meters and replace them with analog meters commonly available from electrical supply shops.

According to CPUC documents obtained through FOIA requests, wireless meters are cited in thousands of reports of adverse health effects. The SmartMeter program has also raised concerns of privacy advocates who believe that the devices' data collection capabilities violate constitutional privacy protections.

There have been a growing number of reports linking the meters to instances of fires, explosions, and surges. On August 25, a power surge hit East Palo Alto and disabled hundreds of new smart meters leading to questions by major utility watchdogs about the safety of the ‘smart’ grid being rushed into place without adequate safety precautions or testing. 

Utilities have rushed to dispose of solid state analog meters that often lasted eighty years or more without incident.

CA Utilities Code 328.2(b) states: “No customer should have to pay separate fees for utilizing services that protect public or customer safety.”

Speakers will be calling for an immediate halt to further deployment, and free, retroactive, individual and community wide analog meter opt outs.  Forty-six local governments representing more than 2.5 million people throughout the state have gone on record demanding a halt to ‘smart’ meter deployment. 

Because the powerful signals from the meters travel up to a mile or more, an individual opt out plan has been ridiculed, as neighbors’ meters expose residents to radiation from all sides anyway.

UC nuclear policy lecturer Dan Hirsch has determined that the wireless meters emit 100-150 times the radiation of a cell phone, invalidating utility claims that the radiation is insignificant.

On May 31, the World Health Organization declared non-ionizing radiation of the kind emitted by smart meters as a class 2B carcinogen — the same category as DDT, based on cell phone brain tumor studies. 

Last week, an article in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neuroscience concluded that “EMF hypersensitivity can occur as a bona fide environmentally-inducible neurological syndrome.”

CA Utilities Code 453. (b) states that: No public utility shall prejudice, disadvantage, or require different rates or deposit amounts from a person because of medical condition”

Many of the growing number of Californians who are suffering from electrosensitivity strongly object to any plan that does not include community wide opt outs and affirm the right to retain or have analog meters replaced at no charge. 

“Charging people with a known disability an extra fee to simply be safe in their homes is equivalent to charging those in wheelchairs to access a ramp.  It’s immoral - even illegal under state utilities code. 

What we need to do is pull the plug on the whole wireless “smart” meter network” and stop hurting people.” said Joshua Hart, director of StopSmartMeters.Org. 

PG&E and other utilities have been violating local laws, coming into communities that have refused permission and installing wireless “mesh” networks in their jurisdictions. 

As a result, there have been skirmishes between installers and residents in areas of Santa Cruz, Marin, Mendocino, San Francisco Counties, and elsewhere around the state.  In Santa Cruz, PG&E has had to rely on local police to assist in forcing ‘smart’ meters into declared smart meter free zones, while elsewhere there have been reports of threats, intimidation — even assaults on residents as installers scale 8 foot high walls and fences, trespassing on private property to install the meters.

If a judge ultimately rules in favor of community wide opt out, PG&E will potentially be forced to remove millions of “smart” meters and associated infrastructure it has installed in areas that have objected to their installation or made them illegal, a huge financial blow to the firm’s shareholders as well as a national embarrassment for the utility and telecommunications industries.

A press conference and rally will be held on the steps of the CA Public Utilities Commission- 505 Van Ness Ave, in San Francisco this Wednesday Sept. 14, at 12:30pm Visuals include protesters holding signs and representatives from local governments joining to demand a halt to “smart” meter installations.

The following individuals will be available to speak to the media between 12:30pm and 1:15pm:

Joshua Hart is the Director of StopSmartMeters.Org, an organization working to halt the forced deployment of wireless utility meters.   StopSmartMeters.Org has been a grassroots leader in the increasingly contentious fight with the utilities over their health damaging and privacy violating “smart” meter project.

Sandi Maurer is the founder of the EMF Safety Network, www.emfsafetynetwork.org

EMF Safety Network filed an application for modification against PG&E Smart Meters in April of 2010 and formally appealed the dismissal of that application in January of 2011. The EMF Safety Network is calling for dismantling of the wireless grid and a return to the analog meters based on numerous reported health and safety problems.

Larry Bragman is currently the Mayor of Fairfax, CA.  An attorney, he helped craft the first of more than a dozen anti-smart meter ordinances throughout CA. He will discuss violation of local jurisdictional ordinances, equal protection of utilities and customers, and rights of way issues.

Michael Boyd President of Californians for Renewable Energy, Inc. (CARE) will discuss possible legal action in reference to violations of federal civil rights under color of state law in violation of County Ordinances.

Jim Tobin is an attorney working for a coalition of individuals, organizations, and local governments seeking a free, retroactive, individual and community analog opt out solution as part of the CPUC proceedings as well as compliance by the CPUC with CEQA requirements and utility compliance with applicable local government ordinances.   He will be available for questions about the proceeding and what his clients are seeking.

Mary Beth Brangan, James Heddle Co-Direct EON - the Ecological Options Network.

EON is an intervenor in the CPUC's 'opt-out' proceeding.  EON's protest filing emphasizes that other components in the 'smart meter' for instance, the switching mode power supply (SMPS), in addition

to the 2 RF (radio frequency antennas,) may also be causing adverse health effects.  Therefore, the radio-off or radio-out opt out options are inadequate and irrelevant.

David Wilner of Wilner & Associates filed a protest on April 25, 2011 to PG&E's SmartMeter opt-out proposal because the "radio off" alternative offered by the utility may not solve health problems reported by their clients.  They recommend a conventional analog meter option for people that suffer from electrical sensitivity because based on experience, this will address their problems. Our question to the CPUC is:  Why can't people in California have an analog meter just like utility customers in Maine?

Steve Martinot lives in Berkeley, He has worked as a machinist and truck driver. He has taught literature and cultural studies at the Univ. of Colorado and San Francisco State Univ. He has published poetry, short stories, and several books of philosophy and political analysis.  Steve will talk about the extortionary character of the PG&E proposal, and the fact that it is the people who have been adversely affected by these Smartmeters who are due costs and compensations.

Documents that are part of this proceeding can be viewed at: http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/published/proceedings/A1106006.htm

CA Local Governments Opposed to "Smart" Meters

The following is a list of local governments within California who are opposed to the mandatory wireless  ‘smart’ meter program.

Counties (10)

Humboldt County

Lake County

Marin County

Mendocino County

City and County of San Francisco

San Luis Obispo County

Santa Barbara County

Santa Cruz County

Sonoma County

Tehama County

Cities and Towns (35)

Arcata

Belvedere

Berkeley

Blue Lake

Bolinas

Buellton

Camp Meeker

Capitola

Clearlake

Cotati

Fairfax

Fort Bragg

Grover Beach

Lakeport

Marina

Mill Valley

Monterey

Monte Sereno

Morro Bay

Novato

Pacific Grove

Piedmont

Richmond

Rio Dell

Ross

San Anselmo

San Rafael

San Luis Obispo

Santa Cruz

Sausalito

Scotts Valley

Seaside

Sebastopol

Watsonville

Willits

Other Jurisdictions (1)

Big Valley Rancheria/Tribal Community of Pomo Indians

Total CA population represented:  2,695,947

Links to meeting minutes, news coverage and other details at: http://stopsmartmeters.org/how-you-can-stop-smart-meters/sample-letter-to-local-government/ca-local-governments-on-board/

--
Joshua Hart
Director, Stop Smart Meters!
http://stopsmartmeters.org

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Here is a local article about this meeting, from East County Magazine:http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7217

"CEP’s proposal asks the CPUC to require that customers be informed about potential risks of smart meters and be given the option to refuse a smart meter installation. If a smart meter is already installed, CEP wants the CPUC to require a utility company to remove it at no cost to the consumer, among other requirements. See the full proposal at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/62671132/CEP-Expanded-Smart-Meter-Opt-Out-Prop..."

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(CPUC staffer) Ms. Zafar's email, which sets the tone of this CPUC workshop:

Good Morning Everyone,

Attached is a slightly revised agenda for tomorrow’s smart meter opt-out workshop. 

The ALJ and PUC staff would like to remind everyone that the intent/purpose of this workshop is to discuss the various opt-out proposals and find out which one best fits at the most reasonable cost.  The intent/purpose of this workshop is not to discuss the merit of whether smart meters should be installed nor is it to discuss or argue the perceived health or privacy issues of having a smart meter.  The purpose/intent is to go over the proposed opt-out proposals and attempt to figure out which opt-out proposal best works at the most reasonable cost.

We have been getting calls and emails about having a conference call so that those who choose not to or are somehow unable to attend the workshop can comment in their own voice.  We will only have a listen-only conference call; if you have a question and you are not at the workshop in person you have every opportunity to ask your question by sending an email to zaf@cpuc.ca.gov.  If you want to ask the question in your own voice, then please attend the workshop. 

We will not entertain questions outside the scope of the workshop which again is to just discuss which opt-out program would best work at the most reasonable cost; any other questions outside of that subject will not be permitted.

Regards,

Marzia Zafar * CPUC * zaf@cpuc.ca.gov * 415-703-1997

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Revised Agenda:

Workshop on Smart Meter Opt-Out Options

September 14, 2011

Agenda

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.    Opening Remarks

                                          ALJ Yip-Kikugawa

9:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.        Ratemaking 101

                                          Carol Brown,

                                          Chief of Staff to CPUC President Michael R. Peevey

                                          Smart Meter Assistance

                                          Harold Williams

                                          Supervisor, Consumer Affairs Branch, CPUC

10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.      Topics Applicable to All Opt-Out Options

              1.   Meter Technology – Are there differences in technology between the meters utilized by each utility?  Is there a difference between gas and electric meter technology?  Do the differences require consideration of different opt-out options for each type of meter?

              2.   What are the costs considered by the utility (cost drivers) when setting the costs for an opt-out option?

              3.   What additional procedures, if any, should be adopted for residents in multi-unit residences who wish to opt-out of a utility’s Smart Meter program?

              4.   What level of assistance should be provided to low income ratepayers?

              5.   What provisions are there for ratepayers who wish to delay installation of a Smart Meter at this time?

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.      Break

11:30 a.m. – 12;30 p.m.      Radio Off Option

               1.   Meters manually read by ratepayer or utility

               2.   Intermittent Transmission

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.        Lunch

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.          Wired Smart Meter Option

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.          Break

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.          Analog Meter and Radio-Out Options

                  1.   Retention of existing electromechanical meters

                  2.   Digital meter with radio transmission removed

4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.                Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

The following utility and consumer representatives will be available to address questions concerning the various opt-out proposals:

Ø Pacific Gas and Electric Company – Jim Meadows, Director, Smart Meter

Ø Southern California Edison – Kenneth Devore, Director, Smart Grid

Ø San Diego Gas and Electric Company – Ted Reguly, Director, Customer Programs and Assistance

Ø Southern California Gas Company – Pat Petersilia, Director, Advanced Meter Project

Ø Itron North America/Latin America – Mark deVere-White, Vice President and Managing Director

Ø CPUC Division of Ratepayer Advocates – Thomas Roberts

The following is information provided by the CPUC on their website:

http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Demand+Response/ami.htm

What: Public Workshop on Smart Meter Opt-Out Requests (A.11-03-014, A.11-03-015, A.11-07-020)

When: Sept. 14, 2011, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: CPUC Auditorium, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco;
Also available in real-time and archived via video webcast; also available via listen-only call in number in real-time: 877-347-9604, Participant Code # 771069.

Details: CPUC workshop to discuss the options for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Southern California Gas Company who wish to opt-out of the utility’s respective Smart Meter program.

Information on “Opting-Out” – Requesting to Not Have a Smart Meter

• Sept. 14, 2011, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Public Workshop on Opt-Out Requests, CPUC Auditorium
  • Video webcast
  • Workshop notice
  • Workshop agenda
• PG&E's Opt-Out Proposal, filed March 24, 2011 (A.11-03-014) 
  • Documents filed in A.11-03-014
• Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) Opt-Out request  that would apply to San Diego Gas and Electric Company, filed March 24, 2011 (A.11-03-015)
• County of Santa Barbara, et al, Request for Southern California Edison Opt-Out Plan (A.11-07-020)

Contact Your Utility About Opting-Out and Get Information on Smart Meters

• PG&E
• Southern California Edison
• SDG&E
• SoCalGas

Contact the CPUC to Provide Comments or File a Complaint

• Comments: You may provide comment to the CPUC on proceedings by addressing them to our Public Advisor.
• Complaints: File a complaint with the CPUC's Consumer Affairs Branch.

Hope you will attend this meeting in person or virtually and email in questions to the CPUC contact, above. You can watch it as an archive, afterward, at the CPUC site, as well, I anticipate, if you cannot particpate tomorrow.

Susan Brinchman,
Founder / Director Center for Electrosmog Prevention (CEP)
Southern Californians Against Smart Meters (SCASM)
American Coalition Against Smart Meters
Smart Meter Dangers  www.smartmeterdangers.org
Center for School Mold Help (national 501c3 nonprofit) www.schoolmoldhelp.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/No2SmartMeters;
Educational Speaker's Packet: Reasons to Say No to Smart Meters
P.O. Box 655
La Mesa, CA, 91944-0655
email director@electrosmogprevention.org