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Woman Says Smart Meter Invades Her Privacy
Posted: Feb 22, 2012 7:30 PM
Updated: Feb 23, 2012 8:02 AM
HARLINGEN - Residents are refusing to let a power company, AEP, install a smart meter in their home. AEP has installed 450,000 wireless meters in the Lower Valley already and now they're working their way west. But some people claim the devices are health hazards and threats to privacy.
The smart meters are wireless and send electronic signals about customers' power usage to the power company. Officials say it works like a cell phone or a WiFi computer.
A spokesman for the Texas Public Utilities Commission says right now there's no procedure for people who refuse the meters. He says you can't say no. AEP insists the devices are safe.
Gail Moore and Doctor Dorothy Nesmith says they're refusing to let AEP install a smart meter at her house. Nesmith says she has privacy concerns.
The Public Utility Commission Says they would begin to look into the idea of creating an opt-out option, so people could choose not to take the smart meters.
No hearings on the issue have been scheduled.
