by Katherine | 16 Apr, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
In the following case, a New Zealander relates how a “smart meter” was installed at her mother’s home while her mother was away visiting family who live out of town – despite the fact that both the electricity retailer and the installer having been informed that installing the “smart meter” while she was away would put delicate electronic equipment in her home at risk of being damaged.
“Just before my Mum left [to visit family] she received a letter informing her a smart meter would be installed the following week and that if there was a problem with delicate equipment and power being off, or the box was locked, she should contact Mercury and arrange another time to have the work done. A friend of mine called Mercury on [date] and explained to them there was delicate equipment in the house, my mother was away and could they please delay installation until she returned home [on a specific date] They said she should call and inform the company doing the installation, which our friend did. Vircom EMS told her they would re-contact my mother after [the date when she returned home] to arrange a time to do the installation.
“Unfortunately at that time I was [away from home] without a good internet or phone connection. I couldn’t get hold of anyone to place a padlock on the box, but we thought our friend had at least delayed the process.
“I subsequently had the meter box padlocked shut and then a few days ago asked another friend to place your notice on the box. He sent back the following email yesterday.
Hi,
I’m afraid we’re too late because it looks like the new meter is already in. [He specifies the brand and model of meter that was installed.]
“To be honest I am shocked that the company went ahead despite the agreement to wait and installed the meter anyway. I’m not sure what I can do about it now but I am very concerned, the meter box is on the other side of the wall where my Mum sleeps.”
Editor’s comment: This report (and other reports I have received) emphasises how important it is to put a lock and sign on your meter box if you do not want a “smart meter” – even if you have an agreement with your electricity company and/or lines company that a “smart meter” will not be installed.
by Katherine | 16 Apr, 2014 | Government and Electricity Industry Positions, Latest News
Network Tasman’s website makes the statement that “There are no privacy concerns with smart meters”.*
(SOURCE: http://www.networktasman.co.nz/Main.asp?ID=17 )
The company further claims that:
“The sole reason for installing an advanced meter is to increase the efficiency of electricity usage in your home and across the electricity network. All meter reading data is in code and can only be read by the smart grid system computers. No other data (eg voice or video) can be transmitted.”
Let’s take the company at its word that its aim in installing “smart meters” is to increase the efficiency of electricity use in homes and in the electricity network in general (as well as to provide a means of measuring electricity consumption in a way that is convenient for the Network Tasman.) Network Tasman is run by a community trust and I imagine that everyone involved with the company is well-intentioned.
However, while Network Tasman may not have an interest in violating your privacy by mis-using data gained through “smart meters”, the same may not be true of other parties who may gain access to data obtained through “smart meters”. Overseas, “smart meters” have been shown to be vulnerable to hacking. (See this post: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/bbc-smart-meters-need-to-be-harder-to-hack/) What’s more, by their very nature, “smart meters” accumulate a lot of data about electricity use, and they are designed to transmit data at regular intervals. This information that can be gained after data from smart meters has been de-aggregated can be quite detailed, as shown at this link: http://smartmeterpowerstruggle.wordpress.com/
Overseas experience has shown that in some cases, data from “smart meters” may be sufficiently detailed as to allow people with access to this information to know what particular TV programme you may be watching. (See: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/is-your-smart-meter-spying-on-you/ )
Suffice, I think, to say that there are privacy issues with “smart meters”, despite what Network Tasman’s website claims.
In NZ, two electricity companies (Genesis and its subsidiary EnergyOnline) claim to own the data obtained by “smart meters” in their customers’ homes and to have the right to supply this data to “third parties”. (See this link for details: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/is-your-smart-meter-spying-on-you/)
Most of these companies’ customers probably have no idea that their privacy (and potentially home security, should this data fall into the wrong hands) is being compromised in this way. What do Genesis and EnergyOnline plan to do with this information? Sell it to other companies, perhaps? This would potentially create a new revenue stream for these electricity retailers.
NB: Genesis and EnergyOnline also have it in their Terms and Conditions that customers must accept a “smart meter”, see this link for details: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/smart-meter-installed-without-permission-headaches-result-smart-meter-removed-headaches-disappear/
Unfortunately, the privacy issues may not go away if the transmission chip (also known as a modem) is removed from a “smart meter” to prevent it from transmitting data (via microwave radiation) back to the lines company and/or retailer.
Many “smart meters” also include an infrared optical port, which generally looks like a red light on the front of the meter. When a meter reader comes to a home or business of a non-transmitting “smart meter” s/he obtains information about electricity use via a connection established between portable equipment supplied by the metering company and the optical port. The information that can potentially be exchanged through this optical port is potentially quite detailed, as was demonstrated by an FBI investigation into “smart meter” hacking in Puerto Rico in 2009. (The hacking cost utilities companies millions and millions of dollars.) According to the website http://krebsonsecurity.com/ the hacking was most likely accomplished by establishing a connection with the “smart meter” via its optical port, after which its software was illegally re-programmed to result in savings for the customer.
I think it likely that when a meter reader “reads” a “smart meter” a large amount of detailed information about the customer’s electricity use is transferred to the company through the connection between the optical port and the meter reader’s portable equipment. Whether this data is as detailed as the data that is accumulated by the electricity company when a “smart meter” regularly transmits data about electricity use (which can be as often as every half hour with some NZ companies) I do not know. However, “smart meters” have the ability to store data, so it is not inconceivable that a lot of data could be transmitted when the optical port is accessed by a meter reader.
Under the circumstances, I think it would be wise to assume that a “smart meter” which has had its transmission chip removed is still a threat to privacy and home security. It is certainly better than a “smart meter” which is transmitting in real time; however, if there are regular patterns of activity in a home (i.e people work 9-5 jobs and leave for work and return home at regular – and therefore predictable times – each week day and/or have regular commitments out-of-home in the evening) these patterns may be reflected in data that is accumulated by their electricity company (or other company that has access to metering data).
I would welcome contact from anyone who has information about technical matters that relate to the topics discussed in this post. You can reach me through https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/contact-us/
*In case Network Tasman Ltd removes the statement from its website, here is a screenshot showing the statement:
by Katherine | 15 Apr, 2014 | Government and Electricity Industry Positions, Latest News, Uncategorized, Users Feedback
If you live in the Nelson or Tasman area served by lines company Network Tasman, you may have read the following statement on the company’s website:
“The requirement for meter replacement is regulated by the NZ Government and must be completed nationally by 2015”
This statement was at the following link http://www.networktasman.co.nz/Main.asp?ID=17 (at the time of writing this post) but an email from company representative Andrew Stanton sent on Monday May 19 stated that the website is going to be updated, so the link above no longer includes the wording.
However, I took a screenshot of the part of the website that contains the statement “The requirement for meter replacement is regulated by the NZ Government and must be completed nationally by 2015” and you can see it at this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Frequently-asked-questions-from-Network-Tasman-website3-May-17-2014.png
The original statement on Network Tasman Ltd’s website gave the impression that the government regulations mean that existing analogue meters (also known as electromechanical meters or Ferraris meters) have to be replaced with “smart meters”.
However, according to the Electricity Authority, there is no government requirement for existing analogue to be replaced with “smart meters”. The Electricity Authority requires that electricity meters be “re-certified” by April 2015. (See this link for a discussion of this issue https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/uncategorized/is-it-compulsory-to-have-a-smart-meter/. )
As far as I am aware, there is no reason why lines companies cannot re-certify existing analogue meters that are in good working order (or install brand new, appropriately certified analogue meters for those homes/businesses where an analogue meter has reached the end of its useful life.
New analogue meters are considerably cheaper than new “smart meters”. Analogue meters also have the advantage that they can not produce any “dirty electricity”. (Any meter with electronic components – even a “smart meter” which has had its transmission chip – also known as a modem – removed so that it does not produce microwave radiation – will probably contain a “switch mode” power supply and thus may produce “dirty electricity”. )
Some people who are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) react adversely to “dirty electricity”. There is also research linking “dirty electricity” to cancer. (For more information about “dirty electricity” please see this link www.stopsmartmeters.org.nz/health-issues/)
by Katherine | 14 Apr, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
The paper at the link below was written by world-renowned New Zealand scientist Dr. Neil Cherry (now sadly deceased). However, Dr. Cherry has left a significant legacy such as the paper below which explains how exposure to electromagnetic radiation can adversely affect people’s health.
http://www.neilcherry.com/documents/90_m2_EMR_Evidence_That_EMR-EMF_is_genotoxic.pdf
by Katherine | 14 Apr, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
A new documentary explores the scientific research linking cell phone use to brain tumours and other types of cancer – and the politics that has helped to keep many people ignorant of the risks of cell phone use.
You can watch the trailer for this visually compelling and informative documentary at this link: http://www.mobilizemovie.com/
NB: Please note that cordless home phones have similar health risks to cell phones, so a corded landline is the best option for phone calls.
by Katherine | 14 Apr, 2014 | Latest News
An article published on the website of the BBC has stated that experts are concerned about security issues as they relate to “smart meters” and the “smart grid”.
The article warned that:
“On a national level, the hacking of a nation’s entire power grid via its smart meter network could be catastrophic.”
It also discussed how “smart meters” in Puerto Rico had already been hacked (via the optical port that many “smart meters” feature) with substantial losses to the electricity companies through fraud.
For the full story, see this link: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-22608085
For another post that discusses hacking in relation to “smart meters”, please see this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/is-your-smart-meter-spying-on-you/
by Katherine | 13 Apr, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power
If you are in Takaka or the Golden Bay area and you have not already diary-dated your chance to see the ward-winning “smart meter” documentary Take Back Your Power on the big screen at the Village Theatre in Takaka, today (April 14, 2014) is your day to do this!
Full details are at this link: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/take-back-your-power-takaka/
by Katherine | 12 Apr, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power
Just a reminded that the award winning documentary on “smart meters” Take Back Your Power will screen at the Village Theatre in Takaka on April 14. Full details are at this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/take-back-your-power-takaka/
If you are not in Takaka you can buy a copy or stream it from www.takebackyourpower.net
Other screenings are listed here: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/2014-screenings-of-take-back-your-power/
by Katherine | 10 Apr, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
Within the last couple of weeks, a customer of Mercury Energy in the Coromandel area informed the company by email that a “smart meter” was not acceptable. The company sent a technician to replace the meter anyway.
As the meter box was not yet locked, only the fact that the customer was home prevented the installation from taking place without the customer’s permission. The installer was driving an unmarked vehicle and was not wearing an identity badge, nor branded clothing. The installer was polite and said that he would cancel the job when the customer stated that he did not want a “smart meter”. However, from the conversation it was apparent that he had been told the customer did not want a “smart meter” before he came to the property.
You can read the correspondence below, as well as some comments on the correspondence:
Email from customer to Mercury Energy:
Good morning,
We received your notice in the mail yesterday advising of your intention to install a smart meter at our property at [address edited out to protect correspondent’s privacy]
Please be advised we do not accept industry assurances that this technology is safe for constant human exposure and we are opposed to the new meter being installed.
Accordingly, we withdraw any approvals we may have previously given for your contractors to come onto our land for the purposes of installing a new smart meter.
As an alternative arrangement we are willing to do monthly meter readings ourselves and to provide this information to you by email.
Please be advised of our intent to terminate our supply arrangement with Mercury Energy in the event you are not willing to acquiesce to our wishes.
We would appreciate a response to this email as soon as possible to advise us of any alternative arrangements you are able to offer.
Kind regards,
[Customer of Mercury Energy]
Reply from electricity company:
Thank you for your email enquiry.
At Mercury we are currently upgrading all of our meters to smart meters as this is now the industry standard. Unfortunately we are not holding or stopping this process anywhere in New Zealand and all meters will be upgraded in due course.
If you do not want a Smart meter installed at your property you will have to find a retailer that is prepared to do this for you, as an industry the completion target for having every meter in New Zealand transitioned to smart metering is the end of 2015.
Please be aware you will need to switch out very soon as the switch over process can take 10 working days and the meters in your area are due to be upgraded during April 2014.
I do also have to make you aware that as a customer of Mercury you are bound by our terms and conditions below
| 8.5 |
You must ensure that we and Our Representatives have safe, unobstructed and easy access (including unobstructed vehicle access), as assessed by us and/or Our Representatives, to and over the Property (and any premises in which Meters or Equipment are located) at all reasonable times, for the following purposes: |
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(a) to inspect or take readings from the Meters or to verify any metering information; |
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(b) to install, connect or disconnect, test, inspect, maintain, repair, replace, operate, move or remove Meters or other Equipment owned by us or Our Representatives; |
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(c) to connect or disconnect your Connection Point; |
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(d) to restore Energy following an unplanned outage; |
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(e) to investigate the cause of any interference to Energy supply; |
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(f) to clear trees, vegetation or other obstacles from lines and related equipment if you fail to do so as required by clause 6.4(c) |
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(g) to protect, or to prevent damage or danger to, people or property; |
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(h) to disconnect the Energy supply in accordance with clause 13; and/or |
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(i) for any other reason relevant to the provision of Energy supply or network services by us, the Lines Company or the Network Operator. |
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All other terms and conditions can be found here: www.mercury.co.nz/terms.aspx
If you have any more questions feel free to contact us on 0800 10 18 10, we are open Monday to Friday from 8am until 8pm, or you can always access our website www.mercury.co.nz at any time.
Kind Regards,
[Representative of Mercury Energy]
Comments by the editor of www.stopsmartmeters.org.nz:
In citing the Terms and Conditions above, the representative of Mercury Energy seems to imply that any customer of Mercury Energy who is bound by their standard Terms and Conditions would be in breach of the Terms and Conditions if they obstruct entry to a meter box to prevent a “smart meter” installation.
It would seem prudent, therefore, for customers of Mercury Energy who are otherwise happy with the company, but who do not want a “smart meter” to try to renegotiate the Terms and Conditions with the company.
According to this link https://www.mercury.co.nz/terms/residential-1.aspx it is theoretically possible for “Special Terms” to be included in a contract with Mercury Energy and I see no reason (other than possibly disinterest in the concerns of their customers) why the company should not agree to “Special Terms” to re-certify existing analogue (electromechanical) meters that are in good condition or replace analogue meters with new purely analogue meters for customers who do not want to be exposed to the microwave radiation produced by “smart meters”.
Please note that I am not a lawyer, so the above comments should not be misconstrued as legal advice.
Mercury Energy is not the only company that has clauses in its Terms and Conditions that appear to be designed to coerce customers into accepting a “smart meter” . The Terms and Conditions for Genesis and its subsidiary EnergyOnline are discussed at this link https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/smart-meter-installed-without-permission-headaches-result-smart-meter-removed-headaches-disappear/
And privacy issues, with special reference to these two companies are discussed at this link: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/is-your-smart-meter-spying-on-you/
by Katherine | 10 Apr, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power, Users Feedback
The first showing of Take Back Your Power in Takaka was a great success with people coming together to watch the film (at special community showing price) and learn about what is happening with the “smart meter” issue here in NZ.
A report on the showing may be read at this link:
http://chemtrailsnorthnz.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/screenings-of-the-must-see-take-back-your-power-at-golden-bay-nz/
Take Back Your Power will screen again on Monday April 14. Don’t miss it! Details are at this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/takaka-your-second-chance-to-see-take-back-your-power-is-coming-soon/
If you are not in this area, please see this link for other screenings: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/2014-screenings-of-take-back-your-power/
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