Smart meters: Ann Arbor residents want health effects considered in development of Detroit Edison's opt-out plan
Editor's note: This story has been edited to indicate a claim made by Linda Kurtz.
Pages of personal testimony from DTE Energy Company customers in Ann Arbor and its southeast Michigan environs are on the chopping block for removal Tuesday morning from the state’s review of a proposed opt-out program for customers of the utility that don’t want smart meters.
Cynthia Edwards prepares her statements Monday night in her Ann Arbor home as she readies to ask the Michigan Public Service Commission to keep her testimony on the negative health effects she has experienced since smart meters have been installed in her community.
Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com
The Michigan Public Service Commission has conducted a hearing and collected testimony since September regarding Detroit Edison’s proposed opt-out plan, which would require customers that don’t want a smart meter to pay a one-time removal fee of $89 and a monthly service charge of $15.
Much of that testimony has been from DTE Energy customers, including that of two Ann Arbor women; Cynthia Edwards, 59, and Linda Kurtz, 50, who maintain they have been experiencing a number of health effects as a result of the presence of a smart meter.
The opt-out program should be free, they say.
Operating on the grounds of non-relevant arguments and non-expert witnesses, Detroit Edison has made a motion to strike the testimony of Kurtz and Edwards, as well as of several other individuals, from the record of the hearing.
The company’s lawyer has cited the health concerns of the customers as “not relevant” in the case, as the Michigan Public Service Commission previously determined in its own review there to be no significant negative health effects from the presence of the meters.
Tuesday morning in Lansing, Judge Dennis Mack will hear oral arguments on the motions to strike the testimony.
A smart meter, pictured here, transmits customer usage information wirelessly to the utility company.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo
Detroit Edison plans to have a total of 1.2 million meters installed by the end of 2013, eventually investing $447 million in 2.6 million meters for all of its customers. The company projects a savings of $65 million per year.
The introduction of the new meters did not meet a positive response from some members of the community, and questions were raised about unknown health impacts of the devices. After receiving about 1,100 complaints about the smart meters, Detroit Edison developed an opt-out program, which requires the approval of the Michigan Public Service Commission before it can go into effect.
The proposed program does not require individuals to cite a reason for opting out, nor has any special provisions for businesses, apartment complexes or government-controlled entities.
Jennifer Hall, executive director of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, wrote a letter to the Michigan Public Service Commission in August stating nothing presented by Detroit Edison had convinced her that the smart meter technology would not have a negative impact on the residents they house.
With 360 housing units at 18 different locations, rent charged by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission is controlled by its funding organization, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hall stated in her letter she does not have the ability to raise rents to cover operating costs that would be incurred under Detroit Edison’s proposed plan should the smart meters be removed.
Without the health testimony on the record and no lawyer to represent them, Kurtz and Edwards fear the heart of their argument to the commission will be lost and they will have to pay for the removal of a device they feel is making them, and a number of others they’ve encountered in the process, sick.
Neither Kurtz nor Edwards have a smart meter installed in their homes, but both feel they are, to varying degrees, hypersensitive to electromagnetic waves.
Kurtz has a master’s degree in anthropological archeology from the University of Michigan, is a biodynamic cranial psychotherapist and a massage therapist. She’s spent hundreds of hours researching electromagnetic studies and the logistics of smart meters -- and noted that there are no scientific articles that examine the health effects of smart meters on humans.
“That’s how science works,” Kurtz said. “A lot of people had to get sick before the powers that be decided something needed to be changed.”
Kurtz said the compounded exposure to the electromagnetic waves associated with smart meters, wireless internet networks and cell phones has plagued her with insomnia.
“This is not something I would be doing if it were hypothetical,” Kurtz said. “The people who are becoming involved in this … they are people who have not been politically involved, nor activists in any way. People are getting involved only because they can’t sleep and their ears are ringing 24/7.”
Edwards is a landscape gardener and works in retail. She began noticing she was having difficulty sleeping after coming home from work late at night in the summer. Coupled with a tightness she experienced in her temples and an aggravated heart condition after spending long hours under the fluorescent lights at work and in certain conditions, she said she didn’t start to connect the dots until she was forwarded an article on smart meters from a friend.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is acknowledged as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means persons covered by the ADA cannot be forced to pay for something that they need to live with their disability.
The heart of the controversy is that smart meters have neither been scientifically proven nor disproven to have effects on human health.
John Meeker
Courtesy U-M
“It’s possible that some people could be more susceptible than others to the electromagnetic frequencies,” Meeker said.
There are few peer-reviewed studies regarding the electromagnetic fields associated with smart meters, Meeker said, and all are industry-funded. Those studies indicated that smart meters emitted less radiation than cell phones.
However, cell phone safety studies are highly controversial and inconsistent -- Meeker deemed them inconclusive.
In 2011, the World Health Organization changed its classification of cell phone radiation: It’s now on the list of potential cancer-causing hazards, right next to lead, engine exhaust and chloroform.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Melissa Whitney
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 6:58 p.m.
I have gone to several meetings about Smart Meters and also done my own research. It is a complicated issue. I do not have a "smart meter" on my house. First. There are other ways for DTE to collect data.Radio waves are a crude technology. They could use fiber optics instead. Second. Upgrading electrical wiring would save 30% of energy, so much better investment than "Smart Meters." Third. Main reason for "Smart Meters" is to charge you more for energy at peak hours, not to decrease energy use. That way, they can get you to do stuff in the middle of the night, so they are still making money without building more power plants. "Smart" appliances all over your house is going to be a bigger issue than the "Smart Meters" due to both health and privacy ussues. Fourth. Some people are sensitive now. More will be sensitive later. DTE is stupid to not have a really effective opt-out plan in order to prevent future lawsuits which all customers will have to pay for. Fifth. Some customers have huge increases in electric bill when a "Smart Meter" is installed, especially if it is the sun. How great is a meter if it does not work if it gets hot? ..... More comments follow.
Dr. Darren Schmidt
Sat, Jan 12, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
http://www.electricsense.com/4766/bioinitiative-report-2012-emf-dangers-health/ An updated report just came out called the Bioinitiative Report 2012. 29 independent scientists, PhD's, Mph's and MD's are saying that EMF's and radio frequencies are more dangerous than we thought. It has the new guidelines for safe levels compared to the 2007 report.
Dr. Darren Schmidt
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
http://naturalsociety.com/smart-utility-meters-causing-sleep-trouble-headaches-heart-problems/?utm_source=Natural+Society&utm_campaign=aeb957bb61-Email+75%3A+1%2F10%2F2013&utm_medium=email
Nadie
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 3:59 a.m.
Remember wheb doctors endorsed smoking cigarettes? "Yes, according to this repeated nationwide survey, more doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette. Why not change to Camels for the next 30 days, and see what a difference it makes in your smoking enjoyment? See how Camels agree with your throat. See how mild and good-tasting a cigarette can be."
Nadie
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4 a.m.
Remember when.
ribs1
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 3:24 a.m.
These smart meters a terrible. I'm sure that mine is causing all of my problems. Right now I have an acute hertz donut of the genechtagazoink. These things are really bad for your diabolical. I would also like to testify as an expert witness in this case. My qualifications include an advanced degree in biodiversity cranioseminiferous tubloidial nonsense. There is no way that my headaches could be caused by the 15 beers I drink every day.
Plubius
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
Get them tin foil hats - that will solve the problem.
g. lipps
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:42 p.m.
I have to complained since September
Skyjockey43
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 10:17 p.m.
We're living in a city where people routinely walk into traffic without even bothering to look up and smart meters are the big health concern????
Skyjockey43
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
Nicholas, in the past several months I know of five pedestrian fatalities in the local area. How many deaths can you tell me that can be attributed to smart meters? It's called perspective.
Nicholas Urfe
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
Excellent point - because you saw someone walk into traffic, every other possible concern should be ignored. Right.
motorcycleminer
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Abject balderdash ..go live in a cave.....
Bryan Ellinger
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:10 p.m.
Some comments have indicated that the meters do not have a remote-disconnect switch in them. From my reading of a flyer that DTE distributed early in 2012, and the manufacturer's specifications, the meters will have the optional 200A switch. The remote-disconnect switch is an available option on many of the smart meters manufactured by Itron. (http://goo.gl/3VCqC). It looks to me that DTE went with the option: "DTE Energy can remotely turn on and off power service and will have an enhanced ability to detect device tampering or energy theft." (http://goo.gl/kvQbE) The health claims are complete quackery. Kurtz wouldn't know science if it kissed her on the cheek. There you have it.
David Cahill
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
Well, I suppose it's nice to have the harmless hobby of collecting crank literature. 8-)
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.
For those wondering about the specifics of their electricity consumption, the Ann Arbor library offers the free loan of electric power meters. Maybe a2.com should do a story on this to raise awareness. http://www.aadl.org/catalog/record/1187615
John LaForest
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
I thoroughly believe that the smarter the human race becomes the more delusional it becomes.
timjbd
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
You guys crack me up.. People still believe these massive corporations (cell phone makers, service providers, consumer electronics makers, oil and gas companies, etc.) only want to "bring good things to life!" News flash- they want to make money off of you, dead or alive. End of story.
timjbd
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 : 7:50 p.m.
And none of the cigarette company exec's were smokers, right?
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:49 a.m.
I take it all back, you are right. I am sure that no one who works at DTE has a smart meter. I am also sure that no one at Verizon has a cell phone. After all, they want to kill us, not themselves.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:07 p.m.
UPDATE: Judge Dennis Mack has reportedly stricken the testimonies today from the Michigan Public Service Commission's record that Detroit Edison deemed not relevant to the opt-out program discussion, according to Scott Simons, DTE Energy spokesman.
Bryan Ellinger
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.
A triumph for science over woo! Good for Judge Mack.
jns131
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.
Ever since they put one of those things on my house? My electric bill went up. I can't figure it out. I am doing the same thing I have done for years. I think those things waste electricity. Or DTE needs money to pay their bills. Either way not happy with those things right about now.
John Q
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 : 2:06 a.m.
My power bills have gone down the past year.
jns131
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 12:34 a.m.
All my devices are considered energy savers. Maybe that meter isn't? Just a thought.
Tom Todd
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:02 p.m.
Very Common in California, once these were installed bills were higher with the same usage, Although no one wants to hear it because if it's a Corporation it must be legit.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 8:08 p.m.
The Ann Arbor library offers the free loan of electronic power meters that will allow you to audit the devices in your home.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
They're more efficient than an analog meter with spinning dials. My bill goes up every year, not just this year.
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
Here's something from the manufacturer of the meter on my house regarding safety, how much time they transmit, etc.: https://www.itron.com/na/resourcesAndSupport/Documents/OpenWay_Radio_Frequency_and_Safety_Compliance.pdf
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:52 p.m.
How about this: http://tinyurl.com/ax52r52
bunicula
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
OMG ! I bet none of these complaining people have ever used or own a CELLULAR phone !!!
antikvetch
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
One of the best kid book names ever...
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
I'm checking in on the outcome of this morning's hearing and will post news as I get it. Is anyone still concerned over the World Health Organization's change in their stance on the safety of cell phone radiation last year (I threw that in the last sentence of the article as food for thought)? I might start using the headphone mic option for my iPhone more.
seldon
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
Unfortunately, the article looks overall like it was supportive of her (frankly not supported by science) claims. There's a huge difference between a phone pressed to your head and a meter on the side of your house.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
..last years meeting with MPSC ...only three poeple showed up.and the speakers took 2-3 question....end of meeting.The ONE QUESTION was on Smart meters...but no answer... Extra cost to homeowners..WELL $ 84 MILLION of TAXPAYER money was given by Senator STABENOW from washington(hench we taxpayer already payed).yes the healths Cost is $$$$$$. WE need jobs and health ..no more man made healths iusses!
beardown
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
"That's how science works," Kurtz said. "A lot of people had to get sick before the powers that be decided something needed to be changed." While I agree that this may be how modern corporations seem to work (such as DTE), it is a terrifyingly simplistic and naive and patently incorrect description of the scientific process from someone who is pretty much a holistic back popper. "The compounded exposure to the electromagnetic waves associated with smart meters, wireless internet networks and cell phones has plagued Kurtz with insomnia." So how can she specifically state that it is the smart meter?
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
A lot of OLD People have heart monitors and live on oxygen machine . plus the compuetrs/phone etc etc ..plus all the new medical stuff! How is that working? we lost 8 poeple in 2 months ..people the most ever..
Larry Baird
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
It is also important to keep in mind that smart car wireless communication systems are just around the corner. Ann Arbor and SE Michigan are at the heart of this emerging new technology which could eventually supply thousands of new jobs to SE Michigan. http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/reinventing-the-automobile-ann-arbor-deployment-to-facilitate-conversations-between-nearly-3000-cars/ If the city of Ann Arbor wishes to attract these new technology companies and suppliers, what kind of message is being conveyed if the Housing Commission and/or other city departments opt out of the smart meter program?
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:44 a.m.
Move You have missed the point I fear. Under the proposal, people would pay to NOT get the meters. I don't see how anyone can seriously back up the housing dept if they ask for money to not have the meters installed.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
HMMMM WHO is GOING to BUY /pay for all that NEW stuff? The housing commission cannot even give tenants a healthy /clean apartment /housing or even Air condition ..last summer... they only thing is the rnt going up every year...but no improvement and we senior/vetreans donot need this modern system that kills us..we cannot even get a good cable program muchless a new system with out our vote ....
Gill
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:01 p.m.
Something else for the hypochondriacs to consider... Electric wiring creates its own EM fields, so the walls, floors and ceilings in a house are one big jumble of EM fields.
slave2work
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
Here is my problem or question.... how is this saving money.. when they have to come out and read my gas meter which is stacked right under the electric meter?... so if I wanted to "opt-out" I would have to pay to have a meter read that is already being read by same meter reader. I know of 3 families who have had all their comcast lines blown, and they had to have new receivers and lines put in.. at their expense btw... with in a week of these new meters..
DJBudSonic
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
All the talk of a smart grid is window dressing. These meters are for two reasons, or so I was told by the DTE employee that came by to check the installations in our neighborhood. The smart meter is installed to 1. allow DTE to turn off your power for non payment without sending a serviceman out, and 2. to automate the collection of billing data and thereby reduce DTEs operating costs.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
It doesn't even work for a single family home. The meter can't shut off power because it doesn't have a switch in it.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
HOW does that work in an aprtment house with over 50 units?
mczacharias
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:21 p.m.
U godda bee kiddin me
Turd Ferguson
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
I have a smart meter. Why is a meter reader still coming by?
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
At the risk of redundancy, I replied to Saline_Wins and DMB with an answer to this question from the company.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:14 p.m.
Another reader had a similar concern, Turd Ferguson. I've posed that question to DTE Energy and will post their reply when they get back to me.
mr_annarbor
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
My guess is that they want to ensure that the readings they receive over their wireless network correspond with the readings on the meter. Once they're satisfied that this is indeed the case, you won't see a meter reader ever again.
Saline_Wins
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.
Read my post above
daytona084
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
There is a factual error in the article... The article states: "The compounded exposure to the electromagnetic waves associated with smart meters, wireless internet networks and cell phones has plagued Kurtz with insomnia.". In fact, that statement is not true; it is one person's opinion. The above statement should be preceded by "Kurtz claims that ...."
daytona084
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
Thanks!
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:11 p.m.
I've made a slight edit to that sentence to make the attribution to Kurtz. You're correct, that's a claim she made about her insomnia.
Bubba43
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
That is BS!!!!! Why did we have to get them in the first place?
Z-man
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
In addition to enabling the utility to read our meters without paying someone to walk from house to house, these meters allow the utility to quickly detect outages so they can more quickly respond to them. And they will eventually allow DTE to provide us with time-of-day pricing,, so we can get lower rates for off-peak times of the day. Utility rates are going up because of Obama's war on coal and to pay for mandates requiring the utility to utilize much more expensive energy sources such as solar and wind. In addition to higher utility rates, these mandates are also hitting taxpayers. In addition to paying for boondoggles like Solyndra and First Solar, the taxpayer is supporting subsidies for these expensive energy sources. In fact, the tax bill just signed to prevent tax rate increases included a provision to extend the PTC (production tax credit) for wind and solar.
jns131
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
No wonder my electric bill went up.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
Federal mandate to improve electric reliability. Two total blackouts of the east coast is enough.
HeimerBoodle
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
I too would like to know if Ms Edwards was questioned about her ownership and use of a laptop (and associated WiFi). This whole fracas brings to mind following quote from Harlan Ellison: "You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant."
SEC Fan
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:23 p.m.
Correlation does not equal Causation.
snark12
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:18 a.m.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
StopCrying
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.
I saw a TV show that showed two women who claimed to suffer from this same disability. They actually moved into a cave and lived there in order to avoid any electromagnetic waves. I imagine that would be a comfortable setting for someone with an anthropology degree.
StopCrying
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
Nope, cave is the only option, sorry.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Well there are building made out of Cement and other products!
sun runner
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
Who cares about electromagnetic radiation...when is someone going to do something about all of the neutrinos bombarding us every moment of our lives?
sun runner
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Neutrinos, man...they'll get you every time. Squirrely little buggers.
ChrisW
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:56 a.m.
Oh, God -- now they're going to start complaining about neutrinos too! What have you done?! My favorite neutrino joke, courtesy of Stargate: Maj. Carter: Normally neutrinos pass right through ordinary matter, no matter how dense. I mean, something like five hundred million billion just passed through you. Col. O'Neill: No matter how dense?
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:23 p.m.
SK/read THE LOST CONTINENT of MU/Atlantis!
Saline_Wins
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
I talked to a meter reader last month. I ask why they were still reading meters in Saline? His response was they will continue to read meters until all gas meters have been swapped out with new smart gas meters. I guess meter readers will be reading for years to come.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:39 a.m.
Amy From what you are saying, it appears that the complainers' case is getting weaker. Not only do they not yet personally have smart meters, we don't even know yet that anyone in their neighborhood does (as there is no opt-out provision yet, they would get them at the same time as their neighbors); and it appears that even if the neighborhood did have them there is an excellent chance they aren't even activated yet.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.
Saline_Wins, I just heard back from DTE Energy and it sounds like what the meter reader told you is right. The company continues to manually read the meters until an entire route (of approximately 500 new, digital smart meters) has been installed. After the entire route is complete, the meters are then activated.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
Interesting point -- it sounds like you're not the only DTE Energy customer observing the continued presence of meter readers even with the proliferation of smart meters in the area (see a comment by another reader below). I've posed that question to the company and will post their reply when they get back to me.
Turd Ferguson
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
I thought they were electric?
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
I hope they release some of that smart gas in Ann Arbor.
Ken B
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
I am absolutely amazed at the continued attention the claims of "smart meter health affects" continue to get. These "fears" are so badly misplaced that it is beyond comprehension to take seriously. While I have no doubt the "affected" have, or believe they have, issues the smart meters are VIRTUALLY INCAPABLE of being the cause. As one wise seer said, "You are welcome to your own beliefs, but not to your own facts." These meters operate at a fraction of the signal strength of a cell phone. Additionally they do NOT radiate a radio signal all of the time, but once a week, or so, they broadcast their status with a few second burst of data, and then shut down again until next week's burst. Given that radiation effects on the human body are proportional to the square of the distance between the radio source and human cells, consider that a cell phone is 2 inches from your body while a smart meter is say typically at least 30 feet. That is a ratio of 2 to (30*12), or 2 to 360 which is a 180 times difference. Squaring that yields a smart meter signal effect on the body which is 32,400 times less than a cell phone. BUT WAIT! A cell phone radiates you for say 3 minutes with each call. Assuming you make 10 calls a week, then those 600 seconds compared to the 1 second smart meter means the cell phone must then radiate you 600*32400 or 19,440,000 times more than the smart meter. So if you are worried about a smart meter that is 20 million times less harmful to you that a cell phone, then you are in deep trouble in today's world where every moment of the day 24/7 you are bombarded by radio and TV station signals that are stronger, not to mention your cordless phone, TV set, wireless LAN in your home (woops better stay out of Starbucks and McDonalds too, as they have wi-fi hotspots). And don't EVER use your microwave. Worse you'd never guess but that electric can opener of yours emits way, way more radiation (unbelievable almost) than a
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.
Go, Jake!
Jake C
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
Nicholas, the law of inverse squares is not an "opinion" it is a scientific fact that doesn't require linking to any peer-reviewed scientific studies because it's such a fundamental aspect of modern electromagnet theory it's like asking somebody to cite sources to prove why gravity exists. Or are you refuting the idea that pretty much all electronic devices we use on a daily basis transmit more electromagnetic energy on a time-cumulative basis than these smart meters?
DonBee
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
brad - With the smart meters DTE installed - they report regularly one time in 24 hours for their readings. When the power goes out they send a special message. One hopes your power does not go out more than 1 time a week. The average message length according to the manufacturer's website is less the 1/100th of 1 second for each of these messages.
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:36 p.m.
The meters transmit way more frequently than weekly. Otherwise they wouldn't be much help in locating outages.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
(cite) sic.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.
You site no peer reviewed studies for the claims in your post. It's just a bunch of opinion.
Ken B
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:12 p.m.
So if you are worried about a smart meter that is 20 million times less harmful to you that a cell phone, then you are in deep trouble in today's world where every moment of the day 24/7 you are bombarded by radio and TV station signals that are stronger, not to mention your cordless phone, TV set, wireless LAN in your home (woops better stay out of Starbucks and McDonalds too, as they have wi-fi hotspots. Don't EVER use your microwave, and you'd never guess but that electric can opener of your emits way, way more radiation (unbelievable almost) than any of the above. Forget your electric blanket, oh yah, and throw away your remote lock/unlock car key. That is right there in your hand and puts out a pretty good little burst to reach you car far off in the parking lot. Even if you moved into a cave, won't help you much unless the thousands of TV/Radio/Cellular/Cordless phones and the other transmitters disappear overnight. Even if they did, the natural radiation in the cave walls would get you eventually anyway. I have nothing to do with DTE, so no axe to grind here. As an engineer, and someone that has worked around high powered radio and TV transmitters for long periods, I know that these worries are totally without merit and not worth losing any sleep over!
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
"Operating on the grounds of non-relevant arguments and non-expert witnesses, Detroit Edison has made a motion to strike the testimony of Kurtz and Edwards, as well as of several other individuals, from the record of the hearing." So rather than use peer reviewed studies and science, DTE is trying to remove public speech and comments from the public hearings. What are they so afraid of?
michman
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:33 a.m.
It's not that they are afraid of it, it's more that they're rolling their eyes just like everyone else and want to strike non-factual testimony from the record because it is not relevant on the grounds that the two are non-experts.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
The potential impact of smart meters needs to be studied with peer reviewed studies that are not funded by the power companies. Smart meter emissions are potentially continuous, and at much higher power levels than other common devices, like cellphones. They form a grid network, forwarding data from other meters. We have a couch against the wall where our meter is. Sitting on that couch, your head could be 24" away from the meter. In other cases, meters are feet away from children's beds.
Griffin
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:17 a.m.
How close do you sit to your TV? Do you use a cell phone? Do you have wifi? Do you sit with a laptop on your lap? Is your house powered with electricity coming from the power lines right outside? The Smart Meter cannot be singled out.
ThinkingOne
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
I will quote DonBee from below, who appears to have a specific answer to my question. This is his response to Brad, who was responding to Ken B, 2nd item down: 'DonBee 12:54 PM on 1/8/2013 brad - With the smart meters DTE installed - they report regularly one time in 24 hours for their readings. When the power goes out they send a special message. One hopes your power does not go out more than 1 time a week. The average message length according to the manufacturer's website is less the 1/100th of 1 second for each of these messages.'
ThinkingOne
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:03 p.m.
Nicholas claims that the smart meter's emissions are 'potentially continuous'. That is not what I have heard from others. What I have heard is that they only transmit a few times a day for a very limited time. Which is true? No offense to Nicholas, but the term 'potentially continuous' sounds like something a lawyer would make up. Doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong though...
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
That are "potentially" continuous? No, FCC rules do not permit that. Not in the bands that smart meters operate in. Nowhere close to continuous, actually. Smart meters transmit at 1 watt or lower, depending on which band they use. Cell phones are in roughly that same category (some higher, some lower), so your claim of "much higher power levels [...]" are simply not true.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
The power companies do not make meters. The people who make them send them to an independent lab for testing. If there was a problem, the product liability folks and the insurance companies would have put a stop to it. There's not enough profit in a meter to absorb that level of risk. A lead blanket on the wall behind the couch would block x-rays and gamma radiation, but it would not protect you from bombardment by photons and compression waves coming from the TV.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
I don't care if some people call it the tin foil effect or the Henny Penny effect. If someone wants to opt out I don't care one way or another, but it should be an option, and not a hit to your bill to the effect they want to charge you. Also, would have been nice if they had done all this and got it settled before the meters started being rammed down everyones throats.
Chris
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 12:53 a.m.
Does anyone remember this much angst when the water meters were replaced? Same technology/freqencies used to transmit?
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Under Detroit Edison's proposed plan, customers will not have to cite any reason when they opt out of having a smart meter.
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
If someone wants to "opt out" for some made-up reason, why should the rest of us be forced to subsidize their superstition?
craigjjs
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
The theory of these ladies is proved demonstrably false by the 'attorney attraction phenomenon'. If, indeed, there was any level of science that could prove damage by these meters sufficient to convince the least among us, and, as claimed, it is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (I seriously doubt this claim), which provides for attorneys fees, vast herds of attorneys would be migrating to the courts to file lawsuits on behalf of all DTE customers (whether they wanted to be plaintiffs or not). No attorney herd...no medically viable claim of 'murder by meter'. Sorry, have DTE disconnect the service and whip those squirrels on the treadmills into shape.
Rob T
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
This coverage makes smart meters sound like a new and dangerous technology when they're effectively just purpose-built cell phones that transmit energy usage data. It's also worth noting that the WHO has found no link between electromagnetic hypersensitivity and electromagnetic fields, even in double-blind studies: "EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that differ from individual to individual. The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual. EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link EHS symptoms to EMF exposure. Further, EHS is not a medical diagnosis, nor is it clear that it represents a single medical problem. Treatment of affected individuals should focus on the health symptoms and the clinical picture, and not on the person's perceived need for reducing or eliminating EMF in the workplace or home." http://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/facts/fs296/en/
Dan Pritts
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
I wonder if Ms. Edwards carries a mobile phone. If so, she is bombarded by tons more electromagnetic energy by it than she is by her smart meter.
John Q
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
She doesn't have a smart meter.
Z-man
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
The cell phone signals are present whether she's carrying a cell phone or not.
K Thompson
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:29 p.m.
Too many 'nots' in this sentence; why not state it more directly/clearly - it's confusing to read: 'Jennifer Hall, executive director of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, wrote a letter to the Michigan Public Service Commission in August stating nothing presented by Detroit Edison had convinced her that the smart meter technology would not have a negative impact on the residents they house.' /Nothing/ not/ nevative : does this mean she was convinced there would be negative impact? It is hard to not unfollow this unreporting.
Chris
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 12:51 a.m.
Her position against the meters is the typical "Until you can prove you didn't do something, I'll assume you did." Did DTE present her any evidence that makes her feel the meters will impact residents? Answer that question.
smb
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
It's not unclear to me why you might not find this sentence difficult to misunderstand.
oyxclean
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
Yep, that annoyed/confused me too.
arborani
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:15 p.m.
Strongly agree.
foobar417
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
Here's an article from the World Health Organization summarizing a review of the exhaustive scientific knowledge on this topic. http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index1.html
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:16 p.m.
They keep talking radiation. But what about the electromagnetic field. An electro magnet is how PACEMAKERS and AICD units are calibrated, what effect are these smart meters going to have on them?
mr_annarbor
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
The "radiation" from a smart meter (or the wi-fi router in your home for that matter) IS electromagnetic radiation.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
Don't watch the food cook.
GoNavy
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
This is ludicrous: "Kurtz has a master's degree in anthropological archeology from the University of Michigan, is a biodynamic cranial psychotherapist and a massage therapist. She's spent hundreds of hours researching electromagnetic studies and the logistics of smart meters -- and noted that there are no scientific articles that examine the health effects of smart meters on humans." What exactly has she been studying then? I've spent hundreds of hours researching the Yeti, but I'll concede there are no scientific papers on the Yeti. Ergo, I'm studying a lot of random BS. In addition, there are hundreds - if not *tens of thousands* of variables in this woman's life that can affect her well-being. It could be a preservative in her Soy Lattes for all we know, yet we're all going to stop drop and roll when it comes to smart meters.
teeters
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
If you don't want DTE's services, or think they are outrageous then get rid of them. Build a windmill in your backyard and layer your roof with solar panles. Problem solved.
Tesla
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Hippies. *rolleyes*
mhirzel
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2 p.m.
USA, USA, USA! (So proud!) FIRST! in technological miracle advances!!! (49th in population health measures...)
mhirzel
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Of course, you'll have to find out about this newly released study by reading coverage from India or Iran, etc. We don't like to cover such pesky things here..... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/telecom/Cellphones-towers-health-hazard-Global-survey/articleshow/17937210.cms?
Gerry
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
The health risks of smart metering listed here seem like a bit of stretch, but I am very worried about the cyber security implications. Cyber security is an issue that only some, not all, utilities take seriously. And the problem, as we discovered in August 2003, is that we have an interconnected grid, in which problems from one area quickly become problems for the entire interconnect. We need a grid wide approach to cyber security.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
There is no secure data in a smart meter. Anyone can walk up to the old analog meter and watch the dials spin. This just reads the dials remotely. It won't turn off the power to your neighborhood because it does not have a big switch in it capable of interrupting 200 Amps of current. No meter does. The reason for the smart meters is to improve reliability of the grid. This is a federal mandate, not an arbitrary action by DTE. More information means that false data will not have the great impact it had in 2003, when a single computer failure shut down the eastern half of the U.S.
antikvetch
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
Maybe, the, uh, new windmill thingys will blow, the, uh, bad rays away? Maybe the city can "educate" us on this possibility.....
DNB
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
My question for DTE is, when are the smart meters going to be *smart* enough? My meter was installed in early June, and the meter reader is still reading it every month-7 months now. I asked him why recently, and he said they still want the manual readings.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:12 p.m.
Word from Scott Simons, DTE Energy spokesman: The company continues to manually read the meters until an entire route (of approximately 500 new, digital smart meters) has been installed. After the entire route is complete, the meters are then activated.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
DNB, am checking in with DTE Energy on why the manual readings are continuing to happen even with the installation of the smart meter. Will post a reply with their answer.
smb
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
Nah, probably what they did was just announce that they were going start using smart meters. But really all they did was install them but never turned them on. Now they're just waiting a while for all the people to start complaining about headaches and ears ringing. Then after a while they're going to go, 'Ha! In your face. We didn't even turn them on! Moo hoo hoo ha ha ha ha haaaaa!' Ok, not really. But that's what I would have done.
JimmyD
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
Mr AnnArbor has it right. Whenever you transition from one system to another it's best to run in parallel for awhile to look for problems. Otherwise you wind up on the front page as a "corporate screw-up".
mr_annarbor
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:21 p.m.
Actually, I think that's a good thing. Probably what they are doing is making sure that the readings they receive over their wireless network match the meter readings. They're trying to head off problems.
arborani
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
Now THAT'S funny.
Brad
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
"biodynamic cranial psychotherapist" Ever notice that these articles always include people with professions you've never heard of?
Rork Kuick
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Last sentence of article perhaps should have gone "on the list of possible cancer-causing hazards". You left out "possible". I think that's a bit irresponsible. Googling "biodynamic cranial psychotherapy" (with quotes) gets me zero hits. Perhaps it's new science being reported for the first time. "biodynamic cranial therapy" gives many. Try "Craniosacral therapy" too. I see Kurtz's web page, the wikipedia article, and one from quackwatch on the first page of search results. All are fun. First link to ADA says "Neither the proposed rule nor the draft final rule included provisions for multiple chemical sensitivities or electromagnetic sensitivities." But it's a ten year old document.
seldon
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
She's "sensitive" to RF emissions, but she's using a laptop? Even with wifi off, those things emit RF.
seldon
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
It suggests to me that, perhaps, annarbor.com should be a little less credulous when it publishes articles.
DonBee
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
seldon - Take a good look at the picture - you can see the ethernet port and the phone jack - neither have a cable in them. You can see a website on the screen. What does this suggest to you? That she is using WiFi or does she have the site archived? Wifi and smart meters operate in the same frequency range. Millions of people use Wifi and cellphones each day - they operate in the same frequency. You just sit much closer to the source than you do with a smart meter. What does that suggest to you?
easy123
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
Get a life! Have these folks ever gone to public restroom! No wonder we are raising a new batch of neurotics!
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
Smartest city in the country, huh? Ummmm, sure.
Billy
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
"she said she didn't start to connect the dots until she was forwarded an article on smart meters from a friend." Only YOU can prevent INTERNET FORWARDS.....
StrongFire
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:01 p.m.
I see that Ms. Edwards is using a laptop computer in the story's photo. I wonder if she uses Wi-Fi signals to connect to the Internet. If so, why is she sensitive to DTE's signals and not to Wi-Fi? Smart meters and Wi-Fi both operate in the 2.4 Ghz frequency band.
oyxclean
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
Oh snap!
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
Oops
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
Same Monopoly Avoiding Residential Thievery
Gorc
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Moving to an Amish community might be an option...no electricity, thus no smart meters.
ChrisW
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:46 a.m.
And what about TV, radio, cell phone, and GPS signals? Even the Amish communities can't escape.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
And no DTE bills.
applehazar
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Danger Will Robinson Danger
smokeblwr
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
I have a smart meter on my house. Everyday I wake up and it is getting harder to get out of bed, I'm getting wrinkles on my face, I think I saw a gray hair this morning, my gut is getting bigger. I'm sure this smart meter is affecting me as this wasn't happening 10 years ago!
meddler76
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Well done, Sir.
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
Oh, no! I'm experiencing the very same effects!!!!! Time to put on the tinfoil hat! Seriously, though, you'd be exposed to more microwave radiation just walking across the Diag on any given day, among the hundreds of students with cell phones glued to their heads.
mkm17
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
Correlation does not imply causation. Heck, we don't even know if there is correlation between the reported symptoms and the smart meters. This is bad science at its best. I agree with Tru2Blu76 that: "That's how science works," Kurtz said. "A lot of people had to get sick before the powers that be decided something needed to be changed." is NOT how science works.
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
An excellent article on the potential dangers of cell phones, wi-fi, even microwaves. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/askjack/2012/sep/27/wi-fi-health-risks As for the two women who maintain that they are experiencing negative health effects from smart meters but both live in houses that do not have smart meters, what is there to say? It's one thing to request a thorough review of all of the data available on an issue. It's another to complain that something that doesn't exist is making you sick. That just makes you look like a kook and undermines any rational argument you might have.
mhirzel
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
Understand that, if your neighbors have smart meters, YOU get the effects as well. Not necessary to have it on your own house.
George K
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
It's amazing that nobody cares about labeling genetically modified food, which is far more dangerous than a little electromagnetic radiation, but when they try to install a smart meter, all of my health problems suddenly can be explained by a little bit of extra light!? You are positively bathing in EMR all day every day; the smart meter is just a drop in the bucket. Find a new windmill to fight, Don Quixote!
Renee S.
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 5:42 a.m.
100% of the food you eat has been genetically modified, George. Ever seen what wild maize looks like? It sure as hell doesn't look like corn. Ever hunt down and kill a wild chicken? I don't think so! Our food's genes are absolutely nothing like what evolved naturally; we've been fussing with its DNA for thousands of years.
Griffin
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:11 a.m.
Dina, with 2 degrees in Electrical Engineering, I've got to say that while yes, some people can be more sensitive to EMR, these meters are the least of your worries. We are swimming in EMR from basically everything powered by electricity.
George K
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
Dina, I have a minor in Physics at U of M, so I understand well that the frequency of light matters. i also know that we evolved as a species in harsh radiation conditions, and it has been a selective pressure for us over millennia (see: Darwin's Theory of Evolution). The sun gives off all those same frequencies and even much higher energy photons, in much larger doses, and nobody says we should block out the sun.
George K
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Nicholas, you probably still trust the FDA and the USDA... I cry for you... My point is simply that there are much bigger fish to fry than smart meters (hopefully not GMO salmon though!) Richard, people voted in California last year to label GMO food, and it lost. So apparently most people don't care about it. GMO's are killing us daily, in the form of gastrointestinal disorders and nutritional deficiencies (not to mention cancer), but nobody will vote to label them. Why should people care so much about smart meters, when they're playing russian roulette with what they're eating every day.
dina
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
George, respectfully, you start with two false datums: Not true that "nobody" cares about GMO's, and not true that electromagnetic radiation is far less dangerous. Both are dangerous, lots of people are concerned about GMO's. Also you generalize that: "all (your)...health problems...", and posit that they are "suddenly", and consists of a "little extra light." Health problems can be traced to many sources, EMR's and GMO's are two. The effects do not appear suddenly, but are often gradual and cumulative. And the problem here is not a little extra light, but the frequencies of the energy sources--from many kinds of equipment -some more harmful, some less. The increasing appearance of GMO's in our food, not labelled even, so you can't tell what you're eating, is also a huge concern. No doubt you and I and most people want to be as healthy as possible. So many feel it is important not to barrel ahead with a DTE system that has indications of being quite destructive to their customers' health and well being. For me, it is hard to trust data produced by the company that stands to profit from results of that data. I also don't get the savings touted by DTE. I may be missing something, but $447 million to save $65, will take many years. May have to factor in some costly legal action in years to come, if they move forward and independent research proves contrary to their postulates. You have strong opinions on this matter, but you may also see there are other ways to look at it and more to consider. . .
Richard Carter
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
Google "genetically modified food" and google "Smart Meter radiation." I don't even have to look to know you'll find FAR more complaints about the former than the latter at this point.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 2:59 p.m.
"It's amazing that nobody cares about labeling genetically modified food," So you are starting your comment with an unrelated strawman that isn't even true. Nice.
Cash
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : noon
DTE might have gotten more buy-in if, instead of charging people who opt out, they offer discounts to people who opt in. In that way, any opt outs would not be charged and they would not be violating the ADA regardless if it's true or not, and it would be a plus for those who have a harder time paying their bills. DTE is saving a fortune with "smart" meters. It seemed like it would be "smart" business to offer the majority of their customers an incentive, rather than threatening to punish minority who don't want the meters. DTE unfortunately chose the threat of penalty rather then the path of shared prosperity. Bad business move IMO.
Richard Carter
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
George K., not entirely true... the more users on it, the more accurate, of course, but a system that would 100% fail if only 99.9% of people were on it would always be down... with millions of meters, some must be malfunctioning at any given time.
Cory C
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Ok, well then think of it this way, everyone's utility bill is going up by $15 a month, and you'll get a $15 discount if you "opt-in" to the new smart meter program.
smokeblwr
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Unfortunately DTE's business motto is likely "We're the gas/electric company, so screw you!".
Cash
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Patty, LOL No I didn't expect it. It would show a concern for their customers and my experiences with DTE have shown the opposite to be true. DTE lost interest in the well being of it's customers long ago. My dear godmother was a widow of an Edison worker. She lived to her 90s and used his medical insurance. She was quite sure every morning that DTE bigwigs awoke, checked the obituaries and asked aloud "Is that woman still ALIVE?" LOL
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Cash, you seriously expect a giant utility with a near-monopoly to pursue a path that would slightly reduce their revenue while satisfying millions of customers? If only....
George K
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
It defeats the purpose if people opt out. The only way smart grids work is if EVERY node in the grid is participating. How else can you measure the power consumption accurately? Eventually these grids will be able to reduce your power consumption during peak hours to avoid brownouts, but all those opt-outers will be doing their own thing. I think it is weak of DTE to even allow opting out at all, but I guess legally they have to because of our constitution. There needs to be a government mandate for the smart meters before they'll actually work.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
"That's how science works," Kurtz said. "A lot of people had to get sick before the powers that be decided something needed to be changed."– Eh, that's NOT how Science works, Ms. Kurtz. Such statements do harm to your own argument, Ms. Kurtz. Fact is: little scientific study has been done on this kind of remote radio-reporting system. So the data is thin, which DOES mean Edison was taking a chance on going ahead with their scheme. Unless I missed it - little scientific verification has been found for this "new problem" of extreme sensitivity to electromagnetic (radio wave) emissions. So BOTH SIDES seem to be operating without sufficient scientific study or data.
ChrisW
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:43 a.m.
We've had 90 years of radio broadcasts and 60 years of TV broadcasts, which are essentially the same except HIGHER in power (WJR is 50,000 watts - your cell phone is 3.6). We have cell phones, walkie talkies, WiFi, wireless phones, baby monitors, microwave towers, GPS signals, and other emitters. This is hardly a new issue. These people are just crazy.
Cory C
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
"Placebo effect" - What happens when you believe something is true so much that your body/mind makes it so. These meters operate on the same principles as your cell phone. So unless these people don't own cell phones, they're frankly nuts.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
HOW does it work effect the person treated with chemo..cancer etc etc or even X-rays?
timjbd
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
Let's see- on the one hand you have a multitude of huge multinational corporations with many billions in revenue per year, each. On the other hand you have a random sampling of the citizenry who report being adversely affected by the products of those multinationals. Who do you think is going to fund the "scientific studies" which cost millions to produce? http://www.gq.com/cars-gear/gear-and-gadgets/201002/warning-cell-phone-radiation "In the summer of 2006, a super-Wi-Fi system known as WiMAX was tested in rural Sweden. Bombarded with signals, the residents of the village of Götene-who had no knowledge that the transmitter had come online-were overcome by headaches, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision, according to a Swedish news report. Two residents reported to the hospital with heart arrhythmias...This happened only hours after the system was turned on, and as soon as it was powered down, the symptoms disappeared."
Griffin
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:06 a.m.
I used WiMAX for a year in Philadelphia. No issues.
timjbd
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
Yeah, all those crackpots crowing about cigarettes, too.
snark12
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6 p.m.
@Major The data service still transmits when the phone is next to your ear. That's why you can make Skype phone calls.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
@Major, watch the commercials. With AT&T your iPhone can stream data while you talk. Any Android phone can. In practice, the network does not shut down even on the phones which prohibit talking and surfing. This is a limit in the application only for marketing purposes. None of them have a cranial proximity sensor to shut down the network when you're on the phone.
Major
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
DonBee, the phone call signal is separate from the 4G data signal. I don't think too many look at the web on their phone by holding to their head.
DonBee
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
OOPs - I forgot - Cellular G4 is running in the same frequency as WiMax was in Sweden - so if you have a G4 phone you are using the same kind of "radiation" WiMax was putting out - only because you are putting the G4 phone to your ear to talk - with a lot more power.
DonBee
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
timbd - The system was on for testing for months before the announcement was made. Within 24 hours 5 people who are activists started complaining. Read the rest of the story - but realize it is in Swedish, you can google it.
Billy
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
That thing in Gotene... that description is 100% fabricated. What actually happened is FIVE people total complained....after being made aware of the tower installations. There was no medical examination to confirm their complaints in any of the cases. Two of the people were long time complainers related to the installation of a cellphone tower years earlier. What is more likely.....that there are a few "SPECIAL" people out there that are hyper-sensitive to EMR....or that these people are either outright lying for attention and profit OR are posibly experiencing their own self-induced psychosomatic responses? I'm gonna have to go with the latter on this myself....the scientific evidence, although limited in this area, supports that idea much more than the former.
Nadie
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Another example of money is more important than health.
Bcar
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
DTE should just supply tinfoil hats with the smart meters. ;)
justcurious
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
You took the words wight out of my fingers. Thanks.
dading dont delete me bro
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
not this again...