The Northern Advocate is reporting that 25,000 Wel Networks is beginning to install “smart meters” for 25,000 Top Energy customers.

WEL Networks Chief Executive Dr Julian Elder was quoted as saying that there will be “no increase in energy or lines charges related to the change of meters.”

He would not say how many meter readers would lose their jobs in a part of NZ where unemployment is already high.

If you live in the Far North Area and do not want to have to face the potential health risks or the possibility of a large increase in your bill (such as faced by the Henderson family, see this link: https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/uncategorized/huge-bill-increase-due-to-smart-meter/ that may result after a “smart meter” installation, please visit this link:  https://stopsmartmeters.org.nz/how-to-avoid-getting-a-smart-meter/

For the full story on the Far North roll out please see this link:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11107168