The Smartmeter described in the video above is a two way meter, i.e. - it receives AND transmits. The people of California were successful in fighting the two-way meters that were being installed by Pacific Power and Gas. These meters would allow the power company to shut off power remotely - during peak usage periods.
You are not required to have a smart meter
according to the Clean Energy Act of 2005,
however Gulf Power has made the decision to install the
Smart Meter on all homes that it serves - they say that it was a business decision to save on fuel and labor (no more meter readers) and that the decision was not coerced by the government.
On January 20, 2012, Ron Grissom, VP Customer Service, FWB and Sandy Sims, Public Information Officer, Pensacola, were guests on WFTW 1260 AM's "Wake Up Call"
You can listen to the show here.
Part 1
Part 2
Highlights:
Meter only transmits out -
no connection to individual appliances
Meter will transmit
6 times per day for a total of 1 second
No adverse health effects have been noted
according to Mr. Grissom
Gulf Power will OFFER more Smart Meter
capabilities in the future!
That should make you sleep well . . .