If you live in North Carolina and Duke Energy’s two-way powered utility meters start giving you headaches, a ringing in your ears and a case of the “brain fog” you can “opt-out” of the “smart” devices, according to the News-Observer. But you need a note from your doctor that you suffer from the rare condition of being sensitive to radio waves.
The NC Utilities Commission created a new standard last week, making their state one of the first to limit smart meter technology by means of a medical opinion. The decision was two years in the making after the Commission reviewed reports and heard experts from conflicting parties on the subject. The agency is yet to determine the health risks of the devices.
“This is a huge step in the right direction,” one man told the News-Observer. He testified the proximity to cell phone towers, WiFi signals and wireless utility meters caused “a burning sensation on his skin,” giving him “the sweats” and making him agitated. “Most importantly,” he said, “the NCUC order recognizes our medical doctor’s proper role in determining what is healthy, not the FCC.”
The switch from “old school” meters is on. Duke Energy is halfway done with the process of putting over three million customers on the new, “smarter,” system.
About 6,000 Duke customers have expressed concerns about smart meters, the News-Observer reported.
June 28, 2018
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