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/
by Katherine | 10 Apr, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power
Just a reminder to everyone in the Takaka area (and those who have friends and family in this area) that there will be a second screening of the award-winning documentary on “smart meters” Take Back Your Power on Monday April 14 at the Village Theatre.
Full details are at this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/take-back-your-power-takaka/
This is a good time to see this documentary as “smart meter” roll outs are now in progress in the Nelson and Tasman areas.
by Katherine | 6 Apr, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power
Just a reminder to everyone in the Takaka area (and those who have friends and familyin this area) that the first screening of the award-winning “smart meter” documentary Take Back Your Power is screening today (April 7, 2014) at the Village Theatre. Full details are at this link:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/take-back-your-power-takaka/
(NB: If this is too short notice, there is a second showing in Takaka on April 14; see the above link for details.) To find out about events in a timely manner, please sign up to the email list at www.stopsmartmeters.org.nz .)
by Katherine | 30 Mar, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Users Feedback
The Peasant Film Club in west Auckland is hosting a showing of the highly-recommended film:
Resonance – Beings of Frequency: (2013) on Thursday March 3rd, 7:30pm
(88mins.): An eye-opening documentary about the harm we all face by living in an ocean of man-made wireless frequencies.
To the naked eye the planet appears to be the same. But at a cellular level this is the biggest change that life on Earth has endured; the affects of which are just starting to to be seen and felt.
Details for the venue are here: http://localwatch.net.nz/peasants/
Donations and/or food to share are welcomed.
by Katherine | 30 Mar, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
Stop Smart Meters Australia has announced the formation of a new political party with the aim to stop “smart meters”. Stop Smart Meters Australia is based in Victoria where “smart meters” have been aggressively rolled out, with residents of the state reporting illness after “smart meter” installations, intimidation by installers and other abusive practices. (See these links for examples of what has been going on in Victoria: http://stopsmartmeters.com.au/2013/12/21/farewell-steve-and-thank-you/
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/smart-meter-installation-makes-australian-mother-ill/
http://stopsmartmeters.com.au/2013/11/29/leave-me-be-sp-ausnet-you-have-harmed-me-enough-already/
The new political party is called People Power Victoria and membership is free. The party needs 500 members within six weeks (as of March 28) in order to be able to stand candidates in the next election, so if you know people in Australia who are concerned about the “smart meter” issue (or EMR issues in general) and would like to join, please suggest they visit the party website http://www.peoplepowervictoria.org.au/ to find out about the new party.
The full text of the announcement from www.stopsmartmeters.com.au may be read at this link:
http://stopsmartmeters.com.au/2014/03/28/people-power-victoria-no-smart-meters-the-emergence-of-a-new-political-party/
by Katherine | 30 Mar, 2014 | Latest News, Users Feedback
Stop Smart Meters Australia has posted the story of an Australian mother who has become severely ill following the installation of a “smart meter” at her home.
Sofia was away on a business trip when the meter was installed without her being informed, and found out that her previous electricity meter had been replaced with a “smart meter” only after she became so ill that she had to be hospitalised with swollen legs and an acute burning rash all over her body and began to investigate what had changed in her environment in an effort to find a cause for her illness. Her other symptoms include burning pains in her eyes, mouth and throat, unexplained headaches, insomnia, nausea, irritability, constant fatigue and short-term memory loss and deterioration of her vision. She is now unable to work and she and her daughter are dependent on an invalids pension.
To add insult, to injury, rather than apologise for the illness and attendant stress that Sofia and her daughter have suffered, and compensate her for her medical expenses and loss of income, her electricity company refused to remove the “smart meter” from her home.
To read the full story, please see this link:
www.stopsmartmeters.com.au/2014/03/26/sofias-story-punitive-power-and-the-smart-meter-tyranny/
by Katherine | 24 Mar, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power, Users Feedback
A public screening of the award-winning documentary on “smart meters” Take Back Your Power will take place in Takaka on April 7th and April 14th.
The venue is the Village Theatre, 32 Commercial Street, Takaka 7110.
The dates are Monday 7th and Monday 14 April and the start time is 7.30 pm.
Please bring a $5 koha.
Lines company Network Tasman plans to start rolling out “smart meters” in its area (which includes Takaka, Golden Bay and the greater Nelson and Tasman areas) in April, so seeing this documentary now gives you a chance to decide whether or not you want a “smart meter” in your home or business. (If you do not want a “smart meter” please see this link: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/how-to-avoid-getting-a-smart-meter/ )
NB: If you are not in Takaka please see this link https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/2014-screenings-of-take-back-your-power/ for details of other showings in NZ , or you can buy DVD or stream the documentary by visiting www.takebackyourpower.net
Or if you would like to run a screening in your own community please contact us through https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/contact-us/ and you will be given information and support to do this.
by Katherine | 19 Mar, 2014 | Events, Latest News, Take Back Your Power
A community screening of the award-winning “smart meter” documentary Take Back Your Power will be held at the South Coast Environment Centre on the evening of March 20. Please see this link for details:
https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/take-back-your-power-riverton/
If you are not in this area, you can purchase a copy of the DVD or stream it from www.takebackyourpower.net or check out this link for a screening near you…https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/latest-news/2014-screenings-of-take-back-your-power/
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