Customers question health risk of smart meters

Oct 6 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - John Harden Cleburne Times-Review, Texas

Energy companies making the switch to smart electric meters have led to an increase in customers questioning how the new devices work and if they're safe.

One common concern customers have about the device is the possible health risks associated with its wireless transmission of data.

However, Oncor, which has installed more that two million smart meters in its region that includes Texas, is quick to note that the meters use radio waves, not radiation to transmit energy readings.

A smart meter is an electrical meter that records energy consumption and communicates the data back to the utility for monitoring and billing purposes. Unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote reporting.

"It's a very common misnomer that smart meters release radiation," said Oncor spokeswoman Catherine Cuellar. "The meters are both safe and effective. The meters' radio waves and electromagnetic field is less than many electronic devices found in homes."

She said there are safety standards the meters must meet in regards to the amount of radio waves the device releases and the meters fall well below the recommended levels.

Microwaves, cellphones and other electric, household items pose greater health risks, she said.

Cleburne resident Jane Coche said her meter has made her sick and said she believes it has something to do with the meter's transmissions.

"I was fine before it was installed and now I have re-occurring headaches," she said. "I haven't been to a doctor yet, but I plan on making a visit real soon."

Coche couldn't say for sure if the smart meter was the primary reason for her sickness but said she has found many articles online that state smart meters are dangerous.

"I don't know of any health problems associated with the meters," Cuellar said. "I know there are several articles online that aren't true about the safety of the meters. There's no scientific evidence that radio frequencies pose any possible health risk."

But there are a few studies conflicting one another, claiming they may or may not be dangerous.

A study released last month by environmental consulting firm Sage Associates notes there are risks.

The report claims the devices are safe but only when used alone. The report said that any risk associated with radio waves increase when used near other household and wireless devices like cellphones. But since devices are found outside the home, the chances of the meter affecting other electronics is impossible, Cuellar said.

The Utility Consumers' Action Network, a watchdog group in San Diego, cited a report on a similar study in November from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention that found no dangers associated with smart meters.

According to the study, smart meters appear to be similar to having a wireless router on the side of a house that operates only 10 percent of the time.

Cuellar said she want's to emphasize that there isn't scientific or medical data supporting health concerns or claims against smart meters.

"There are definitely opportunities for human error," she said. "But as we continue to move forward, there will be even lower chances for error, if any."