Smart Meter Are Harmful

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JUST SAY NO TO BIG BROTHER’S SMART METERS

The Latest in Bio-Hazard Technology

Orlean Koehle

JUST SAY NO TO BIG BROTHER’S SMART METERS
The Latest in Bio-Hazard Technology
The Battle against Smart Meters, Their harmful, Untested RF Emissions and other Forms of EMFElectromagnetic Frequency Emissions

Orlean Koehle
Information Compiled Fall and Winter of 2010, and Spring and Summer of 2011

Printed by ARC Reproductions, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

No Copyright
Permission is granted to make copies and help spread the word as quickly as possible to help protect others from these harmful and invasive meters. For More Printed Copies of this Booklet Call 707-539-8393 or download it from www.nosmartmeters.net or www.refusesmartmeter.com

Acknowledgements:
. Thank you for the invaluable contributions from activist Deborah Tavaras and her husband Louis. They are land developers and property owners who first opened my eyes to the scary topic of Smart Meters. Thank you also to: scientist Rob States who posted the video “The Dark Side of Smart Meters;” author and editor of the August Review, Patrick Wood, who wrote an excellent article on the background of Smart Meters called “Implementing Technocracy;” San Francisco KSFO Radio talk show host, Brian Sussman, author of Climate Gate, which has an excellent chapter on Smart Meters and the Smart Gird. Thank you to members of the EMF Safety Network, (www.emfsafetynetwork.org) namely Sandi Maurer, Karen Hudson, Cindy Sage, Lucy Hale, Josh Hart, Brian Romanoff; and Katharina SandizellSmith of West Marin Citizens Against Smart Meters, and members of the Ecological Options Network (www.eon3.net) namely Mary Beth Brangan and James Heddle. Thank you to Sonoma County Eagle Forum board members who have helped spread the word with signs, banners, handouts, walking neighborhoods, participating in protests, etc, namely Carol Pascoe, Marge Sorbi, Jennifer Delaney, Yvonne Cornelius, Mary and Dick Wolbert; thank you to national Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly, who has helped spread the word about the dangers of smart meters on her national website and her radio programs, eagleforum.org; thank you to Eagle Forum member Cindy Turpin of Tennessee, who has dropped thousands of pieces of literature against smart meters for her neighbors and residence of her community. Thank you to medical doctors: Dr. Stan Monteith, talk show host of Radio Liberty, who has had Deborah Tavaras and others as a guest on his show helping to spread the word about the dangers of smart meters; Dr. Felicia Trujillo, a medical doctor in New Mexico, who has been fighting smart meters with other doctors and scientists; Dr. Mercola of Mercola.com, for granting permission to include his excellent articles; the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco for their very informative “Wireless Summit,” a conference they hosted of international scientists, doctors, and authors who spoke about the dangers to health from all the wireless devices in our world today, including smart meters. Thank you to attorney John Schlafly of Eagle Forum, and Attorney Larry Bragman, Mayor of Fairfax, one of the communities that has passed an ordinance against Smart Meters; thank you to other attorneys, scientists, and many concerned people, not just in California, but across the USA, and some from Canada and Europe. Thank you to the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mathew Heath, for unanimously passing a resolution against the smart meters on October 20, 2010. Thank you to California Assemblyman Jared Huffman, (D) 6th District, for bringing this issue before the California legislators and authoring AB 37, a bill to allow an opt-out of the SmartMeter program. However, the bill never was voted on, and some believe that it was never a serious bill and was just a ploy to make people relax and believe they can rely on government to solve the problem. As you will notice from the variety of groups involved, this is a non-partisan battle. Both Democrats and Republicans, liberal and conservative organizations, are united to fight against this invasive and dangerous SmartMeter program.

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters Contents
Page No.

Chapter One - Introduction Just Say NO to “Big Brother’s” SmartMeters ..……...…………………………………...2 Sample Sign to be Posted above Your SmartMeter .…….………………………………..3 Resolution Against SmartMeters ……………………………….………………………...4 SmartMeters are Heating Up and Over Charging Customers ….…………………………6 Is the SmartMeter Really Saving Energy Costs? ………….……………………………...7 Federal and State Laws and the SmartMeter Program .…..……………………………….8 Chapter Two - The Harmful Effects on Health of SmartMeters and Wireless Technology SmartMeters are Part of Electromagnetic Smog ..……………………………….……... 11 From a Group of Medical Professionals in New Mexico.……………………………….12 From Dr. Mercola of Mercola.com ..…………………………………………………….13 SmartMeter Radiation No Greater than Cell Phone Radiation - not Harmful?….…........14 New Evidence Identifies Strong Cell Phone Cancer Link ………………………………15 What Other Countries are Saying About Wireless Cell Phones and Health …………….20 International EMF Report on SmartMeters by Professor Ollie Johansson….…………...27 New Study – SmartMeters More Powerful than Thought ….…………………………...28 Personal Testimonials of Harmful effects of SmartMeters................................................28 Harmful Effects on Employees Who Install SmartMeters ...……………………………34 “Medusa” Meters will Have More Radiation as Multi-Data Collecting Devices….…….35 Notes from “Wireless Summit” at the Commonwealth Club, Nov. 18, 2010 ...………...36 What Can We Do Ourselves to Protect our Homes and Bodies from EMF? ...…………38 Effects of Wireless Equipment on Pace Makers, etc. …………………………………...39 “Disclaimer” from Southern California Edison …………………………………………41 Chapter Three - Other Harmful Effects of Smart Meters – Safety and Security The Meters Themselves are Not UL Approved or Safe ...................................................45 Fire Hazards of the SmartMeters ......................................................................................46 Data can be easily Hacked ................................................................................................47 Chapter Four – Attack on Freedom, Privacy, and Big Brother’s Control of our Lives “Horror worlds” Technology vs Freedom ....................................................................... 49 Who is Liable? The Effect on Land Developers, Landlords, and Realtors ......................50 Introduction to the video “The Dark Side of SmartMeter”.……………………………...51 Appliances to have Chips in them for the SmartMeters to “talk to”....………………….52 Power Vs Privacy: Smart Grid Could Turn Appliances into Spies ...…………………...55 Wired SmartMeters – Would They Be Any Better? ……….……………………………57 Washington Set to Control Your Light Switch …...……………………………………..58 PG&E Executive Playing the Part of “Big Brother” Spying on Critics ...........................60 PG&E is Involved in Weather Modification ……………………………………………61 IBM Promotional Ad Video – “Building Blocks of a Smarter Planet” ....………………62 Is the Fourth Amendment Becoming Dead in America? ………………….…………….62 What is Happening in Other Countries? ………………………………………………...63

London ……………………………………………………………………….. 64 Possible Prison Sentence for Refusing SmartMeter in Holland …………........64 How Smart Meters are Turning Off Appliances in Switzerland ……………... 65 Researchers Claim SmartMeters Can Reveal TV Viewing Habits ….………..66 Smart Grid in Canada – Plans for all of North America ……………………...67 Other News Stories in Canada and USA ……..……………………………….68 Chapter Five - What Individuals and Neighborhoods are Doing to Stop SmartMeters Signs Above SmartMeters, Signs on Lawns, Large Banners, Bumper Stickers .………..70 Walking Neighborhoods, Leafleting …………………………………………………….71 Contacting Elected Officials, Speaking at Hearings, Protests …..………………………71 Personal Meetings with PG&E Representatives..………………………………………..72 Small Group Chases Wellington Trucks out of Town ...………………………………...74 Sit Down Protests in front of PG&E Offices …...……………………………………….74 Rap Song Written to Inform and to Protest SmartMeters ………………………………74 Positive Newspaper and Media Attention………………………………………………. 75 Northern California Makes National World Net Daily Article …………………………76 International News Coverage – Abu Dhabi News ……………………………………...78 Gutsy Lady Pays for Her Own Newspaper Ad..………………………………………....79 Chapter Six - Successes: Resolutions/Ordinances against SmartMeters and Cell Towers Sample Resolutions against Installation of Smar Meters for Board of Supervisors ..…..80 City of Sanford, Maine, Rules to Halt SmartMeter installation .....…………….……….81 Walnut Creek may Consider Moratorium on Residential Cell Towers ...……………….83 City Ordinances Against SmartMeters for Watsonville……….………………………...84 City Ordinance Against SmartMeters for Fairfax ……………..………………………...87 PG&E Takes More Hits ...……………………………………………………………….90 SmartMeters Refused in Westerville Ohio ....…………………………………………...90 Marin County Moratorium Passes ...………………………………………………….....92 Some States are Saying No to SmartMeters and Smart Grid ….……….……………….92 California PUC Finally Rules in Favor of the People …………………………………..92 Many Groups and Cities Have Filed Protests Against Opt Out Plan …………………...93 Chapter Seven - Legal Actions and Law Suits Concerning SmartMeters First Successful Law Suit – Portland, Main …………………………………………….96 Small Claims Court Suit …...……………………………………………………………96 Chapter Eight – Who and What are Behind the SmartMeter Program and Why? Environmental Objectives – “Save the Planet” – “Preserve Finite Resources” ...……..101 Political -- Another Form of Cap and Trade through the Back Door ...………………..105 Financial – Much Money to be Made by Many People……….......................................107 Stimulus Funding for Smart Grid ……………………………………………………...108 Who will be Benefitting the Most? Al Gore’s Web ..................……………………….109 Redistribution of Wealth – It’s no Longer about the Environment ..…………………..111 Not a New Idea – Implementing 1932“Technocracy”.……………………...………….114 The Smart Grid Going Global (starting in Italy) ………………………………………122 Global Objectives Implementing “Smart Growth,” Part of UN Agenda 21 ..………….123 The Three E’s of Agenda 21 or Sustainable Development …………………………….124 Agenda 21 and Population Control …………………………………………………….126

Are SmartMeters Part of an Insidious Military Plan? ..………………………………..127 SmartMeters – No Federal Mandate …………………………………………………..129 Southern California Edison Forces SmartMeters on Customers ………………………132 What Can Property Owners Do? What Anonymous Did? ……………………………133

Appendix and Bibliography

FCC Standards and Emissions of SmartMeters ………………………….…………….134 International Radiofrequency and Microwave Exposure Standards …………...………137 Medical Opt-Out Forms ………………………………………………………………..138 Petitions opposing Cell Towers and SmartMeters ………………………….…………140 The Power that ICLEI Has Over the Utilities and the CPUC ………………………….142 Letter to the CPUC about ICLEI’s Control over them …………………………….......143 Forty Plus Talking Points against the SmartMeters ……………………….….………..145 What Can We Do to Fight SmartMeters Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………..152 Bibliography – List of Recommended Books, Articles, Websites …………………….153 About the Author ………………………………………………………………………154

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter One - Introduction
Just Say NO to “Big Brother’s” SmartMeters
(The original three-page article, the beginning of this book was sent out by e-mail October 21, 2010, updated May, 2011, updated October 2011, and most recently December, 2011) Many Americans have not yet heard of the "SmartMeters" that are being installed at a rapid pace across the states of California, Texas, and other states across our nation. Many Americans are totally unaware that someone has already installed a meter or will soon be showing up at their home, and, without knocking, or asking permission, will remove their old analog meter and replace it with a new “SmartMeter." Why the rapid pace and secrecy in installing the meters? Is it because the utility companies know that the majority of Americans would never allow for such a thing if they really knew more about these new meters, their harmful health effects, their inaccurate and often inflated billing, and the “big brother” control they will have over our use of energy and our own appliances in our own homes. What is a SmartMeter? It is one that contains RF (radio frequency) so that it can be remotely controlled and read. No longer will a meter reader have to come to your home to read the meter. It will all be done remotely. When all is in place, the smartmeter will not only keep track of how much electricity you are using, but it will be able to control, regulate, and ration your use of that electricity. If "big brother" decides that you are using too much heat in the winter time, or too much air conditioning in the summer time, or using too much hot water in your showers or washing machine (even if you are willing to pay for that extra usage), that use of power will be automatically turned down. A future goal is to have - by 2012 - all appliances replaced with those containing RF so that the smartmeter can speak to your appliances and turn them off in peak hours - for even more regulations and controls. To most Americans, this is a little too much “big brother” snooping into our private lives and trying to control every aspect of them. They never would allow such a thing to happen and would say no, but most Americans are not even asked. The installation is happening without their knowledge. Supposedly when it is done, a sign is hung on the front doorknob informing the homeowner of the switch to a smartmeter, but in many cases, no sign was left. The homeowner had no idea until he just happened to notice a new, different looking meter, or his energy rates suddenly start changing, often much higher. Why the Rise in Energy Rates with the SmartMeter? One of the propaganda ads about the SmartMeter was that this will be a way to save energy and lower costs, but many who already have the meter are finding out that is not the case. A man called to find out why his rates had gone up and was told that now that the meter could read exactly what time of the day that he was washing his clothes or using his air conditioner, PG&E could determine if that was “peak time” or not, and since it was “peak time” then he would have to pay “peak premium rates.” If he wanted to save money then he could wash his clothes in the middle of the night or use his other appliances at that time, or his air conditioner then (when he really didn’t need it anymore because the temperature is cooler). Many other people have reported dramatic increases in their rates, not decreases. As of March 2010, six hundred complaints had been received by PG&E in Northern California because of their faulty rates. (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/San-Francisco-Moves-To-Stop-SmartMeters-96618524.html) Health Risks: People who are doing their own research on SmartMeters are finding out that not only is this an invasion of their privacy and property, their energy rates are increasing, but there is an enormous health risk with so much exposure to electromagnetic/radioactive waves. We already are being bombarded with them through our use microwave ovens, computers, cell phones, 1   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

remote control phones, and many other remote-control devises, that with the SmartMeters, more and more RF waves will be permeating our homes. There are documented reports of the effects these waves are having on people’s health, such as: loss of memory, dizziness, nausea, headaches, migraines, muscle spasms, insomnia, and even cancer. How high is the amount of radio frequency coming from the meters? The RF is in a dangerous range, between 2.4GHz [GigaHertz] and 5.8Ghz. This corresponds to the electrical signals frequency used to produce radio waves. The worldwide digital wireless communications network is based upon these RF waves. RF has both an electric and magnetic components both of which can cause damage. The fact that it is pulsed radiation waves going into your home every 2-6 seconds is also worrisome. How many meters have already been installed? At the time of this update, December 2011, some ten million have been installed in Northern California alone by PG&E. Southern California Edison's goal was to have 8 million installed this year. Who knows how many more have been installed in other parts of the country? It is hard to find out the actual number. Now that so much opposition is mounting, the numbers are becoming more hidden. A report back in July of 2009 stated that 8.3 million had already been installed across the nation. (“Greentechgrid," http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/8.3m-smart-meters-andcounting-in-united-states.) It is shocking for many of us to find out that the SmartMeters started being deployed back in 2006, with hardly anyone in our nation knowing about them. Who are really behind the SmartMeters and are they mandatory? In California, we are told by PG&E that it is being mandated by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC). (It is probably the same in other states, but their PUC maybe goes by a different name.) However, it is really “supposedly” being mandated across the nation by the federal government, and stimulus money is providing the funding. As you will read later in this chapter, the law asking for smart meters and a smart grid, Energy Policy Act or 2005, only mandates the utilities to "offer" the meters and to install them "upon customer request.” The choice is still supposed to be ours! Smart Meters are not just in the United States: According to a report from Europe, by the end of 2008, 39 million units had already been installed. Obviously, they are much farther along than the Unites States. (http://berginsight.com/ReportPDF/ProductSheet/bi-sm6-ps.pdf.) By doing more research, one finds out that smart meters are part of “smart growth” or “sustainable development” or “Agenda 21,” a plan devised by the United Nations in 1992, and “symbolically” signed by President Bush Sr. and signed into law and implemented by President Bill Clinton by executive order # 12852 in 1993. The ultimate goal of Agenda 21 and its various programs is to exercise more and more control over our lives and property using the excuse of “saving the environment or saving the planet.” (The last chapter goes into the connection of the SmartMeter program to Agenda 21 in greater detail.) Is it too late to say No to Smart Meters? The installers in Northern California are coming from the Wellington Energy company, who are working for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). They were told to tell any property owners who object and refuse the smart meters that they have no choice. It is mandatory. The people either need to allow them to install them now or will have to pay more for the service when the installer has to return, or they will have no electricity. People who are uninformed give in and allow it to happen. As has been mentioned, the law states that you, the customer, are to have a choice. What can you do? You, the property owner, have every right to object. This is your property. Your tax dollars are paying for the stimulus money that is providing the funding. Your monthly payment to PG&E, or whoever is your energy provider, pays for their providing you with their energy service. Legally, to say no and to have the installer honor your objection, you must have an official notice signed by you, the property owner (or the tenant) hanging over the meter stating your objection. If you have both an electric meter and gas that PG&E services, hang a sign over both meters. Mine is laminated so it is better protected against rain. A large version is shown after this article that you can copy and hang over your meter) It states: My personal experience – the sign works: On October 20, 2010, I just happened to be on the phone talking to my good friend, Deborah Tavares, who has been very much involved with her 2   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

husband fighting the smart meter battle and who had spoken for our Sonoma County Eagle Forum meeting on October 19. With her help I had written a resolution against the SmartMeter for our Sonoma County Republican Central Committee meeting to be presented that night. I had the resolution in hand ready to take to the printer to be copied off, and in the other hand, I had the phone as I was talking to Deborah. I walked out to the garage to get in my car, and lo and behold, whom did I see but a young man dressed in a Wellington uniform and standing next to his Wellington Energy truck. I said to him, “I know who you are. You’re here to install a SmartMeter, aren’t you?” He looked surprised and said, “Yes, could you tell me how to get to your meter?” I showed the young man where our meter was, but that there was no access to it. It was on the side of our garage, surrounded by a fence, surrounded by our two dogs. There was no gate to the fence. The dogs go in and out through a doggy door inside the fenced off area. I added, “Do you see the sign hanging above it. It reads that I refuse to allow you to install a SmartMeter. Legally, you cannot install a meter where you see such a letter posted, is that correct?” He said, “Yes, that is correct.” As he turned to go, he noticed the paper in my hand that had written at the top, “Resolution against Installation of SmartMeters.” He said, “I can see from your paper you feel very strongly about this.” I told him that is correct, that I was determined to fight it in every way I can, and hopefully our Republican Central Committee would join me in the battle. As he was leaving, I asked him if he was going to all of my neighbors and he said yes. I told him I don’t think any of them would want a SmartMeter installed, but he said that he had already done it for three of them. As soon as he had left, I called as many of my neighbors as I could and warned them that he was coming, but he didn’t show up. He probably thought that is exactly what I would do. The Battle is not Over: Even if you have had a SmartMeter installed, don’t give up. Join in the battle and warn your neighbors and friends about it. As you will read later in this book there are now many cities and counties (and more pending) in Northern California where the city councils have come out with either city or county ordinances or moratoriums against the SmartMeter. Talk to your neighbors, whether they are Republican, Democrat, or somewhere in between. No one should want their privacy and property rights invaded. Everyone should be concerned about the health issues. People are told that once the SmartMeter is installed, there is no going back to the old meter. Why is that? If there is enough stimulus money for this silly venture, there is certainly enough money to pay to bring back and install the old meters. As long as there are pockets of protestors, the federal government, utility commissions, and energy providers cannot implement their total “SmartMeter” program. This is still America. We are not a soviet-style dictatorship yet. We still have property rights, but we won’t much longer if we all roll over, play dead, and let people talk us out of those rights. Don’t be intimidated by their threats of higher costs to you, the lone person protesting, or that sooner or later you will have to give in - that it is mandatory for all people. That is not true. Some people are actually hiring electricians and having them take off the smart meter and install an old analog meter. Dr. Bill Diegle told about doing this on his radio program September 26, 2011. Perhaps, because he has a national show and 5 million people listening, he is too high profile to try to do anything to him. As long as analog meters are available and there is no law passed against it, perhaps that is something you, the reader, might consider doing. For more information, signs to use in your neighborhood and letters to share with your neighbors, go to www.refusesmartmeter.com. You can also help circulate this article, and other information from this booklet and the following sign and resolution that I presented to the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee, which they unanimously passed.

3   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

The sign that I and my husband posted above our SmartMeter:

Dear PG&E: We refuse to allow you to install a smart meter on our premises. We object to this because of privacy and health issues. Signed_________________________________Date______
Sonoma County Republican Central Committee Resolution against Installation of SmartMeters
(Submitted by Orlean Koehle, October 20, 2010, and passed unanimously by the committee) Whereas California’s Public Utility Commission has mandated Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), in participation with Wellington Energy, to remove analog meters and replace them with “Smart Meters” without permission and often without any awareness from their customers; Whereas many California residence and even elected officials from some cities and counties consider this “deployment” – (the word chosen for the attachment of the SmartMeters by PG&E) as an invasion of privacy, a threat to private property rights and documented health risks, and encroachments (over burdening) of utility companies easements; Whereas SmartMeters by remote control would control and regulate the thermostat, air conditioning, and all electrical appliances, and could lower the output or shut them down. The eventual goal is to mandate the replacement of all appliances to those that contain RFID chips. All this is an invasion of privacy rights and the right to control and use our own property (a violation of the 4th Amendment); Whereas the SmartMeters contain electromagnetic-radio frequency waves that have been documented to affect health, such as loss of memory, dizziness, nausea, migraines, muscle spasms and insomnia. The rays are especially harmful to children with autism. Some are concerned that they could have more serious long-term effects, such as causing cancer; Whereas there has never been any Environmental Impact Study (EIS) made on the SmartMeters. The study was waived. There are no safety standards for chronic long term RF exposures that these meters emit. The FCC safety standards are for only short term exposures, 6 - 30 minutes long; Whereas PG&E claims to have done an accurate RF evaluation to ensure customer safety (performed by an independent commission to evaluate possible health impacts), but the report was never published, which means it was never peer reviewed. How accurate and scientific is that? The SmartMeters were granted a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) exemption with no explanation given why; Whereas such a computerized RF system of control over all the electrical power and appliances in one’s home, including personal computers, could be penetrated by hackers, just as so many other supposed “fool-proof” systems have been. Private information and privacy rights would again be at risk; Whereas the SmartMeter program really has nothing to do with lowering costs or conserving energy, but everything to do with “rationing” energy and controlling our lives, using the excuse of helping the environment. Therefore, be it resolved that the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee strongly opposes the “deployment” of any further SmartMeters in our county and in any other county across our state. 4   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Be it further resolved that the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee urges other County Central Committees to take similar action and urge all their members to join a state-wide protest; post a sign above their meter stating they refuse the SmartMeter and tell PG&E not to install it. Then call their city council members and board of supervisors and urge them to join with other cities in California and pass an ordinance banning it. (Those cities who have such an ordinance are Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Fairfax, and possibly San Anselmo.) (More information can be found at www.refusesmartmeter.com.)

Is the Smart Meter Really Saving People Money on Their Energy Costs?
PG&E officials use the excuse for installing the meters that the whole purpose behind the SmartMeter program is to save energy, and customers will be able to save energy costs. However, we hear from so many who have already received their meters that it is just the opposite. Their energy costs have doubled or tripled and yet they have not increased any use of their energy. Some people have not even been home. They have been on vacation and yet their bill from PG&E had tripled. Some people are still protesting their bills; others have given in and paid. One family was even forced to leave their home as the following news article reveals: San Francisco Chronicle / “Polaris” January 28, 2011, by Brent Ward: When Claudia Salada opened her utility bill earlier this year, she went into sticker shock. Salada, an administrative assistant in Fremont, Calif., was accustomed to paying about $500 a month for gas and electricity for the three dwellings her family inhabited on a single lot. But her jaw dropped when she saw her July bill: $2,000. "I thought it was a mistake," says Salada. "Paying $2,000 for utilities is ridiculous, and I don't have that kind of money." Salada's big bill arrived a month or so after the local utility installed so-called smart meters on her property. These devices, millions of which have been deployed nationwide, wirelessly transmit information about household energy use to utilities. The system is designed to cut costs in two ways: it eliminates the need to send out meter readers, and it provides real-time consumption data, which enables utilities to charge lower rates during off-peak hours. The idea is to encourage consumers to change their energy-intensive ways; a decision as simple as when to run the dishwasher can have a significant effect on the bill. But the SmartMeter rollout, which is being funded as part of a $3.4 billion upgrade of the nation's power grid, has been met with thousands of complaints from customers across the country for a variety of reasons. Class actions have been filed alleging overcharging. Tea Party members in Cleveland have decried the meters as a breach of privacy. Three communities in Maine passed resolutions asking the local utility to halt installations until residents can get more information about the potential health hazards of the radio waves emitted by the devices. The loudest protests are coming from California, where Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has installed some 7 million smart meters. [By May 2011, the number was 8.5 million installed.] When the state's public-utilities commission recently voted down a request to stop deployment of smart meters, one opponent stood up and shouted at the commissioners, "How do you sleep at night?" In December, protesters blocked trucks from leaving a smart-meter installation yard and shut down a customer-service center for a few hours. Utilities have responded to the outcry by insisting that the meters are accurate. A recent analysis by an independent research firm concluded that the meters worked well and that the higher bills were the result of rate hikes, increased usage during extreme weather and, in some cases, smart meters' replacing malfunctioning units that had been 5   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

undercharging customers. The companies also say that the smart meters comply with federal safety standards and that the amount of radiation they give off is comparable to what cell phones, microwave ovens and other common household devices emit. As installations continue, a spokesperson for PG&E says the utility is "evaluating options" for customers who say they don't want smart meters. That possibility comes too late for Salada, who complained to the public-utilities commission but was told that it could find no obvious error in her bill. "We eventually had to move because we couldn't pay the utility bills," she says. "Now I have a $9,000 bill on my credit report." (Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2040176,00.html#ixzz1CgNB9PMi.)

PG&E Finally Admits before a State Senate Committee that the SmartMeters have Many Problems in Accuracy – Some 43,000!
According to an ABC Channel 7 TV news story that appeared on KGO “7 on Your Side,” San Francisco, April 26, 2011, representatives from PG&E appeared before the Senate Select Committee on the Smart Grid, and finally admitted to some major problems with the SmartMeters – in fact, some 43,000 problems. PG&E's senior vice president of customer relations, Helen Burt, at first told the committee, "We have found eight meters out of the 8.5 million meters that we installed where there is an issue with the actual meter accuracy." The Truth Finally Comes Out: Under intense questioning from Sen. Dean Florez, D-Kern County, it appears there is a very different story. PG&E finally confirmed that more than 43,000 of its SmartMeters have suffered from various problems. For example, 9,000 of its SmartMeters have not communicated energy usage back to PG&E, more than 11,300 SmartMeters simply failed to work and another 23,000 SmartMeters were installed improperly. Florez stated, "This progress report tells me that you have increasing amounts of failure rates in every one of your categories that's going up, whether it's electric meters, whether it's gas meters, you name it," says Florez. After the hearing, Burt told the KGO reporter that the billing of those 43,000 SmartMeters could have been impacted: "The problems sometimes do impact the accuracy of the billing that comes from those meters, but they're not the meter’s accuracy per se.” Moratorium Asked for Against the Meters: Mark Toney, executive director for TURN, The Utility Reform Network, has been calling for a moratorium on the installation of more SmartMeters until an independent investigation can be completed. He called Monday's testimony by PG&E significant. PG&E is finally admitting for the first time that tens of thousands of its meters are not working properly, are not giving proper readings, and there are bills that they have to estimate and this is a really big problem. Estimated Bills? PG&E said some customers with SmartMeters have received estimated bills for three months straight because of various issues. However, Burt said the number who received estimated bills was less than customers still using traditional analog meters. PG&E has begun to do side-by-side testing so it can compare the old meters to the new SmartMeters. It also says it will soon leave the old meters installed even after SmartMeters are put in. "In the summer time, we're going to start keeping our customers' traditional meters so should they have a question, we can go back and test it and know that it was their meter," says Burt. The executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission says the commission has now received just under 1,000 consumer complaints about SmartMeters. That is up from 600 reported complaints as of March 15. Related Content: Story: Local company stands behind SmartMeter accuracy; Story: Texas utilities admit billing errors with SmartMeters; Story: CPUC hires independent firm to review SmartMeters; Story: Delays plague PG&E SmartMeter investigation; Story: Are SmartMeters easy targets for hackers?; Story: PG&E under fire from angry 6   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  SmartMeter customers; Story: Smart meter investigation hits more delays; Story: Commission to investigate PG&E 'smart meters' (http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/7_on_your_side&id=7406652)

Some SmartMeters are Heating Up and Charging Higher Costs
I heard on the radio May 3, 2011, the news that some SmartMeters were inaccurate for another reason. When the temperature around the meter is over 100 degrees, they would get too hot and err in their calculations, causing a higher billing for their customers. This was reported the same day in the San Francisco Chronicle, 6/3/2011, “PG&E Finds Some SmartMeters Erred When too Hot,” by David R. Baker, Staff Writer.
(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/02/BU8J1JATB0.DTL#ixzz1LQP2zUTU

According to the article, PG&E promises to make it up to the customers by replacing the faulty meters, giving them refunds (averaging $40) and also a free home energy audit, as well as a $25 credit for the inconvenience. “It's a proactive response. We want to do right by our customers," said Greg Kiraly, PG&E's vice president of SmartMeter operations. Who made the faulty meters? They were made by Landis+Gyr, which has supplied roughly 2 million meters to PG&E. “It's a very small number - less than 1,600," said Jerry Figurilli, Landis+Gyr's chief operating officer in North America. "Nonetheless, it is a number greater than zero, so we're not happy about that." Who will have to pay for the installation of new meters? “The faulty meters remain under warranty from Landis+Gyr, so replacing them won't cost PG&E customers,” said utility spokesman Blair Jones. Could there be more meters affected? Until May, Northern California has had unusually cold weather. Now that the sun is shining and temperatures are rising, maybe there will be far more SmartMeters that are being heated by the hot sun and there could be far more than just 1,600 meters giving faulty readings. Is that what happened in Bakersfield in 2009? Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN, The Utility Reform Network, a watchdog group who is asking for the CPUC to have a moratorium against any more SmartMeter deployment, believes that this could explain the thousands of complaints that came from Bakersfield about the unusually high spike in their utility rates during the summer of 2009, just after the SmartMeters were installed. What has all the deployment of SmartMeters cost PG&E so far? This article states that for the installation of over 8 million meters, it is costing $2.2 billion. Their goal is to still install 2 more million meters in Northern California. What are other problems? There has been software glitches, lost data, installation problems, and inaccurate reporting of usage: While PG&E has defended the overall accuracy of the meters, the company has previously reported other problems with the devices. Some meters, for example, suffered a software glitch that caused the component that stores energy-use data to reboot itself, occasionally losing some of the data. And an installation problem with some of the company's natural gas SmartMeters caused the devices to either double each customer's apparent usage or cut it in half. (The article appeared on page D-1 of the San Francisco Chronicle) (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/02/BU8J1JATB0.DTL#ixzz1LQOiFLZI)

Mountain View couple expected to get $1,400 refund from PG&E for SmartMeter glitch by Dana Hull (http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_17994453) 5/4/11
This story tells of a Mountain View couple, Vera Sokolova and Alexei Kacharovsky's, who received a SmartMeter in November of 2009. One month later their bill had tripled, to $569.58, though they had not used any more electricity than the last month. The couple discovered that the SmartMeter triggered a motion detector, turning on a flood light that
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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

caused their bill to sore. The couple were able to prove this, but PG&E would not change their bill. After months of complaining, the couple filed a formal complaint in March, 2010. PG&E came to their home and tested the couples SmartMeter and found it to be working accurately, but replaced it in June after it stopped transmitting electricity usage to PG&E’s billing system. PG&E installed a traditional electromechanical meter to conduct a "side-by-side" performance comparison with the second SmartMeter on a weekly basis. By September, the second SmartMeter had also stopped transmitting electricity usage to PG&E. The utility sought to replace the second SmartMeter with a third, but Sokolova and Kacharovsky had had enough. They refused to allow PG&E to replace the second SmartMeter and insisted on keeping the electromechanical meter in place. By then, their bills were back to normal. In December of 2010, Judge Victor Ryerson, an administrative law judge with the CPUC heard the case, found the arguments of Sokolova and Kacharovsky very convincing and ruled in their favor. He ordered PG&E to grant a $1,400 refund. This will mark the first time state regulators have approved a customer refund because of a SmartMeter and is likely to open up a new wave of complaints and court cases about SmartMeter accuracy and inflated utility bills. (http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/Published/Agenda_Decision/133932.htm)

Federal and State Laws About the Smart Meter Program: Is the SmartMeter Really Mandatory? Often, when people say no to the utility employees
who come to install the meters, they are told that the meters are mandatory. There is no stopping them. I was told by a PG&E representative that the only way that I could refuse the SmartMmeter is to get off the grid. Is this really true? According to the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, which is the bill that is behind the smart grid and SmartMeters’ plan, are they mandatory? I asked this question of attorney John Schlafly, the son of Phyllis Schlafly, founder and national president of Eagle Forum, the conservative organization that has always stood for the protection of life, liberty, property, and privacy rights. John sent me the following information: Yes, I found the Energy Policy Act of 2005 at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS109hr6enr/ df/ BILLS-109hr6enr.pdf. The entire bill is 550 pages of very fine print. Section 1252 is on pages 370-374. Here is another place to find the bill http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ bdquery/z?d109:h.r.00006: (click on Text of Legislation) I think the purpose of this section is to encourage all electric utilities to use "timebased metering" and "time-of-use pricing." The goal of this is that if you know exactly how much it costs to operate each of your appliances at different times of the day, you will tend to run them when it is cheaper. As I read this federal law, it does not mandate the utilities to install SmartMeters in homes. It only mandates the utilities to "offer" them and to install them "upon customer request.” So, if any of you hear the same statements that the meters are mandatory, just quote the above from the Energy Policy Act. The installation is not mandatory. It should only be installed “upon customer request.” You are the customer and you do not request them. You refuse them! States Rights vs. Federal Laws: Even if the Energy Policy Act had used the words – “the Smart Meters are mandatory” and “everyone must allow installation,” there is such a thing as the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which essentially tells the Federal Government – “Sorry, if such is not written in the U.S. Constitution, then that right belongs to the states.” “The powers not 8   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively ad to the people.” I have read the U.S. Constitution many times and nowhere does it mention that the federal government has the right to dictate to the states what kind of meters they are to have on their houses. Of course, back in 1787 when the Constitution was ratified we did not yet have electricity, but still I do not believe our Founding Fathers would have ever thought any modern convenience should be mandated and thrust upon their citizens. They would have left such decisions to the people themselves and to the individual states to regulate its use, if such were necessary. There are two other parts of the U.S. Constitution that I believe are being violated by the SmartMeter Program – The Fourth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourth Amendment States: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…” When you have a SmartMeter constantly snooping into your home 24 hours a day, keeping data on what you are doing, what part of the house you are in, where the electricity is being used, what appliances you are using and when, that is an invasion of privacy. You are no longer secure in your own home. The 14th Amendment States: … “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the USA, nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without the due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Forcing citizens to pay to opt out of the SmartMeter program is “abridging privileges” and not granting “equal protection” under the law. Those people who allow the installation of the smart meter (mainly because they do not know that it was installed or are totally uninformed of its harmful effects) will be treated as the privileged ones and will not have to pay any additional charges. We, who refuse it, will be forced to pay the additional charges to opt out. That is a clear violation of not being treated equally. The California Constitution: And what does the California Constitution say about protecting its citizens’ rights and freedoms? The following is taken from a letter that I wrote to the CPUC, April 25, 2011, in response to a proposal by PG&E that they would allow an opt out but the people would have to pay for it. The letter tells of what the California Constitution says about our rights: Article One – Declaration of Rights - of the California Constitution states: “All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are “enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.” The forced Smart Meter Program on every Californian is a violation of our basic rights of: 1) “enjoying and defending life and liberty:” The SmartMeter, with its RF pulsed radiation coming constantly into your home 24 hours a day is hazardous to one’s life and health. The forced SmartMeter is depriving one of his liberty. 2) “enjoying possessing and protecting our own property:” PG&E’s proposal to allow an opt out but with pay is a violation of our rights to enjoy, possess, and protect our own property (and keep our old analog meters) without having to pay for it. 3) “pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy:” PG&E’s SmartMeter is in violation of allowing us to pursue our own safety (Many SmartMeters have caused fires and again are a danger to one’s health.) If we are no longer safe in our own homes, our happiness is also affected. If we have to pay more not to have the meter, our happiness is affected. The Smart Meter is like a spy, constantly snooping into our homes, checking on what time of day we are using our appliances and other forms of electricity, etc. That is a violation of our privacy. 9   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

California Code Protects the Rights of Citizens against Powerful Agencies: There is also a code that tells us that the people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. Why should the CPUC or PG&E then have so much power over us? California Code, Section 11120-21: According to the California Government Code: “It is the public policy of this state that public agencies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business … The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. So, in other words, CPUC and PG&E are our public servants. We give them the authority to serve us. But we do not give them the right to decide what is good for us and what is not. And if they try to usurp that authority we should take it away from them. The next section explains just who is meant by the “state body” that are to be our servants – not our lords or rulers. Section 11121. As used in this article, "state body" means each of the following: (a) Every state board, or commission, or similar multimember body of the state that is created by statute or required by law to conduct official meetings and every commission created by executive order. (b) A board, commission, committee, or similar multimember body that exercises any authority of a state body delegated to it by that state body. (c) An advisory board, advisory commission, advisory committee, advisory subcommittee, or similar multimember advisory body of a state body, if created by formal action of the state body or of any member of the state body, and if the advisory body so created consists of three or more persons. (d) A board, commission, committee, or similar multimember body on which a member of a body that is a state body pursuant to this section serves in his or her official capacity as a representative of that state body and that is supported, in whole or in part, by funds provided by the state body, whether the multimember body is organized and operated by the state body or by a private corporation.” So, in summary, whenever you have a state commission or committee or similar “body” dictating to you what you can or cannot do with your own property (such as your own analog meter) quote them this section of the California code. (Perhaps there is a similar code in the books of other states.)

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter Two The Harmful Effect of Smart Meters on Health

Can you imagine how much radiation is being emitted by four smart meters on one wall as this picture shows? Some apartment complexes have many more all on one wall. What effect will that have on someone sleeping on the other side?

Smart Meters are One More Form of Electromagnetic Smog:
What is electromagnetic smog? It is a term used for all artificially produced electrical and magnetic fields as well as electromagnetic radiation. It is also known as EMF or Electro Magnetic Field. It is very different from regular smog, because you can’t see it or smell it. It is invisible, inaudible and odor-free – but everywhere present. It is a result of the enormous and continued growth in electrification in everyday life. (http://www.biodisc2u.com/esmog.htm.) • • • • • • • Where does electromagnetic smog come from? domestic electrical installations and household equipment, transformers etc. high-voltage lines, power supplies, cables and wires. mobile telephones, baby-phones, wireless telephones, WiFi LAN’s. radio and television, radio communications, satellites. civil & military radar stations and airplane radar transmitters. electric motors and transformers in general. smart meters

How much electromagnetic smog is out there? The amount of electromagnetic smog in our environment is increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to Wickepedia, in the mid 1990s, there were about 34 million cell phones in use in the U.S. Now, 2010, there are over 285 million cell phones. In June of 1995, there were 19,844 cell cites (towers, masts, etc.). In June of 2010, the number has grown to 251,616. How does electro-smog affect your health? Electro-smog is responsible for a condition known as electrosensitivity (ES) or electrohypersensitivity (EHS). These symptoms do not appear at once but are usually the result of years (10-20) of constant exposure to electro-smog. However for some, the symptoms can appear immediately. They include: headaches, disruptive sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, depression, hypersensitivity and erratic blood pressure, skin complaints, and 11   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

unusual behavioral patterns in children. Children, the elderly and anyone with a lowered immune system are most at risk from the health effects. (http://www.biodisc2u.com/esmog.htm.)

Correspondence with Medical Professionals:
The following was sent to me from Felicia Trujillo, ND, a medical professional in New Mexico. She had received an e-mail showing my article “Just Say No to Smart Meters” and also the resolution against smart meters (shown in the Chapter V) that was passed unanimously by the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee. She was obviously shocked that I was a Republican, and the resolution was coming from a group of Republicans rather than fellow Democrats. The misconception has been that Republicans are always for “big business” no matter what the business is, and Silicon Valley that produces the RF chips for so much of the EMF and RF has always had the support of Republican legislators in California. However, more and more Republicans are also coming on board fighting these issues as soon as they become aware of the enormous health risks and privacy issues at stake. The health of the citizens of our nation is becoming and should have always been very much a non-partisan issue. Dr. Trujillo wrote: Madam, your words leave me twisting in the wind--there is so much that I agree with, and so much that I disagree with you--but I am filled with respect for both. I come from a lineage of Democrats. My Dad came home from the Pacific Theater where he served as Adjutant to General Stillwell, was elected a NM Legislator and managed to pass the first minimum wage law of NM in 1950; they couldn't do it again until 2004. So you have definitely moved me to a degree I never expected. I am organizing a battle here against the SmartMeters--and also an avalanche of new cell towers, new WiFi--which all contribute to the effects you so accurately depicted in your article. I treasure your article! Aside from the Big Brother aspect, my group which includes four physicians (MDs), two Los Alamos physicists, and homeowners, parents, and residents, is resisting due to the data from over 2000 peer-reviewed studies that show exposure to these devices causes a 400% rise in cancers in adults, a larger impact on children and the children carried in the womb. Here in Santa Fe, all the cell towers are going up near elementary schools, day care centers, and a youth sports center--and children's skulls, being thinner, are much more permeable to the electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic radiation is also particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with implants, heart problems, or other health conditions. I have attached one abstract that contains the following finding: One remarkable observation is the fact that the lowest energy levels give rise to the most pronounced albumin leakage. If mobile communication, even at extremely low energy levels, causes the users’ own albumin to leak out through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), also other unwanted and toxic molecules in the blood, may leak into the brain tissue and concentrate in and damage the neurons and glial cells of the brain. In later studies we have shown that a 2-h exposure to GSM 915 MHz at non-thermal levels, gives rise to significant neuronal damage, seen 28 and 50 days after the exposure. In our continued research, the non-thermal effects (histology, memory functions) of longterm exposure for 13 months are studied as well as the effects of short term GSM 1,800 MHz upon gene expression. As you may know, New Mexico just elected the first Hispanic woman Governor, Suzanne Martinez. I am writing to ask--or beg--you to contact her with your perception of these destructive gadgets. As health care providers, we are concerned that there will 12   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  be a sharp rise in cancers, although the initial symptoms of this exposure includes: brain fog, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, asthma, palpitations and arrhythmias. I can direct you to an article about youth suicides of young people living next to a "mast" as they call them in Europe. This is from our web site: www.WhyFry.org/ [http://whyfry.org/youth-suicides-linked-to-phone-masts-uk/] But as an American citizen, I share your fears that these meters, this Grid, comprises a much greater threat--especially as people literally lose their healthy brains, their strength and will to resist. Yours truly, Felicia N. Trujillo, ND

Felicia N. Trujillo, ND, GCFP, PO Box 28068, Santa Fe, NM 87592 www.BackRescue.com

Correspondence with Doctor Mercola who heads up Mercola.com
(Written by Karen Hudson, a former public school teacher whose health has been affected by EMF.) Dr. Mercola, How can you help us stop the installation of Smart Meter's on our homes? The increase of RF radiation in our environment is appalling. What can we as citizens do to prevent another layer of electrosmog. I am so concerned about the health of all living creatures and plant life. Please get back to me with any advice. Thank-you, Karen

Thank you for contacting Mercola.com. We would be happy to assist you. Dr. Mercola has some articles that could help you in a way to stop the installation of those Smart Meters possibly, although not definitely. Yes the way of things nowadays, electrosmog is sure to be the death of us! If only there was a way to stop pollution and all this radiation from all the new electronic gadgets of today. I will provide the links for some article beneath this and then at the bottom. Those article are links to similar articles that may spark your interest: http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2010/07/13/san-francisco-becomes-groundzero-in-gadget-radiation-battle.aspx http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2010/04/08/emf-and-type-3-diabetes.aspx http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2010/02/09/new-study-confirms-electricalpollution-from-cell-phones-and-wifi-is-hazardous.aspx I hope these help a little bit for you crusade against the Smart Meter's. Any other concerns or feedback are appreciated, so feel free to contact us anytime! Thanks and have a happy and healthy day! Thank you again for writing to Mercola.com and we wish you nothing but the best to both you and your health! If your question has still not been answered or have further questions, please click this 13   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  link http://shop.mercola.com/customerservice.aspx?cid=468202 and enter your email address and comments in the Remarks field.

More Correspondence with Dr. Trujillo: She recommends the writings of other doctors, including Dr. Mercola, and scientists who have written about smart meters and other forms of EMF: There was an international journal: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, which published an entire edition devoted only to the dangers of EMF, especially RF radiation--it is 240 pages long, and includes about 120 abstracts. One of our doctors, Leah Morton, MD, has a much zeroxed copy. We may have it on disc and I will copy it for you if we do. Some of these scientists, Ollie Johanson for one, are now struggling to keep their grants and positions as pressures are brought to bear on him for having done this research. The others suddenly have no funding, etc. It may interest you that Dr. Oz had Dr. Mercola on his program and introduced him saying, "I know you are controversial, but I have always read your newsletters since I graduated from medical school." Much of the surprising expose of Dr. Oz on the poisoned food supply, the ability of the body to heal without always turning to surgery or drugs, may come from that.

Is Smart Meter Radiation No Greater than Cell Phone Radiation – Is There Really Nothing to Worry About?
PG&E representatives have told us that the radiation emitted by the smart meters is no greater that what you receive from your cell phones and they have been labeled as “perfectly safe,” so, therefore, we should just relax and let them “deploy” the meter on our homes. Is that true? Read the following to find out:

New Warnings about the Hazards of Cell Phones; Shocking U.S. Senate Hearing Confirms Dangers of Cell Phones Red Alert: Insider Study on Cell Phone Safety Seriously Flawed…
Articles about Tumor Risks with Cell Phones: microwave news, 10/14/09 October 14... A new analysis of already-published studies points to a tumor risk following long-term use of cell phones. This meta-analysis by a joint Korean-U.S. team of 13 past studies was published yesterday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Its conclusions support two previous similar efforts. Study Cell phone cancer link N.Y. Post, 10/24/09 A groundbreaking, $30 million study into cell phones has found a link between long term use and brain tumors. The World Health Organization is about to reveal that its decade-long investigation has found the devices can lead to cancer — and the internationally-respected body will soon issue a public statement. The best and most complete up-to-date information is coming from Dr. Mercola’s website. Thanks to him for granting me the permission to add this to my booklet. He also gives excellent suggestions of what we can do to protect ourselves – like turning off your cell phone when not in use, keeping it away from the body, using it for only brief conversations. None of this can be done with the smart meter. We will have no choice. It will be on all the time pulsing into our homes. 14   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

“New Evidence Identifies Strong Cell Phone Cancer LinkError! Hyperlink reference not valid.” Dr. Mercola January 05 2011
(http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/01/05/new-evidence-identifies-strongcell-phone-cancer-link.aspx.) A recent study could change the debate over cell phones and cancer. A research group has reported a sharp increase in the incidence of parotid gland tumors over the last 30 years, with the steepest increase happening after 2001. The research was carried out at Hebrew University in Jerusalem at the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine by Rakefet Czerninski, Avi Zini and Harold Sgan-Cohen. For many years now, skeptics have argued that the epidemiological studies pointing to a tumor risk from cell phones must be wrong, because no one has seen an increase in cell-phone related tumors in the general population. But one of these earlier epidemiological studies found that heavy users of cell phones "showed significantly elevated risks" of parotid gland tumors. (Sadetzki et al showed 49 percent increased risk of parotid gland tumors. Another, by Lonn et al, in 2006, found parotid gland increase of 160 percent (borderline significance). So the long- term trend data recently reported by Hebrew University is not surprising. According to Microwave News: "The parotid gland is a type of salivary gland -- the one that is closest to the cheek next to where most people hold their cell phones. Interestingly, the new ...data show no similar increases in the two other major types of salivary glands, the submandibular and sublingual glands that are farther away from the phone." In related news, another study by Hardell et al in Sweden has confirmed that design flaws in the Interphone study (published May 2010) caused the risk of brain tumors (gliomas) to be underestimated. The Interphone study claimed that use of a digital cell phone for more than 10 years led to a 118 percent increase in the risk of brain cancer. But an analysis by Hardell et al in 2006, which experts consider a very well designed study, revealed that the increased risk of malignant brain tumors could be as high as 180 percent. A recent re-analysis of the Hardell data by the Hardell team, published December 17, 2010 in the International Journal of Epidemiology, finally now explains the difference in brain tumor risk found in the two studies. It shows the difference to be related to differences in methodology: 1) a difference in the age ranges selected for the two analyses, and 2) due to the Interphone study inaccurate classification of portable phone users as 'unexposed' to microwave radiation. When the Hardell data was recast by the Hardell team using the more limited protocol used by the Interphone study -- i.e. considering subjects who were between 30-59 years instead of 20-80 years used by the Hardell team originally, and classifying any subject who used a cordless phone as 'unexposed,' as the Interphone study had inexplicably done -- the two data sets revealed essentially the same risk of brain tumors. This demonstrates the lesser risk of brain cancers from cell phone use reported in the Interphone study was a result of the Interphone study's design flaws. Camilla Rees of ElectromagneticHealth.org says: "Were a wider age range used, as in the original Hardell research (ages 20 to 80), and subjects properly classify as 15   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  'exposed' to microwave radiation if they used portable (including cordless) phones emitting microwave radiation, the risk of brain tumors would be as was found in the original Hardell research: a 180% increased risk of malignant brain cancers."

Sources:
Epidemiology January 2011; 22(1): 130-131 Electromagnetic Health December 12, 2010 Microwave News International Journal of Epidemiology December 17, 2010 Dr. Mercola’s Comments: Salivary gland cancers are typically rare and have few known risk factors, but a new study found a certain type of salivary gland cancer, parotid gland tumors, are on the rise. In Israel, parotid gland cancers increased 4-fold from 1970 to 2006, while rates of other salivary gland cancers remained stable. Another interesting finding is that 20 percent of the incidence of salivary gland tumors are found in people under age 20. What's especially concerning about these findings? Your parotid gland is the salivary gland closest to where you hold your cell phone to your ear and cheek.

Cancer Risk Becoming Hard to Deny: In 2008, a study from Israel that was part of
the Interphone project revealed that they found no increased overall risk of parotid tumors due to cell phone use among the entire group of study participants. This statement is misleading at best, as when the risk was broken down further, regular users, as well as heavy users in rural areas showed increased risk of parotid gland tumors, due to higher levels of exposure. In 2009, Dr. Siegal Sadetzki, the principle investigator of the 2008 study, testified at a U.S. Senate Hearing that cell phones were identified as a contributor to salivary gland tumors. The new report by Hebrew University states that your risk of getting a parotid tumor on the same side of your head that you use for listening to the mobile phone increases by: 34 percent if you are a regular cell phone user and have used a mobile phone for 5 years (this was only borderline significant). 58 percent if you had more than about 5,500 calls in your lifetime (statistically significant) 49 percent if you have spoken on the phone for more than 266.3 hours during your lifetime (statistically significant) Unfortunately, for now most people are in a state of ignorant bliss, assuming that cell phones must be safe since they're being used so extensively and there are no public health warnings about them. The reality is, however, that even cell phone manufacturers do not advise using your cell phone the way you probably use it -- pressed up against your ear. Many cell phones actually contain package inserts that warn you to hold the cell phone away from your head when in use. Apple recommends keeping your iPhone at least 5/8 of an inch from your head, while BlackBerry recommends about an inch. And while few people know this, even fewer know that everyday household portable phones emit the same radiation as cell phones, and thus they, too, should be avoided for long calls or preferably only used for emergencies.

Interphone Study Underestimated Cell Phone Risks: The massive Interphone
study, which was meant to finally provide definitive evidence on the safety, or lack 16   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  thereof, of cell phones cost more than $30 million (funded in part by the mobile phone industry) to carry out, and involved at least 50 scientists from 13 countries. Many experts believe, however, that the study may have been a massive PR campaign by the telecommunications industry to provide reassurance that cell phones are safe so they can continue to generate hundreds of billions of dollars of profits. That is why it is no surprise, now that the data has finally been released, that it turns out the study is seriously flawed. The study's design flaws were outlined in detail in the report "Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern, Science, Spin and the Truth Behind Interphone," written in August 2008 by a collaboration of activists in Europe and the United States, and was endorsed by over 40 international scientists. Now, a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in December reconfirms design flaws in the Interphone study caused the risk of brain tumors to be underestimated and also confirms the causative role of cell phones in brain cancer, something prior confusion over discrepancies in the findings had served to obfuscate. While Interphone noted a 118 percent increased risk of brain cancer from use of a cell phone for more than 10 years, earlier Hardell studies (2006) had found the risk increased by 180 percent. Finally this discrepancy has now been explained and can be attributed to design flaws in the Interphone study, including what many consider the most egregious design flaw of all: classifying portable phone users as 'unexposed to microwave radiation' when in fact they were very much exposed. Frankly, we don't know how Interphone researchers got away with classifying cordless phone users as 'unexposed.' There is unlikely to be a single epidemiologist in the world today who would treat portable phone radiation exposure as a 'non-exposure.' According to Electromagnetic Health, other issues with the Interphone study beyond the 11 primary design flaws include: Results were only provided for brain cancers (gliomas) and meningiomas, but not tumors within the 20 percent of the brain's volume irradiated by cell phones. Risk was not broken down by gender, which may have obfuscated even higher risk of meningiomas in women. The 5-year-old results are woefully inadequate as a gauge of risk today, as adults and children now speak on cell phones many hours a day compared to only 2 to 2.5 hours a month at that time. For instance, the study is filled with ludicrous and disturbing findings such as "heavy users" of cell phones have doubled risk of glioma, a life threatening and often-fatal brain tumor, after 10 years of cell phone use, when compared to users that used a cell phone for 1-1.9 years. Why is this a ludicrous finding? Because their definition of a "heavy" user was someone who used a cell phone about two to 2.5 hours … a month! What this means is that if you use your cell phone for two hours a month or more, you may be doubling your risk of a potentially fatal brain tumor. Use your cell phone significantly more than that, and your risk is likely much, much higher. Quite simply, this study does absolutely nothing to address the hundreds of millions of cell phone users who easily have exposure that is significantly higher.

What the Cell Phone Industry Does NOT Want You to Know: The telecommunication industry is even BIGGER than the drug industry, and they have more influence in Washington. This is compounded by the fact that a large percentage of 17   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  retirement funds from several powerful lobbying organizations are invested in telecommunications. The cell phone industry is doing everything in their power to keep you in the dark about the emerging cell phone research, and the warning signs that wireless communications technologies are not safe. Meanwhile, government agencies, similar to their stance on tobacco before the evidence became overwhelming, have essentially ignored all the danger signs. Just like smoking tobacco, they fail to realize that it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years for brain tumors to develop from cell phone exposure, so we are just now beginning to see some of the tragic effects of heavy cell phone use. The truth is, many believe we are on the verge of a brain cancer epidemic. Devra Davis, PhD, visiting professor, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, has written a new book -- Disconnect -- in which she exposes research showing that radiation from cell phones has been linked to: • DNA damage • Memory loss • Alzheimer's disease • Cancer • Break down of your brain's defenses • Reduced sperm count But this is all information the cell phone industry does not want you to know. The First Warnings Have Already Been Issued: It's imperative that you are aware of the early warnings on the dangers of cell phones, as it can help you to stay a step ahead in protecting your health. Though not widely publicized in the United States, several countries, including Finland, Israel and France, have already issued guidelines for safer cell phone use. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while distancing itself from any claims that cell phones cause health problems, also recently released steps you can take to reduce your exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phones. San Francisco legislation to go into effect May 1, 2011 actually requires education about such cell phone risks at the point-of-sale. Educational materials must "inform customers of actions that can be taken by cell phone users to minimize exposure to radiation, such as turning off cell phones when not in use, using a headset or speaker phone and texting." (Lines 15-17 of the final legislation.) Andrea Boland, the Maine State Representative, also wanted warnings especially for children and pregnant women to keep cellular devices away from their head and body, but unfortunately a Maine legislative committee rejected her proposal, citing "inconclusive studies" and a concern about "raising fear in people." In 2008, Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, also issued a warning to his faculty and staff urging them to limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer. So there are plenty of warnings out there … the cell phone industry has just done a fairly good job at making sure they're not widely heard, or if they are heard that they are doubted. The Best Way to Protect Yourself: When I use my cell phone when I am away from home I always use the speaker phone or our Blue Tube headset. I suggest you take these protective steps, too, as the best way to decrease your exposure to radiation is to use either the speakerphone or a safe headset when speaking on the phone, and to keep your phone as far away from your body as possible whenever it is on. You should never carry your phone in your shirt pocket or on your belt, for example. 18 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  I also recommend that everyone who uses a cell phone follow these commonsense guidelines, and share them with your friends and family as well. Please do NOT wait for more evidence to come in … start protecting your brain and body from cell phone radiation starting today: Children Should Always Avoid Using Cell Phones: Barring a life-threatening emergency, children should not use a cell phone, or a wireless device of any type. Children are far more vulnerable to cell phone radiation than adults, because of their thinner skull bones and other factors. Reduce Your Cell Phone Use: Turn your cell phone off more often. Reserve it for emergencies or important matters. Use a Land Line at Home and at Work: Although more and more people are switching to using cell phones as their exclusive phone contact, it is a dangerous trend and you can choose to opt out of the madness. Reduce or Eliminate Your Use of Other Wireless Devices: You would be wise to cut down your use of these devices. Just as with cell phones, it is important to ask yourself whether or not you really need to use them every single time. Even portable home phones, including the older kind that operate at 900 MHz, can be a problem. The lesson from the field is that all DECT portable phones are a problem. If you do not know if you have a DECT phone (as many are not labeled as such), the ONLY way to know for sure is to measure. You can learn about measuring instrumentation at www.emfsafetystore.com. For "hands free" calls at home, I recommend getting the old-fashioned speakerphone (either attached to the phone or separate) or using SKYPE on your computer on speaker mode, which is terrific. With SKYPE you get a phone number that is portable, like with a cell phone, and you can also plug into a hard-wired Ethernet cord when you are traveling to receive messages and make calls (that is, unless you are using the Apple iPad, which unfortunately does not allow a hard-wired internet connection at all!). Use Your Cell Phone Only Where Reception is Good: The weaker the reception, the more power your phone must use to transmit, and the more power it uses, the more radiation it emits, and the deeper the dangerous radio waves penetrate into your body. Ideally, you should only use your phone with full bars and good reception, and keep calls brief. Also Seek to Avoid Carrying your Phone on your Body: That merely maximizes any potential exposure. Ideally put it in your purse or carrying bag. Turn Your Cell Phone Off When Not in Use: As long as your cell phone is on, it emits radiation intermittently, even when you are not actually making a call. Keep Your Cell Phone Away From Your Body When it is On: The most dangerous place to be, in terms of radiation exposure, is near the emitting antenna. You do not want any part of your body near this area and proximity is everything. The closer the phone is to your body, the worse the exposure -- with the exposure falling off dramatically with distance. Thus, using the speaker mode, the farther you can keep the phone away from your body and still hear the call, the better. Use Safer Headset Technology: Wired headsets will certainly allow you to keep the cell phone farther away from your body. However, if a wired headset is not wellshielded -- and most of them are not -- the wire itself acts as an antenna attracting ambient radio waves and transmitting radiation directly to your brain and your body, for example over your heart. Make sure that the wire used to transmit the signal to your ear is shielded. The best kind of headset to use is a combination shielded wire and air-tube headset. These operate like a stethoscope, transmitting the information to your head as an actual sound wave; although there are wires that still must be shielded, there is no wire that goes all the way up to your head. They can be obtained at www.emfsafetystore.com. 19 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

What Other Countries Are Saying About Wireless Technologies – Cell Phones, Cell Phone Towers, EMF and RF:
The following is a compilation of links to what government, public health and environment organizations and officials, independent scientists, health advocacy groups and activists are advocating around the world in response to the proliferation of electromagnetic fields, and especially 2.4 GHZ microwave radiation. As one can see, they are numerous – over 100. There are even many listed coming from the United States, but for some reason major media does not tell us anything about these warnings or concerns. (I have listed the Countries in Alphabetical Order):

Resolutions Advocating a Precautionary Approach to the Use and Expansion of Wireless Technologies:
Austria: Vienna resolution 1998 http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Vienna_Resolution_1998.pdf Salzburg Austria Resolution 2000: http://www.salzburg.gv.at/salzburg_resolution_e.pdf Belgium: Brussels Appeal 2007, Allgauer Appeal 2006, WiMax Appeal 2006 England: London Resolution 2007: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/London_res.pdf Wingspread Conference on the Precautionary principle: http://www.sehn.org/wing.html Germany: Freiburger Appeal 2002, signed by 30,000 doctors http://www.starweave.com/freiburger/ Bamberger Appeal, Coburger Appeal, Maintaler Appeal 2004, Oberammergauer Appeal 2005, Haibacher Appeal 2005, Pfarrkirchener Appeal 2005, Freienbacher Appeal 2005, Lichtenfelser Appeal, Hofer Appeal 2005, Stockacher Appeal 2005 Italy: Catania Resolution 2002 http://www.emrpolicy.org/faq/catania.pdf Benevento Resolution 2006 http://www.icems.eu/benevento_resolution.htm Venice Resolution 2008 http://www.icems.eu/resolution.htm Porto Alegre Resolution 2009: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Porto_Alegre_Resolution.pdf Finland: Helsinki Appeal 2005

Wireless Warnings, Cell Phones/Towers; Wi-Fi, EMF, RF in General:
Africa: Botswana – 2009 - A controversial cell phone tower erected on the royal Phuthadikobo Hill has been destroyed by the villagers. http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=189&dir=2009/October/Monday12 Botswana Africa: Bakgatla, BTA, radiation and public safety http://sundaystandard.info/news/news_item.php?NewsID=5984&GroupID=5 Australia: Cell phone warning http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/video# Austria medical association pressing for a ban on Wi-Fi in schools http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1549944/Warning-on-wi-fi-health-risk-to-children.htm Herouville St Claire Normandy removes Wi-Fi from schools http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5670096/ Austrian health director Dr. Gerd Oberfeld advising against Wi-Fi http://www.antennafreeunion.org/salzburg.pdf Australian Democrats “Demand crackdown on mobile phone towers” http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=6417 http://www.democrats.org.au/docs/2007/Joining_the_Dots11.pdf 20   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Belgium: The Belgian Foundation against Cancer (www.cancer.be) issued a warning concerning mobile phone use : http://www.expatica.com/be/news/local_news/Calling-in-the-car-increases-risk-of-cancer.html Brussels determines new EMR safety standard of 3 volts per meter http://www.nextup.org/Newsoftheworld/Belgique.php#2 Canada: The Canadian Public Health Officer, David Butler-Jones, advised Canadians to limit their and their children’s use of cell phones until science resolves uncertainties about long term health effects. http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/cellphone071505.cfm Dr. Magda Havas:www.magdahavas.com www.magdahavas.org Dr. Martin Blank video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wLFeIrCtU Canada, Toronto Public Health is advising children and teens to limit the time they spend on cell phones until more is known about potential health effects. Toronto Star, Ontario. http://healthzone.ca/health/article/459099. Therold, Ontario: Broke its contract to install citywide Wi-Fi. Canada: July 2008 City Council of Thorold rescinds city wide wi-fi contract: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1097589 Canada, Lakehead University wifi-free policy http://policies.lakeheadu.ca/policy.php?pid=178 Dr. Magda Havas open letter to schools and teachers on Wi-Fi health risks: http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wpcontent/uploads/2009/10/09_Havas_WiFi_schools.pdf Canada: Dr. Magda Havas Report opposing Wi-Fi in San Francisco: http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/07_Havas_WiFiSNAFU.pdf The Gathering Brainstorm: http://www.theecologist.org/pages/archive_detail.asp?content_id=1179 Dr. Jeff Fawcett: WiFi Blues: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-WiFi-Blues&id=169261 Canada: The City of Colwood, BC, Canada has declared August 2009 Electromagnetic Sensitivity Awareness month:http://colwood.fileprosite.com/FileStorage/0F1380D9502E4153B38C355BAB43124FMayors%20Press%20Release%20-%20EMS%20Sensitivity%20Month.pdf The Mayor of Norris Arm, Newfoundland proclaimed October 2009 ‘”Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Awareness Month. http://jimbenderoxford.blogspot.com/2009/10/mayor-of-norris-arm-newfoundland.html Canada: Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News http://www.weepinitiative.org/index.html Chile: 4 December 2009 The Appeal Court in Rancagua confirms the demolition of a mobile phone mast in Santa Cruz, Chile. http://www.nextup.org/pdf/Emol_Appeal_Court_Chile_confirms_demolition_mobile_phone_mast _in_Santa_Cruz_04_12_2009.pdf Cell-Phone Towers and Communities: The Struggle for Local Control B. Blake Levitt http://arts.envirolink.org/arts_and_activism/BlakeLevitt.html China internet addiction youth http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4327258.stm South Korea govt study” internet addiction/ Millions of youth at risk. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/technology/18rehab.html China: Chinese breakthrough study how EMFs promote childhood leukemia. http://www.microwavenews.com/XRCC1.html Cyprus: House Health Committee demands action to protect the public from mobile phone masts. http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=39623&cat_id=1 European Parliament Sept 2008 voted 522 to 16 to adopt text: ”is greatly concerned at the BioInitiative international report concerning EMFs, which summarizes over 1500 studies on that topic and which points in its conclusions to the health risks posed by emissions from mobile-telephony devices such as mobile telephones, UMTS, WiFi, WiMax and Bluetooth, and also DECT 21   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

landline.” “The limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMFs] which have been set for the general public are obsolete.” http://new.marketwire.com/2.0/release.do?id=901580 European Parliament 2009 passed the EMF Resolution calling for caution on the use and expansion of electromagnetic fields, particularly radiofrequency exposure from wireless technologies. The resolution was endorsed by an overwhelming margin of 559 members in favor, 22 opposed, and 8 abstaining. The EP calls on member states to follow the example of Sweden to recognize ES as a disability and grant adequate protection as well as equal opportunities. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-20090216+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN European Union: The EU adopts ALDE report advising the precautionary principle for EMF’s http://www.alde.eu/index.php?id=42&L=2&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=9559&cHash=2fec11e0cc European Environmental Agency advises the precautionary principle for Wi-Fi: http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/radiation-risk-from-everyday-devices-assessed http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/eu-watchdog-calls-for-urgent-action-onwifi-radiation-402539.html Finland: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has recommended restricting the use of mobile phones by children: ttp://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/01/authorityrecommends_restricting_childrens_use_of_mobiles4663 53.html France: French Ministry of Health cell phone warning http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/2308 Mobile phones to be banned in French primary schools to limit health risk http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6366590.ece Lyon France advertising campaign against cell phones for kids under 12 http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/fr/evenements/le_portable_avant_12 France National Library and several other Paris libraries are wi-fi-free http://www.nextup.org/pdf/FranceNationalLibraryGivesUpWiFi07042008.pdf http://lavieverte.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/public-libraries-in-paris-shut-down-wifi-in-responseto-health-worries/ Paris City Council launched a study on wi-fi June 2008 (in French) http://www.lemonde.fr/technologies/article/2008/06/16/wi-fi-le-conseil-de-paris-lance-une-etudesur-les-risques-sanitaires_1058950_651865.html#ens_id=1053227 French Health and Security Agency (Afsset) recommend reducing exposure to mobile phones and other portable wireless devices. OCT 2009 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9264422c2946d8bf1cb62cde139e996e.c21&showa rticle=1 2009: Breast Cancer Fund: Policy and Research Recommendations: Reduce Exposure to Radiation http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3959151 France: Eco village white zone for EHS recovery http://www.zoneblanche.fr/index-eng.html 2008: Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_sensitivity Twenty top French scientists warn about cell phones and brain cancer, June 2008: http://espanol.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080615/tecnologia/francia_telecomunicaci__n_consumo_sal ud France: Versailles Court decision requiring a French telecom company to dismantle an existing cell tower in a residential area. http://www.nextup.org/pdf/France_Versailles_Court_Of_Appeal_Judgement_Local_Living_Phon e_Masts_Against_Compagny_Bouygues_Telecom_04_02_2009.pdf Germany: Bavarian federal state parliament advises schools against Wi-Fi: (in German). http://www.buergerwelle-schweiz.org/fileadmin/user_upload/buergerwelleschweiz/Mobilfunk/MF_03.07_Kein_WLAN_in_bayer._Schulen.pdf

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Frankfurt, Germany: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools (in German) http://www.buergerwelleschweiz.org/fileadmin/user_upload/buergerwelleschweiz/Mobilfunk/Frankf_Rund_keinWLAN.pdf German Government advises against Wi-Fi: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/germany-warns-citizens-to-avoid-usingwifi-401845.html http://www.icems.eu/docs/deutscher_bundestag.pdf India: limit cell phone use for youth under 16 http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14695318 India: ban on children and pregnant women in TV ads for cell phones http://www.bime.com/main.php?id=21423&t=1&c=33&cg=4&mset= Madhya Pradesh, India: Bans cell phones in schools: http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080718/132841.htm India Study: Mobile phone towers and cell phones can pose a threat to honey bees, a study published in India has concluded. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090831/ts_afp/indiaenvironmentbeesscience_20090831114116 Bees, Birds and Mankind: Destroying Nature by Electrosmog by Dr. Ulrich Warnke http://www.broschuerenreihe.net/international/bees-birds-and-mankind/index.html Israel: Health Ministry calls for parents to limits kids cell phone use: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1006175.html Israel bans antennas on residences: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/916666.html Jama: A new study in JAMA that found that wireless tracking systems in hospitals can interfere with lifesaving technologies. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080624/ap_on_he_me/med_microchip_dangers Hospital Techies urge limits on ‘white space’ Wi-Fi. http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_39930441-7.html Malaysia: Penang to study health effects of Wi-Fi. October 2008 http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5250937/ Netherlands Electro-hypersensitivity Questionnaire Survey Results: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/images/stories/EHS/supplement_8.pdf Dutch EHS Foundation: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/content/view/64/1/ New Zealand (NZ) Dr. Neil Cherry: http://www.neilcherry.com/ New Zealand citizens video appeal to Government (opposing cell towers) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw6av2W60KA Norway: Nordic Council of Ministers: The Nordic Adaptation of Classification of Occupationally Related Disorders (Diseases and Symptoms) to ICD-10 ed. by F Levy and A Wannag. 2000. Lists Electromagnetic intolerance as an occupational disorder. http://www.nordclass.uu.se/verksam/NordICD10.pdf Green Warriors of Norway oppose Wi-Fi in schools http://www.miljovernforbundet.no/render.asp?articleno=1471&segment=1&session=Norway: Panama: Companies in need of antennas must share structures to hold them: http://laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2008/11/01/contenido/22550.asphttp://laestrella.com.pa/mensual/ 2008/11/01/contenido/22550.asp Portugal opposes Cell tower http://www.portugalresident.com/portugalresident/showstory.asp?ID=28969 Russian National Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection advises against cell phones for 18 years and under http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mobile-and-childrenRNC.pdf http://weepnews.blogspot.com/2008/04/rncnirp-mobile-phones-high-risk-for.html Mobile phone use ‘raises children’s risk of brain cancer five-fold.’ Spain: Ecologists in Action statement on Wi-Fi: http://www.ecologistasenaccion.org/spip.php?article11598 http://www.es-uk.info/news/20080319_belmonte_en.pdf Spain: children treated for cell phone addiction: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7452463.stm 23   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Canadian Human Rights commission: policy on environmental sensitivities http://www.chrcccdp.ca/legislation_policies/policy_environ_politique-en.asp Sweden: FEB Electrosensitivity: http://www.feb.se/index_int.htm Prof. Olle Johansson scientist Wi-Fi letter: http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/pdfs/20070723_wifi_olle.pdf Dr. George Carlo wi-fi video http://www.mcsinternational.org/red_alert_1_wifi_schoolchildren.html Green party MEP/ concern with Wi-Fi in schools: http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/2007/10/12/green-meps-demand-investigation-intowifi-in-schools-after-study-links-electro-magnetic-fields-and-cancers/ Switzerland: Dr. Rau Paracelsus Health Clinic: treats 10,000 people annually. They assess health in light of EMF exposure. Although health issues are multi factorial, his assessment is EMFs are a hidden factor in many illnesses: http://www.paracelsus.ch/welcome http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Aschermann2009.pdf Taiwan removes 1500 cell towers near schools: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/11/06/129715/1500-cellphone.htm United Kingdom: England schools dismantle wireless networks: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article642575.ece England: Teachers union call to suspend Wi-Fi in schools:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1039235/Suspend-wi-fi-schools-says-unionchief-following-reports-causes-ill-health.html Glastonbury residents “Why WiFi” Campaign http://www.glastonburynaturalhealth.co.uk/WhyWi-Fi.html England: Health Protection Agency launches study on health effects of wi-fi Oct 2007: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/13/internet.internetphonesbroadband Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, England: removed Wi-Fi from campus Wi-Fi in Schools UK http://wifiinschools.org.uk/index.html, Voice (UK Teacher’s Union) calls for a ban on Wi-Fi in schools. Ireland: Jan 2008 The City of Dublin Ireland did not install wi-fi due to a EU law: http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0109/wifi.html Ireland 2005 IDEA Irish doctors concern over EMR health effects http://www.ideaireland.org/emririshresearch.htm Scotland: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) with 160,000 members has called for a government investigation into the biological and thermal effects of “Wi-Fi” networks. http://news.scotsman.com/education/39Wifi-in-schools-may-give.5156371.jp Wales: Wi-fi code for Welch Schools http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/greenliving/child-safety-fears-prompt-wifi-code-for-welsh-schools-403255.html; Ysgol Pantycelyn School, Carmathenshirem, Wales, removed Wi-Fi from campus. UK: :2000, the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones chaired by Sir William Stewart, reports that “a precautionary approach be adopted until more robust scientific information becomes available.” www.iegmp.org.uk http://www.iegmp.org.uk/documents/iegmp_6.pdf UK Health protection advises children under 16 to limit their use of mobile phone. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4196762.stm http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/mobile-phone-use-raises-childrens-risk-of-braincancer-fivefold-937005.html (England) The truth about Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi Dr Andrew Goldsworthy 2007: http://www.radiationresearch.org/The Truth About Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi.pdf Dr. Vini Kharuna Brain Surgeon: “Mobile Phones and Brain Tumours- A Public Health Concern” http://www.brain-surgery.us/mobph.pdf “Cell Phones and Brain Tumors”15 reasons for concern http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/science/reasons_us.pdf 24   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

UK Department of Education: “Children under 16 should not use cell phones except in an emergency.” UK: EM Radiation Research Trustee Eileen O’Connor Report on base stations: http://www.radiationresearch.org/pdfs/20061101_base_stations_health_concerns.pdf USA: July 2008 University of Pittsburg’s Cancer Institute Dr. Ron Herberman’s memo to staff / Cell phone warning:http://www.post-gazette.com/downloads/20080722upci_cellphone_memo.pdf; “Children should never use a cell phone except in emergency.” USA September 2008 Rep. Dennis Kucinich holds Congressional Hearing on Cell Phone Health Effects http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/25/cellphones.cancer/index.html?iref=24hours September 2008 Economist commentary on the Interphone Study ” Mobile Madness”: http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12295222 USA Boston: Cell phone Ban After Boston Trolley Crashhttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/us/10boston.html How Susceptible are Genes to Mobile Phone Radiation? by Prof. Franz Adlkofer, Prof. Igor Y. Belyaev, Vladislav M. Shiroff, and Dr. Karl Richter http://www.broschuerenreihe.net/international/how-susceptible-are-genes/index.html 2009 National Safety Council calls for a nationwide ban on cell phones while driving http://www.nsc.org/Pages/NationalSafetyCouncilCallsforNationwideBanonCellPhoneUseWhileDr iving.aspx USA: Progressive Librarians Guild urges the precautionary principle for Wi-Fi in libraries June 2008 http://libr.org/plg/wifiresolution.php Sebastopol CA. City Council chooses the precautionary principle and terminates contract for free city wide Wi-Fi: http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080324/NEWS/803240314/1033/NEWS Sebastopol Area wi-fi petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/mufifree/petition.html Dr. Mercola wireless warning: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/21/areyou-allergic-to-wireless-internet.aspx?source=nl Santa Fe Librarians letter supporting wi-fi free Public libraries: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Opinion/Their-View-Librarians–Keep-public-library-Wi-Fifree “Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi) Consumer Health and Safety Advice” EMFacts handout http://www.emfacts.com/wifi/ USA: NIEHS and NIOSH classifies EMF’s as a hazardous substance. NIEHS advocates prudent avoidance of EMF’s.http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/library/consumer/hazardous.cfm Prudent avoidance has been adopted in Australia, Sweden, and several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. http://www.who.int/pehemf/meetings/southkorea/en/Leeka_Kheifets_principle_.pdf Collarborative on Health and the Environment CHE EMF statement http://www.healthandenvironment.org/wg_emf_news/772 California EMF program 7 million dollar government mandated study - up to 95% certainty leukemia caused by EMF’s. Up to 80% certainty brain cancer related to EMF’s. Advocate prudent avoidance of EMF’s. http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/emf/ 2009 Counties of LA (CA), Pima (AZ) City of Portland Oregon, Cities of Sebastopol, Albany and Glendale CA pass resolutions requesting the federal government repeal section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.and/or requesting the FCC to update RF studies http://www.cloutnow.org/localres/ USA, NJ. Sussex County school to close due to unsafe power lines near playground http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/sussex_county_school_to_close.html (USA) Dr. Robert Becker: http://www.energyfields.org/science/becker.html USA) Dr. Louis Slesin: http://www.microwavenews.com 25   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

US Access Board: Report on Indoor Environmental Quality Released http://accessboard.gov/news/ieq.htm Dr. Christine Aschermann: Observations from a Psychotherapy Practice on Mobile Telecommunications and DECT Telephones. 2009 USA CA. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a local government’s authority to deny antennas in public rights-of-way for aesthetic reasons. The case is Sprint PCS Assets, L.L.C. v. City of Palos Verdes Estates http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2009/10/13/0556106.pdf http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ugly-telecoms26-2009oct26,0,5439620.story 2009 Hunnington Beach California: City leaders vote to move controversial cell phone tower http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-phone-cell-2378582-tower-mobile International Association of Firefighters moratorium of cell tower sitting on Fire stations http://www.iaff.org/hs/Facts/CellTowerFinal.asp USA: Connecticut and Colorado Governors and Mayor of Broward County declare Proclamations: MAY 2009 Electromagnetic Sensitivity Awareness Month: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/102653 Oregon, USA city school board unplugs cell towers: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/09/west_linnwilsonville_school_bo.html Los Angeles unified school district policy restricts cell sites on LA USD property and requires new schools to avoid siting near cell sites http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/board/secretary/html/agendas/mt/mt06-27-00.html 2009 Los Angeles Unified School District adopted a resolution that includes a statement in favor of repealing the Telecommunication Act of 1996′s preemption of consideration of health and environmental effects of wireless facilities. http://cloutnow.org/lausd/ USA: CA: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 3-Judgepanel’s earlier decision and ruled that a wireless citing ordinance enacted by San Diego County is not preempted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Link to the decision: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/newopinions.nsf/8748AF2058D98DD3882574C100012711/$file /0556076.pdf?openelement The Environmental Working Group (EWG) who seeks to protect children and kids from toxic chemicals in our food, water, air, and the products we use every day, released a 40 page report titled: ”Cell Phone Radiation-Science Review on Cancer Risks and Children’s Health”http://www.ewg.org/project/2009cellphone/cellphoneradiation-fullreport.pdf The FCC advice to consumers about the use of cell phones. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/mobilephone.html U.S. bans truckers, bus drivers from texting while driving http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012603238.html?sub=AR Time magazine: How Safe is Your Cell Phone? http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1969732,00.html Warning, Your Cell Phone May Be Hazardous To Your Health: GQ Magazine http://www.gq.com/cars-gear/gear-and-gadgets/201002/warning-cell-phoneradiation?currentPage=1 National Toxicology Program NTP- RF study. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/docs/cell-phone-fact-sheet.pdf Bioinitiative Report: http://www.bioinitiative.org Bioinitiative Report video with co-author Cindy Sage http://www.youtube.com/v/7tZDor-_co0 EPA (Environment Protection Agency) 2002 letter stating the FCC’s standards are “thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, non-thermal exposure situations”: http://www.emrnetwork.org/position/noi_response/noi_epa_response.pdf Overloading of Towns and Cities with Radio Transmitters (Cellular Transmitter): a hazard for the human health and a disturbance of eco-ethics by Karl Hecht, Elena N. Savoley http://www.heseproject.org/hese-uk/en/niemr/hechtvortrag070724englisch.pdf 26   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Institute for Inquiry: Wireless questions http://www.instituteforinquiry.org/inquiries/wireless.php The Ecologist: Mobile Phones Could lead to bee decline: http://www.theecologist.org/pages/archive_detail.asp?content_id=865 World Health Organization Interphone study Results Update WHO INTERPHONE results update Oct. 2008 (Thanks to Sandi Maurer of the EMF Safety Network for the above information. PO Box 1016 Sebastopol CA 95473 www.emfsafetynetwork.org.)

International EMF Alliance (IEMFA) Report on Smart Meters from Prof. Olle
Johansson from Sweden: He responds to a misleading report issued on January 17, 2011, by the California Council on Science and Technology (1130 K Street, Suite 280, Sacramento, California 95814). Their report entitled “Health Impacts of Radio Frequency from Smart Meters,” denies “the possibility of any low-intensity health consequences of chronic exposure to pulsed microwave exposure.” Professor Olle Johansson of Sweden responds with the following: “In the current field of science, the present state-of-the-art regarding this issue is not so simple.” He continues below explaining the thermal and non-thermal effects on DNA, especially after long exposure to the radiation emitted from the meters: Wireless communication is now being implemented in our daily life in a very fast way. At the same time, it is becoming more and more obvious that the exposure to electromagnetic fields not only may induce acute thermal effects to living organisms, but also non-thermal effects, the latter often after longer exposures. This has been demonstrated in a very large number of studies and includes cellular DNA-damage, disruptions and alterations of cellular functions like increases in intracellular stimulatory pathways and calcium handling, disruption of tissue structures like the blood-brain barrier, impact on vessel and immune functions, and loss of fertility. Whereas scientists can observe and reproduce these effects in controlled laboratory experiments, epidemiological and ecological data derived from long-term exposures reflect in well-designed case-control studies the link all the way from molecular and cellular effects to the living organism up to the induction and proliferation of diseases observed in humans. It should be noted that we are not the only species at jeopardy, practically all animals and plants may be at stake. Although epidemiological and ecological investigations as such never demonstrate causative effects, due to the vast number of confounders, they confirm the relevance of the controlled observations in the laboratories. Professor Johansson concludes his report asking for 100% independent studies to be made without any funding from industry. “Many smart meters are close to bedrooms, kitchens, playrooms. These devises are never off and the exposure is not voluntary. The smart meters are being forced on citizens everywhere…The exposure of millions to billions of human beings to pulsed microwave radiation should immediately be prohibited until the ‘red flag’ can be hauled down once and for all.” Signed, Professor Ollie Johansson, the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. (“The California Council on Science and Technology-response 17-01-11”)

New Study: Smart Meters More Powerful than Thought –
Little by little the truth is being revealed as reported in the following radio news broadcast: 27   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

(http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/north_bay&id=7971215&rss=rssipad-kgo-article-7971215)

Monday, February 21, 2011
ABC, KGO news, “A new study could show that the radiofrequency radiation levels of some PG&E SmartMeters is significantly higher than previously thought, a spokesman for an environmental health coalition said. Sage Associates, environmental consultants, published the results of their study online on Friday. The study found FCC public safety limit violations could be possible within six inches of the meter, said Barry Smith, a spokesman for Environmental Health Coalition of West Marin. "PG&E is misleading the public with false assurances of safety. SmartMeter radiation will be a permanent part of the home, and people have no idea how high their chronic RF exposure might be," Smith said in a statement.

Personal Testimonials by Many Californians of Harmful Effects of Smart Meters On Their Health:
S.A, San Clemente CA: “The very first symptom was my husband and I noticed that both of our ears were ringing. (The meter was located directly outside of our bedroom wall behind our headboard.) Waking up feeling heavy crushing pressure on our chests, rapid heart palpitations, waking up at night at the precise same time for weeks (like 1:23 a.m.), emotions unstable, constant agitation, red bumps, rashes, and thermal burns on face, strained speech, difficulty speaking or loss of words, poor memory, painful inflammation of ear canals due to cell phones, (especially blackberries and i-phones, within 150 feet from me), deck phones, Wi-Fi, electrified outlets, refrigerators, and other electromagnetic fields. Sensation that the left hemisphere of my brain was actually being cut or splitting in two, back of skull feels electrified, back of tongue feels electrified, electric shocks through my eyes, legs and feet. Brain feels like mush, cannot communicate or articulate well, dry cough around cell phones and Wi-Fi.” A.E., San Diego: “It started with the aches and pains, the super dry lips and a loud squealing in my right ear. Even my teeth hurt. Then the buzzing sound intermittently mixes with the high pitch squealing noise in my ear, followed by extreme exhaustion or fatigue in random parts of the day or evening, to where I couldn’t even stand. The headaches make me feel like I want to die. I can’t sleep until 5 or 6 am and pop back up at 7 am. I am nauseous, and my ear in is extreme pain. I have feelings as if the ground or furniture is moving or being bumped. I get dizzy and have problems orientating myself when I go from standing to sitting or vice versa.” R.H., San Diego CA: “I began having symptoms of head burning and pressure on my chest within a few days. As time progressed the symptoms worsened. I had severe burning in my head and headaches of a new type. I started having palpitations, arrhythmias and flutter. I called SDG& E. Three people including an engineer and the director of the Smart Meter program came to my home, spent an hour talking and photographing the meters. They took no measurements of the radiation, though they said they would on the phone. The next day SDG&E informed me that they would not be 28   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  replacing the meters with the analogue meters. They assured me that they are concerned about people’s health. By six weeks in, my cardiac symptoms were so severe and erratic that I had to move out. I rented an apartment, which turned out to be unsafe as well. The Smart Meters are everywhere. With the intensification of my symptoms, I have become EMF/RF sensitive and now have the above problems around cell towers, Wi-Fi and other sources, accompanied by skin rashes and burning. I am being evaluated by a cardiologist. I have always had a strong, healthy heart, even told so by doctors. The cardiologist has sent me for an evaluation by a neurologist as well. Five people have reported symptoms in my home: My father has experienced headaches and visual migraines. My mother reported having pressure on the upper part of her chest and palpitations. One neighbor exposed to these 16 cluster meters is experiencing headaches and chest tightness. Another neighbor has difficulty opening her eyes in the mornings after 8 hours by the meters. Her ophthalmologist could find no explanation. She said she uses her fingers to open her lids. All of the above symptoms have occurred since the smart meter installations. The symptoms are worsening for everyone. I am running scared living this nightmare. I don’t know where to live and fear for my well-being. I already have a prior immune disability and I thought I would be legally protected by the ADA. I don’t know where it is safe for me to live. In addition, the financial impact of this disaster compounds. I pay my monthly mortgage and rented a place, which due to symptoms, I cannot stay in. I am not sure that I can rent or sell my condo in good conscience. I am seeking medical care including treatments not covered by any insurance. My out of pocket costs continue to grow. Stop Smart Meters!” http://stopsmartmeters.org

More Testimonials - People Speaking Before the CPUC (California Public Utility Commission) San Francisco, Dec. 2, 2010:
The CPUC had as one of their agenda items an application from the EMF Safety Network to reopen the subject of Smart Meters and modify their prior decision (D.06-07-027 andD.09-03026). The Network asked that the Commission “require PG&E to demonstrate that the Smart Meter program is consistent with delivery of safe, reliable gas and electric service at reasonable rates.” Of course, PG&E opposed the request of the Network and asked for a motion by the CPUC to dismiss it. As I read the handout about this and the background information given out by the CPUC at the hearing, I found out that such a request by the EMF Safety Network had happened on 4 different occasions in this same year, 2010: April 6, April 10, May 27, and July 23. Each time PG&E had filed a motion to dismiss the request from the EMF Safety Network. And guess how the Commission had ruled each time? This time was no different as you will see at the end of this report. Public comment was granted before the Commission gave their decision. About 30 people spoke. We were only given one minute each. Many people told of the personal effect to their health they were experiencing because of the Smart Meters being installed on their homes, or even their neighbors’ homes. Some spoke about other things such as litigation if someone got sick and sued the landlord. Others spoke about where is the science behind this? Others spoke about the invasion of privacy. They asked in their testimonials that the Commission place a moratorium on the Smart Meters until further updated studies could be made. Here are some of the comments:

Testimonies Regarding Health, Safety, Liability, Privacy Rights
29   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

and the Faulty Science Behind Smart Meters:
(Some of these statements are from the people as they had them written, but “due to the shortage of time,” most of what was said before the commission was cut by two-thirds. Instead of three minutes, we were allowed only one minute.) Deborah Tavaras, from Sebastopol: “I am the owner of multiple properties both in the PG&E and Southern California Edison utility service areas. Many tenants residing in our buildings have serious concerns about health effects from the cumulative radiation the smart meter grid will deliver. Multiple smart meters have been attached to their residences pursuant to the program the CPUC mandated on our property. I have previously requested a copy of the Environmental Impact Study, but I learned it was waived. I ask why the environmental study was waived, by who, and for what reason? I made a formal public request to Marzia Zafar the CPUC representative back on April 21, 2010 as documented. (in a Press Democrat article dated April 22, 2010) I have requested immediate indemnification from the CPUC since they have determined the smart meters are safe and not harmful. The CPUC has refused, failed and declined to respond to my request. Understand that insurance companies and PG&E will not provide insurance coverage or indemnification for environmental claims. I will not become their first line in the legal defense in this indefensible wireless deployment upon my properties. The CPUC, the smart meter manufacturer and the utility company you oversee must prove that the smart meter wireless technology is safe. They must PROVE through the testing that there are no health impacts and there is no harm. PG&E’s attorney, Cliff Gleicher, stated on 8/17/10 that PG&E would not be liable or responsible for any claims brought against us by our tenants since PG&E was being mandated by the CPUC to deploy these smart meters on our properties. This serves as my formal request to obtain copies of all documentation relating to the CPUC insurance policies. How are liability exposures covered and how does that relate to the consumer? Further, I request indemnification and hold harmless agreements and ask that they provide the manufactures warranty of their product being installed onto our buildings. These are standard industry requirements and usual requests, and in this instance the labor and smart meters are replacing time tested and proven analog meters by products that are not proven by industry over time. Until such time that I either have a conclusive study proving no ill health effects or an indemnifications or hold harmless agreement covering all costs from any injury claims from tenants I will continue to refuse the meter change out. I herein demand the CPUC reinstall the analog meters where smart meters have already been installed on our properties.” Orlean Koehle, from Santa Rosa: “I am the State President of Eagle Forum of California. Eagle Forum is a national organization that is concerned with protecting life, liberty, property and privacy, all of which I believe are being violated by the Smart Meters. Why was the Environmental Impact Study waived for the Smart Meters? As I was reading the agenda for today’s meeting, I noticed #32 - that the Environmental Defense Fund was being granted $17, 900 for their legal input and support for the Smart Meter and Smart Grid Program. Originally the EDF requested $25,000 for their services, but the CPUC had discovered that the EDF were exaggerating the amount of hours spent, that the total numbers were not accurate. Could it be that maybe there are other things that have been exaggerated and are not accurate – like the science behind all this? We will never know, will we, if there is no environmental impact study demanded? 30   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Shouldn’t an organization like the EDF be the ones who should be most concerned that a new device like the smart meter be tested and make sure it is environmentally safe for the people and animals it will be affecting? Instead they are being paid for their support of the Smart Meter and Smart Grid without any testing or science behind it. According to what was written of their testimonies, the only thing they seem to be concerned with is that the Smart Meter and Grid will further the goals of AB 32 and SB 17 to limit “global warming.” AB 32 and SB 17 were passed back in 2006. Since then there is much evidence that we are perhaps not in a period of global warming at all. We may be facing global cooling. A year ago in December, thousands of e-mails were hacked into and released to the public, which became known as “Climate Gate,” where it was shown that top scientists who were most responsible for the UN science on global warming were deliberately reporting faulty numbers, lying about the true temperatures and making them appear much higher. They were essentially “cooking the books.” Why? There is much money to be made if the myth of global warming can be continued. Just as the EDF was “cooking the books” on their actual hours of service to the CPUC; there was much money to be made for them also if they showed they had higher numbers. Could this also be the mode of operation regarding the Smart Meters? In this case, however, they are not “cooking” the figures; they are ignoring them. The high rate of RF emissions emitted by the Smart Meters are regarded as no concern at all, and, therefore, would be approved by the FCC. Why? There is much money to be made through the Smart Meters and the new appliances that will be sold as part of the Smart Grid. Please don’t place profits over people. Please don’t allow us and our children to be used as guinea pigs in allowing such untested RF meters to be attached to our houses and put our health at risk. Please halt any further deployment of the Smart Meters until the science is in.” Carol Pasco, from Sebastopol: “I would like to address the issue of PRIVACY RIGHTS of American citizens as it relates to the installation of Smart Meters. Many of us believe that the installation of these Smart Meters by PG&E constitutes an unlawful overburdening of their easement to come onto our property as well as an invasion of our privacy, since these meters are designed to send unwanted radiation into our homes and retrieve personal data and information about us. Besides allowing for the monitoring and control of our gas and electricity usage, as well as the manipulation of energy prices, Smart technology has also been found to cause documented health problems. With the Smart Meter system, there is the additional risk of computers being hacked into and private information being stolen or abused. By remote control all electrical fixtures and appliances in our homes can be shut down or shut off at will after Smart Meters are installed. All of this is clearly a violation of our right to the control and use of our own property. (And at the same time it is empowering a “big brother” type of government). So what is really at stake here is whether the citizens of California and the rest of the United States will be able to continue to decide for themselves when and how to use gas and electricity in their own homes. And more importantly whether their inalienable Fourth Amendment right “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects” will be protected. Americans are beginning to realize that this plan to blanket the whole country and the world with Smart Meters is just one part of the UN’s Agenda 21 plan to control the lives and property of everyone on the planet through the elimination of individual liberty and national sovereignty. And although being implemented in the United States by stealth and deception, Agenda 21 was never approved by Congress nor by the American people and is therefore being implemented unconstitutionally. 31 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Such a plan to micromanage people’s lives is the hallmark of a Marxist-Socialist, or Corporate-Fascist state, and it has no place in a free society.” Lloyd Morgan, from Berkeley, a retired electronics engineer, and Senior Director of the Environmental Health Trust, who was one of the presenters at the Commonwealth Club’s seminar on “The Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields,” held November 18, 2010, (of which you will read in this same chapter): His business card says that he is also the Director of the “Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States.” He told me before the meeting that it takes about 30 years latency for the brain tumors to develop from radiation exposure, but that could be much faster with the constant use of cell phones, especially held close to the ear. He said in his testimony “that the federal health standards are ridiculous. The peak density of the smart meters is actually 2000 x higher than their minimal standards. He also said that the PG&E controls the CPUC. This must stop!” Sarah Riley, who is a health care practitioner, has seen the effect of EMF and RF on others and is hypersensitive, herself. She is constantly sick from the exposure to these emissions. She has heart palpitations, headaches, nausea. Larry Bragman, an attorney and the mayor of Fairfax, one of the cities that has a moratorium stopping Smart Meters from being installed. They passed their moratorium October 4, 2010. He said that there is a report coming from the California Department of Science and Technology due this month of December. He asked the Commission to wait on their decision until after they see this report. He also reminded them that EMF sensitivity is a protected condition under the Disabilities Act. Nancy Hoover is very EMF sensitive. She said that Smart Meters’ RF are a different exposure. They are much worse than any other Wi-Fi. She does not have a smart meter herself, but she is being affected by the one coming from her neighbor. She gets severe headaches. She put a metal wheelbarrow over their smart meter and then she did not have the symptoms. But once it was removed she got the headaches again. Alan Horne, from Sebastopol, one of the cities that have been discussing a moratorium in their city council, and, as yet, it is not being “deployed” by Smart Meters. He was trained in RF radiation during the Vietnam War as a military weapon. He knows how deadly it can be, so does the military. David Hubert, also from Sebastopol: He has a background in psychology and environmental science. He said that 1,200,000 people in California are hypersensitive to EMF. The number is growing. Karen Hudson, also from Sebastopol: She is a former public school teacher, a cancer survivor, who is very EMF sensitive. She said that DNA is affected by the EMF and RF radiation. Pulsed radiation at any strength is worse than a constant frequency and that is the kind of radiation given out by Smart Meters. She spoke of the scientists who presented information at the Commonwealth Club, Nov. 18. One of them said that “Smart Meters are the atomic bomb of radiation.” Industry can’t hide behind their own false tests anymore. The truth is coming out. Katharina Sandizell of Pt. Reyes. They got 600 signatures on a petition in their small town against Smart Meters. She and others are chasing the Wellington trucks out of town when they come to install the meters. She feels it is her responsibility to protect her 32 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  children’s health. It used to be government’s responsibility to provide for the safety of their citizens. That no longer seems to be the case. Mary Beth Brangan – “The assertion of safety that PG&E is making is based on the assumption that the Smart Meters comply with FCC guidelines in every case. But the FCC guidelines are irrelevant and obsolete. They don’t apply to non-thermal effects – only to what would cook your tissue. But even those obsolete and inadequate FCC guidelines are being violated in many real life circumstances where there are multiple or banks of meters and where children have access to them.” Merideth MCCarthy, a nutrition counselor: Many people are coming to her for help who are EMF sensitive. She thinks a second “Silent Spring” is going to come because of the smart meters and telecommunication. Glenn Chase – former professor, worked at a naval post. He said that non-ionizing radiation causes cell damage. What the FCC and PG&E are saying about smart meters is based on invalid science. Jennifer Delaney from Santa Rosa: “I have spoken to people that say their PG&E bill has gone way up to $400.00 and even $950.00 after they have had their smart meter installed. I also know of people whose health has been greatly impacted, for example: headaches, nausea, not being able to sleep at night, losing weight; some have not been able to hold a job; some believe the radiation is leading to cancer. There is a lower sperm count, and it seems to greatly affect autistic children. Smart Meters definitely harm people. I think the name "Smart Meter" should be changed to “dangerous meter and expensive, control meter!” Claudia Vick: “We need to listen to those who have EMF sensitivity. They are like the canaries in the coal mine, warning us about what lies ahead for all of us. Take some leadership. Please support a public hearing on Smart Meters.

The Final Vote: In spite of all the pleading testimonials that the Commission heard from people who were obviously suffering with dire health effects, they voted 4 to 1, to adopt the motion by PG&E and dismissed the request by the EMF Safety Network. They gave as their reasons, the FCC has ruled that the Smart Meters are safe, that “the RF emissions are only 1/6,000th of the Federal health standard at a distance of 10 feet and far below the RF emissions of many commonly used devices.” The report said they would not reopen their prior Smart Meter decisions, and “the proceeding is therefore closed.” The lone no vote was by Nancy Ryan. She said that she is aware of the many benefits. Smart Meters will reduce greenhouse gases. Many people will benefit from knowing how their homes use electricity. But the main reason she was voting no was that she thinks that they should wait for the scientific report to come out. And she is concerned about the privacy concerns. Many think that she was chosen to be the token no vote, just to make us feel a little better. I also found out from a member of EMF Safety Network, Mary Beth Brandon, that she and many of their group have met personally with the CPUC Commissioners in private meetings where the Commissioners saw graphs and so much scientific information showing how harmful the Smart Meters are, and yet they have blind eyes to what they see and still continue to vote the way they do. Some believe this is all about money. There is much money in the Smart Meters that will be made by PG&E and the other utility companies. With the information coming to them remotely of each household’s usage, they won’t have to pay for meter readers anymore. There is also much money to be made by the manufacturers of the new appliances requiring RF chips inside, and if some people are correct, the energy usage data being collected by the Smart Meters could be sold 33   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

by PG&E to the highest bidder for marketing strategies. Of course, PG&E denies that they would ever use the data for such purposes, but PG&E has been known to tell untruths before.

Smart Meters are Harmful to Workers - the People Installing Them:
The following is taken from a PDF file showing a letter that was written September 20, 2010 and sent to the Chairman of the Safety Committee at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1234, PO Box 2547, Vacaville, CA. The letter is written by a group of five union members and one disabled rights activist to warn union workers for PG&E and other electrical companies about the harmful effects of Smart Meters. The letter can be accessed at IBEW1245.pdf(48KB). The following is a summation of some of its main points: • • • • • PG&E is not telling the truth that the Smart Meters RF exposure is compliant with the FCC’s RF safety standards. “These lies will endanger you, your families, and the public safety at large.” No safety standards for long-term exposure actually exist in the U.S. (from a letter from Norbert Hawkins of the EPA’s Radiation Protection Division.) The safety standards that exist in other countries such as Russia and European Countries are far too limited. Smart Meters should be ruled illegal because of the health risks from their unshielded RF emissions. What are those risks? “Studies show that long-term RF, even at low frequencies, have neurological, immune and DNA affects, cause sleep disturbances, memory loss, learning and cognitive difficulties, trouble concentrating, spatial disorientation and slowed motor skills, increased blood pressure and heart rate, lower sperm count, miscarriages, chromosome aberrations, and cancer.” What are the health complaints already from the newly installed Smart Meters? They include sleep disturbances, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vertigo, nausea, loss of consciousness, pressure and ringing in the ears, hyper arousal and trouble concentrating, rashes, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, and sensation to previously tolerated wireless technology. It is too early to tell what the long-term effects will be. There are other safety concerns: In some cases, Smart Meters are interfering and causing the malfunction of RF medical equipment, such as pace makers. They interfered with a baby monitor and other household equipment. Smart Meters have also interfered with arc-fault circuit interrupters, which prevent fires. The letter cites examples of where a smart meter blew up in a business, fires were caused by the Smart Meters in a vacuum shop and in a restaurant. The SmartMeter program is fundamentally anti-labor. “Automation has always meant loss of jobs. Office closures are considered a benefit of the SmartMeter Program as shown on page 6 of the PG&E Monthly SmartMeter Steering Committee Report to the CPUC, July 2010. Once all of the Smart Meters are installed, most installers and meter readers will be out of jobs. The company’s health insurance will no longer be available to cover workers’ longterm health impacts resulting from working with toxic technology.” PG&E does not have a proven track record to make us want to trust them with decisions affecting the lives and well beings of our communities. They have a history of injury to workers, customers, and the environment and trying to cover up misdeeds. Here are just some of the most prominent ones that made it into the news: recent tragic fires in San Bruno (where 50 homes were burned and 7 people killed) which were caused by old PG&E leaky gas pipe lines; plutonium contamination in a children’s playground in Humboldt County; illegal PCB dumping in Santa Clara County; toxic waste in low income neighborhoods in San 34   









 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Francisco and San Mateo Counties; the infamous hexavalent chromium poisoning of Hinkley in San Bernardino County, which was litigated by Erin Brockovitch. (The story became a motion picture). This is just one more incident where funds that should have been used for maintenance and public safety were diverted instead into the pockets of management. PG&E are putting their workers at risk: Even in the municipalities that have resolutions or ordinances against installing smart meters, and in neighborhoods with posted signs against the meters, PG&E is still sending out their workers to install the meters, in some cases asking them to violate local laws. This is putting their workers in hostile environments and in harm’s way. Is there not a health and safety provision in your local union contract, which allows you to refuse to work under such dangerous conditions?



The letter ends with a plea for all fellow union members to join them in being true to the most basic traditions of the labor union movement, which dictates “Safety First, and Injury to One is Injury to All.” The letter asks for them to join in an immediate moratorium against the installing of any more Smart Meters, the removal of already deployed Smart Meters, and a refusal to implement this program any more unless it is being done by technology that would shield and protect against the RF such as DSL or fiber optic cables. If the union members have any questions or would like more information they can contact Isis Feral at 510-290-6577 or e-mail him at [email protected]. The letter ended with, “Let’s do what is best for our neighborhoods, not for the deep pockets of corporate CEOs.” The letter was signed by Isis Feral, a disabled rights activist, and the following union members: Barri Boone, member SEIU local 6434; Amy Coulter, member AFSCME, local 2428; Howard Keylor, retired longshoreman, member ILWU, local 10; Frank Lambert, retired teamster, member IBT, local 287; and Steve Zeltzer, Chairman, California Coalition for Workers Memorial Day. It then gave a page of websites giving the research for all of the claims they made in the letter. Smart Meters are Affecting Hearing: (Thanks to Sandi Maurer for the following froe-mails she received from people who belong to her EMF Safety Network, Sept. 22, 2011) David Haltom says: I was privately mentored in neuro chemistry and have an adept knowledge of brain functioning. I confronted an employee of the wellington energy services who was contracted to install the smart meters in Santa Cruz, Ca. I explained the peak audible frequency of human ears is 1-3hz. Smart meters running at 2.5hz obviously effects hearing. She gave me a horrified look and informed me that for the last 2 months she cannot hear (like her ears had been popped and wont stop ringing). She told me that there are other installers experiencing the same effects and made me promise I was not recording her as she could not afford to lose her job for what she was telling me. My ears feel pressure now and I am tingly and itchy all over my body after smart meter installation. Got all the way to PG&E top supervisor for smart meters and they could not answer any of my questions about frequency, hearing and the brain. Said there’s nothing I can do to stop the installation. HOW TO WE STOP THE METERS OURSELVES!?? THERE HAS GOT TO BE A DEVICE WE CAN BUY TO BLOCK THEM OR DISABLE THEM!? From a very upset neuro-chemist and a freedom stricken American! Let’s band together and stop this! Where is a Safe Place to Move to? Tom Horner wrote on September 21, 2011 at 11:04 pm I’m going through difficulties now because I found a bank of 14 SmartMeters near a workspace with a loft I was going to occupy, after I had put money down. I’m unhappy with myself for not having been lucid enough to find the meters earlier. I must have been hypnotized in a microwave haze. Because I refuse to commit myself to absolute misery, I’m backing out of the month-to-month arrangement and losing some money. What’s worse for me though is that I gave notice to move 35   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

out of my present situation (a house with one Smart Meter’s subtle effect on me) and have to leave, and still don’t where to. The bank of Smart Meters, while I won’t let them destroy me, (I feel like I might have aged at least 5 years in 6 months if I tried to stay) has in effect disrupted my life. You just can’t move into a space that looks good for the price anymore, you have to make sure it’s not a microwave oven in disguise. One night I stayed in the space to test it, and the next day experienced a peculiar heavy headed tired feeling, as well as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. I had attributed that to having worked every day for five weeks, involving some traveling and hard work, and thought I was further burned out from the disrupted night’s sleep in an unfamiliar place I hadn’t made my own yet. It’s now obvious to me I suffered badly from just one night’s exposure to the radiation. I can’t even use the workshop space for more than a half hour without feeling like my brains are getting zapped, and experience a numb emotional downer sensation in my head that can linger for hours, or even the rest of the day. This is a similar sensation I felt when working for a busing company, coming and going from a yard that had two cell phone microwave towers at its edge. I love California, but if there are going to be SmartMeters everywhere I’m either out of here, or PG@E will hear me, as they do now (better up the amperage on me guys) as someone who will actively oppose and expose their assault on the sane, clear, healthy, uplifting life anyone deserves. The problem is, the minority of extremely wealthy people who make the biggest profits simply don’t care if we suffer, as we’ve seen expressed and applauded in recent political debates. They aren’t ever satisfied, so why should we be so with our simple lives? Some surely like to see people struggle in pain. Smart Meters, like Mass Media, TV alcohol, drugs, etc., certainly are, on some spiritual level, insidious tools of negative powers used to confound and weaken people, rendering them powerless, and reducing them to the darkness of confusion, fear and anguish. If and when martial law comes, the Smart Meters could no doubt be used to manipulate and create further confusion and distress. It’s already happening as we read the sad stories here. They know it’s happening and apparently don’t care. This may reek of conspiracy theorizing, so be it. But I’m not saying this kind of diabolical activity was consciously planned. Most people involved at PG&E might actually think they serve some good environmental purpose beyond company profits their salaries. The point is that it is a negative trend and some power is persisting in this trend and ignoring the evidence of human suffering caused by the implementation. They want us to accept it like climate change and global warming, as more and more people drive bigger and bigger vehicles with Keep Tahoe blue bumper stickers. It’s a Smart Meter and it’s good for the environment. Oh, maybe one of my nutritional supplements will take care of that annoying pressure in my head…

“Medusa” Smart Meters will Serve as Multi-Data Collecting Devises
Deborah Tavares was told by a Southern California Edison employee, who, understandably, wishes to remain anonymous, some other disturbing information that we are not being told. One in every 500-600 homes has been chosen to have a different kind of a meter. This is a very special meter that will serve as a multi-data collecting devise. It will receive all the information coming from the other 500-600 homes in the area. Deborah has named these larger meters – the “Medusas!” These collecting meters will take the place of collecting tower like a mini cell phone tower. How is the home chosen to receive the special meter? They choose a good, faithful, reliable customer, who always pays his bills on time. What a nice reward for being a good customer! 36   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

One can only imagine the extra radiation that will be emitted from such a meter on the people who live inside that home and the surrounding homes close by. Rob States, the scientist who is speaking on the video clip “The Dark Side of Smart Meter” told us that he was speaking with a woman who was complaining of some enormous headaches ever since her smart meter was installed. He went to her home and found out that she did have the larger meter that must be collecting data from many other homes. It obviously has much more radiation emitting from it. This is a picture of a large medusa meter connected to a normal sized smaller meter. The medusa is connected to a telephone line, with which it must send its data to PG&E. Other medusas are wireless with no connections to phone lines. These meters were found on a panel surrounded by 32 other smart meters on the side of an apartment building located between North St. and Pacific Ave. in Santa Rosa, California. One can imagine how much radiation the people are receiving who live in the apartment on the other side of the panel where the medusa and 32 meters are located!

   

Notes from Attending the “Wireless Summit” at the Commonwealth Club, SF, 11/18/2010, “The Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields”
Why is the following information that was presented at the Wireless Summit important to the subject of Smart Meters? I mention again that we are being told by PG&E that “Smart Meters have no more radiation given out than cell phones or mobile phones, so there is nothing to worry about.” As we learned from the doctors and scientists who were the presenters at this summit, the effect of cell phone radiation and cell phone tower radiation on human health is very alarming, which makes Smart Meter radiation even more alarming, since we can’t turn it off. It will permeat our homes and affecting our health constantly. There was one presenter who specifically talked about Smart Meters and their effect on health. The summit began with introductions from William Grant and Camilla Reese, co-chairmen of the Health and Medicine Forum for the Commonwealth Club. Reese told of San Francisco’s efforts. They are the first city to require warnings on cell phone cartons. SF is a hot bed for EMF activity. There has been a big impact on health from cell phones and from the cell phone towers. She also said that there is a growing awareness of these health issues through the International EMF Alliance and from Paul Hawkin’s film, “Blessed Unrest.” She said that electro-magnetic frequencies are affecting people’s health, the eco-system, sustainability, and genetic material long term. “We must take a stand for life, and connect to our most deeply held values, our whole genetic footprint, health, harmony, peace, our true worth.” Presenters were doctors and scientists from various parts of Europe and America. The summit was divided into 4 panels:

Panel 1 - The History of Electromagnetic Pollution in our Midst: The first presenter was:
1) Eileen O’Connor, the director of the EMF Radiation Research Trust in the UK, and founding member of the International EMF Alliance, told how she got started doing her research after her 37   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

own health was greatly affected. She had sleep problems, headaches, dizzy spells, vertigo, and at age 38 she developed breast cancer. She discovered that she was part of a cancer cluster, all people who lived near a cell phone tower, that in the UK is called a “mast.” It was a T-Mobile mast that had been erected in 1994. By 2001, those who lived close by had developed not only breast cancer, but prostate cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer. Seventy percent of those in her village close to the tower had become ill. They found out that the tower radiation was also affecting the sperm count for males. By 2003, there had been such an uproar about this that the mast was forcibly removed. As soon as it was gone, people’s health problems remarkably improved, including fertility problems. O’Conner then started working for the EMF Radiation Research Trust and became the Director of the International EMF Alliance. In 2005, she appeared nightly on a national TV program for one week and there was a national debate about this subject in 2008, so more and more people in England are aware of this problem. Other Health Risks: O’Conner said there is a greater risk to children whose bodies are still developing. She believes cell phones for youth under the age of 18 should be banned. They are greatly affecting the brain, including loss of memory. Just after 24 hours, there is cell damage. Progress: The UK received $22.17 billion for a “save the males” campaign. They are warning all males to keep the cell phones out of their pockets. 2) Olle Johansson, PhD, Associate Professor and head of the experimental dermatology unit of neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and Professor at the Royal Institute of Technology. He is the author of over 500 articles dealing with the subject of basic and applied neuroscience and is a leading world authority in the field of EMF radiation and health effects and electrohypersensitivity. He traced the history of EMFs and the use of electricity from ancient Egyptians being aware of the electricity coming from electric eels, to static electricity from petting a cat, to Ben Franklin flying his kite and learning about lightning, to 19th century experimentation that developed the light bulbs, radio, television, video games, and now cell phones. They discovered the rays emitted effected the DNA of rat’s brains. He began questioning and was concerned about the dangers of cell phones back in June of 1996. His questions back then are still unanswered. He believes this is the largest full-scale human experiment ever. We are being used as guinea pigs. He said people no longer trust their government to tell them the truth. Back in 2000, EHS – electromagnetic hypersensitivity became recognized as a functional impairment. There have been several revealing reports since but people are not being told of the health risks. He said that research has shown that cell phones decrease the semen quality in men, that there are ill effects for the developing fetus of pregnant women, when they are exposed to cell phones. There is damage to plants when exposed to high microwaves. In 2009, a London resolution was passed that children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to have cell phones. 4. Magda Havas, PhD, Associate Professor of Environment and Resource at Trent University of Canada, where she teaches and does research on environmental contaminants including RF radiation, EMF, dirty electricity and ground currents. She spoke of the biological effects of microwave radiation, both thermal and non-thermal. She said there are affects to the nervous system, loss of hair, brittle nails, heart irregularities and diabetes. She told of the report of Dr. Zory Glazer, who was part of the U.S. Navy, and later worked for the government and the FDA. He had written more than 6,000 documents revealing the history of ill effects of RF and microwave radiation. Research had started in the 1920s, and they knew of the harmful effects in the 1950s. Havas co-authored with Camilla Reese a publication called “Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution.” Havas has also produced an educational series, “Zory’s Archives” that tells of Zory Glazer’s research, summarizing thousands of previously classified U.S. military research studies and translations from Eastern Europe and Russian research showing that radiation of the kind used by cell phones and Wi-Fi networks is extremely harmful to health. 3. Starling Childs, M.S. geologist, forestry consultant, adjunct faculty member at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Science, who is concerned about the electromagnetic radiation on 38   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

wildlife and nature. He told of the effect that EMF and RF waves are having on bee colonies. A study was done in Germany where they exposed some bee hives to a cordless phone. Of those in the exposed hives, only 40% made it back to the hives. The other hives that were not exposed to the phone, all the bees came back. Childs told of the effect that EMF was having on bat colonies. Since they rely on radar to guide them, they become confused and cross modulated by the radiation given out by cell phones. Millions of bats are disappearing where there is heavy use of cell phones and cell towers are located. Bats eat 80% of their body weight in insects such as mosquitoes. They are necessary to help keep the mosquito population down. Questions and Answers: (Questions are in bold, answers are left plain.) 1. Since there is a rise in the number of children who have autism and Asperger syndrome, is there a connection between these conditions and EMFs? There is no known study. 2. How do you find a doctor to treat these symptoms? Most don’t know very much about it. You need to bombard them with research. Help them to find the truth about it. 3. What are other symptoms people are developing? There is ringing in the ears; the blood cells clump together. That explains why so many people who are highly susceptible to EMF are getting cancer of the blood system and leukemia. EMF is tearing down the immune system. 4. What about the airport x-ray machines the TSA agents at airports are now starting to use as a way to “detect any terrorist,” how dangerous are they? The panel members all agreed that they are very dangerous, and just like all the other forms of EMF, the effect will be built up. After awhile there will be many more cases of the already mentioned symptoms being caused by these machines, especially for those who are frequent flyers. The panel members suggested that you keep your eyes closed if you go through the machine or they could be harmed by the radiation. 5. How can we convince parents to not use cell phones around children and to insist that children not be allowed to use them? Parents need to become more educated themselves about the harmful effects of cell phones. For that matter, parents need to become more educated about the harmful effects of all appliances, radios, televisions, computers, remote devices, telephones, microwave ovens, video games, even electric toothbrushes. We need to take a good look at all the electrical devices we have and decide is this really necessary? 6. What can we do ourselves? We need to clean up our own homes and environment; get rid of as much EMF as possible, especially in our bedrooms so we can sleep better. We need to build up our immune systems so we won’t be so susceptible to the EMF rays. Panel II – Perspectives on the Science: Impacts on DNA, Cells, Organs and the Body’s Regulatory Systems: The presenters were: Martin Blank, PhD, Associate Professor at Columbia University, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics; Joel Moskowitz, PhD, Director, Center for Family and Community Health, University of California, Berkeley; Lloyd Morgan, BS, lead author, “Cell Phones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern;” Morgan is a retired electronics engineer with 38 years of industrial experience. He is a brain tumor survivor himself. The moderator was Elizabeth Kelley, MA, founder of Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, Inc. 1. Dr. Martin Blank explained that there is damage to the fundamental molecules of the cells from ionizing radiation, gamma rays, x-rays, RF (radio frequency), EMF (electromagnetic frequencies) that are coming out of microwaves, cell phones, radio, television, and Smart Meters. You get biological reactions that are detrimental. The radiation breaks up the DNA and people develop cancer, sometimes long after the exposure. Cells make stress proteins (hsp) in reaction to harmful stimuli, changes in temperature, toxic ions, ph, alcohol, etc. Cells react to EMF as harmful and make the stress protein. EMF can cause the DNA molecule to come apart. Electrons can be made to move. Cell phones can damage nerve cells. They can cause blood brain barrier leaks, autism, Alzheimer. When you come across a situation that is potentially dangerous, you should use the 39   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

“precautionary principle” and not put something on the market until it is truly well tested. He does not believe that has happened. We need public ed campaigns to warn the public of the dangers. 2. Dr. Moskowitz also believes all mobile phones (not just cell phones) give increased risk for developing brain tumors, but we are not being given the truth about that risk. He reported of a study of 38,000 participants. Supposedly, the results were that “overall there was no association between mobile phone use and the risk of tumors.” However, the study was a little biased and did not meet “scientific best practices.” It was funded by the World Health Organization and the mobile phone industry. He showed a study with graphs. After a ten year period of mobile phone use, there were 2 times the number of brain tumors. The longer the duration and the heavier the use of mobile phones all give higher numbers of tumors. Heavy use of cell phones gives 82% higher risk of brain tumors. We do not hear of this because the mobile phone industry has buried the studies. They dismiss the tables. Moskowitz also believes EMF is harmful to the developing reproductive organs of children. Two-thirds of children over age 7 are using cell phones for an average of 2.5 hours per week. There are now 293 million Americans that have cell phones. We are likely to see a higher number of brain tumors with such high numbers of people using cell phones. Yet, the FDA, in May of 1010, in a national study said “there is no risk.” We need better safety standards with cell phone health hazards and radiation levels posted on the package of the cell phone or mobile phone at the time of purchase. The label should read, “warning, possible health risks associated with the use of this product: headaches, impaired immune system, tumors of hearing nerves, blood in brain barrier, brain cancer, reduced melatonin, genetic damage, interference with pace maker, eye problems, pressure or tingling in the head, etc.” It is our right as the consumer to know about these risks. Dr. Moskowitz handed out copies of an article he had written that was published in the San Francisco Chronicle, April 28, 2010, Open Forum section, p. A-14. The article was entitled, “Government must inform us of cell phone risk.” It tells how the wireless industry vigorously opposes any legislation that would demand that people should know how much radiation the cell phone or mobile phone emits. The industry argues that their phones comply with regulations, and there is no consensus about risks so people don’t need to know about them. The article asks the question “Do federal regulations adequately protect the public? Moskowitz believes the answer is definitely no. The FCC regulations are from 1996 and are based on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), a measure of heat generated by six minutes of cell phone exposure in an artificial model that represents a 200-pound man’s brain. Every cell phone model is mandated to state what the SAR is, but most manufacturers bury that somewhere in the homeowner’s manual, along with safety instructions to keep the phone at least an inch away from your body. Most people are clueless what SAR means and just ignore it if they do see it written. Moskowitz further argues, “Moreover, children and adults who weigh less than 200 pounds, are exposed to more radiation than our government deems ‘safe.’” Moskowitz states that laboratory scientists have found harmful effects from cell phones that emit less radiation than the FCC allows. Some scientists believe that the heat transfer is not what we should fear most. They have found the variation in the frequencies emitted by cell phones may be most hazardous. Nine other nations now have laws that mandate cell phone manufacturers to issue precautionary warnings on their phones. Moskowitz strongly believes our nation must do the same. “It is time for our government to require health warnings and to publicize simple steps to reduce the health risks of cell phone use. We cannot afford to wait.” (http://tinyurl.com/2baj2kdand http://sfg.ly/c0Fy9y.) 3. Lloyd Morgan agrees that the industry is not telling us the truth about the harmful effects of EMF. Sometimes it takes 30-40 years for the latency of brain cancer to develop once a person is exposed to the radiation. After 11 years of high usage of cell phones, the risk increases of brain cancer by 270-280%. The cell phone regulations are controlled by the cell phone industry and corporations. Questions and Answers: 40   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  1. How much radiation does a person receive from MRIs? Is that harmful to the body? They were not sure. Perhaps one could get an EMF meter and check it out. 2. What about mammograms? Some believe the radiation from them is harmful and could actually be contributing to the increased risk for breast cancer. 3. What about radiation from Lap top computers? They should not be placed on laps or close to bodies. Just as cell phones should not be carried in pockets. All the radiation that a person is exposed to is having a cumulative effect and could be the reason there is such a low sperm count in men and low fertility rate. 4. What can we do to protect our own health? We need to focus on the EMF rays close to each of us and try to eliminate them.

Panel III – Underappreciated Risks – Schools, Cell Towers, Dirty Electricity, Smart Meters: Presenters were: Magda Havas, PhD (already written about in Panel 1). She is author of “BRAG Antenna Ranking of Schools Report,” which teaches schools how to access radiation risk from neighborhood cell towers and antennas and educates on minimizing microwave radiation in schools generally. She is co-author of “Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution,” widely distributed to educate governments and the media of the biological effect of microwave radiation; Sam Millham, MD, MPH, retired physician-epidemiologist, Washington State Department of Health, author of Dirty Electricity: Electrification and the Diseases of Civilization; Elizabeth Kelly, MA, Founder of Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, Inc. and Moderator Camilla Reese, MBA, founder of ElectromagneticHealth.org., Campaign for Radiation Free Schools and the EMF Help Blog and co-author of Public Health SOS. 1. Magda Havas told of her research with micro wave ovens, Wi-Fi, computers, mobile phones, Smart Meters, i-pods, i-phones. The results showed that all of the radiation emitted is “timeweighted exposure.” The longer the exposure, the more serious the health effects. Wi-Fi is constant emitted radiation. Pulsed radiation (such as that of Smart Meters) is actually more harmful. She told of studies done on rats. The more the exposure to EMF the more their immune systems were effected and the rate of cancer went up. She told of parents in Ontario, Canada, who suspected that the Wi-Fis used at the public schools were making their children sick. Parents are pulling their children out and homeschooling to get away from them. Children and teachers are getting sick with both thermal and non-thermal radiation. They are reporting headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking. She also mentioned how harmful putting the computer was on your lap. It is exposing boy’s testicles and girl’s ovaries to radiation. In studies done of blood, it has been shown that use of wireless phones for ten minutes has caused the blood platelets to clump together. She spoke about cell phone antennas. The number of them and where they are can be found at www.antennasearch.com. She told of her “BRAG Antenna School Study” which told of 6,140 schools in 50 state capitol cities (plus Washington D.C.) and how close the schools were to cell towers. Fifty percent of the schools are in a “cautionary mode,” while ten percent are in a “dangerous mode.” For example, Boston has 747 antennas, many of which are very close to public schools. She calls this a microwave tsunami. The health risks are enormous. 2. Dr. Sam Millham, spoke about his book Dirty Electricity: Electrification and the Diseases of Civilization. He mentioned various diseases that he believes are being caused by EMF: cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, suicide, looming epidemics of lymphatic leukemia, so much cancer in young children. You don’t see any of these diseases in countries without electricity nor do you see these diseases among the Amish in our own country, because the Amish refuse to allow any electricity in their villages. He also told of the high rate of leukemia and brain cancers in electrical workers. He showed a graph of the rate of leukemia in cities verses those still on farms from 1920 to 1950. He believes 41   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

the farms had far less leukemia because they did not get hooked up to electricity until much later than the cities. He told of cancer clusters that are happening in schools were so many teachers are coming down with cancer because their schools are exposed to so much EMF radiation. He was threatened with a law suit to come to one of the schools and talk to the teachers about this. One school had a cell tower right on campus. Teachers were reporting that the kids were becoming unruly and unteachable. (Http://sammillham.com; emfields.com-privacy-TUPN.) 3. Elizabeth Kelly, spoke about Smart Meters and how people are allowing all sorts of things for convenience sake, not even questioning the health aspects. Smart Meters are one of those. This will be the largest technological development in history and will require people to change their behaviors in their own private homes. The smart meter grid will be federally regulated under the US grid infrastructure. Money is allocated from the Stimulus money to push this through across the nation as fast as they can. Some of the people behind the Smart Meters are from both Democrats and Republicans: Bill Clinton, Tim Worth, Carl Pope, T-Bone Pickins. They are celebrating their enormous success so far. There has been no EIS (environmental impact study) done on the meters. That was waived. By September 2010, there was 50% “roll up” of the solid blue states. She also believes this will affect not only people within their own homes but the air quality outside homes with so much radiation being sent from the smart meters to the cell towers where it will be collected. Kelly mentioned the book Zapped by Dr. Anna Marie Kittleman, who was also in attendance and was introduced to the audience. Her book tells of the personal lives of many people who have been affected health wise from EMF radiation, including herself. It also tells of the connection between dirty electricity and cell towers and the harmful radiation emitted. Kelly stated that everything should be done to prevent the meters from being installed and to remove the meters from your walls. There is so much research that shows the damage to human cells that would be coming from the meters. She also believes the movement to promote all electric cars will be even worse for our health. If we have to resort to home-powered generators, that will also create levels of concern. How do we stop the CPUC from imposing their will on us? We must apply the precautionary method. We also must inform more people and get them to listen and be concerned. Panel IV – Toward the Future – New Recommended Exposure Guidelines – the Rationale? Presenters were Olle Johansson, PhD and by video Gabriel North Seymour, Esq. and Whitney North Seymour Jr., Esq., who are a daughter and father team fighting to protect individual Constitutional rights and nature and wildlife against non-ionizing radiation; David O. Carpenter, MD, who serves as the director of the Institute for Health and Environment at the University of Albany’s School of Public Health; B. Blake Levitt, a science journalist and author of “Electromagnetic Fields, a Consumer’s Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselves,” and “Cell Towers, Wireless Convenience of Environmental Hazard?” The moderator was Sissel Halmoy, M.S., founder and chair of International EMF Alliance and Secretary General for Citizen’s Radiation Protection in Norway. Sissel Halmoy stated that human lives are at stake and our children are at risk. Governments must take action now. There is no time to wait. Olle Johansson said that cell phones expose the world to world-wide radiation. There must be biologically-based human exposure standards and safety measures. He reported that the EU parliament voted 522 to 16 to recommend tighter safety standards for cell phones. However, the cell phone industry is left up to do the regulating of themselves. It is not in the public interest to wait. Elderly, ill, children, and developing fetuses are the ones most at risk. Women who are of child-bearing age and men who wish to retain their fertility are also at risk. 42   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

People who are susceptible to EMF are legally classified as “functionally impaired” by a UN Convention on human rights of impairment. EMF interferes with normal brain function, learning, fertility, etc. Anyone who says that is not the case are quoting out of date guidelines. The Video: Gabriel North Seymour, Esq. A 35-year study of EMF has revealed many health risks, but the industry does not want us to know about them. According to the Tenth Amendment, the power should be left to the states and the people to say no to these. We must continue to speak out. Nothing should be forced upon us from the federal government. Mr. Whitney North Seymour, Jr. Esq. stated that the industry is saying “there is no solid proof of any health risks.” That is not true. The evidence is overwhelming. As a former state senator and US Attorney, he understands the workings of government. He stated that “Congress is bought and paid for.” Many Congressmen are getting campaign contributions, etc. from the EMF industry. A Verizon cell tower baste station costs $9 million a year. Wireless carriers go out 24 hours a day. The only protection against the radiation they emit is distance. A person needs to live and work at least 1500 feet away from the towers. Cancer rates are at least 3x higher for those who live within the 1500 ft. radius. Blake Levitt: stated “If you believe in a Constitutional Democracy you have the tools to make it work for you.” She quoted Al Manwell from the Department of Fish and Wildlife who said “Air is habitat.” If we can get that legal then EMF radiation, what is being transferred in the air, would be called “air pollution. What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves and Homes From Electro-Smog? The panel gave the following good suggestions: • Be careful and take precautions to reduce influences that drain and weaken our immune system: • Give preference to electronic devices with low amounts of radiation, for example, computer monitors with the latest TCO standards, or even better, use LCD screens. • Distance is the main rule for reducing the influence of electro-smog. Try to avoid direct contact with your body. Never use your lap top computer on your lap. (It is believed the radiation emitted is lowering the sperm count in men and also affecting women’s reproductive organs.) Keep your computer as far away from your body as possible and sit back at least six feet from your TV screen. • Reduce the use of wireless devices: Use the speakerphone option on your cell phone and cordless phone. Never place them next to your ear. It is best to make long calls from a landline, not a cordless telephone. • Avoid having electronic equipment in your bedroom. This includes radio alarm clocks (especially those with red digits), TV sets, video equipment and stereos. Unplugging the equipment when you go to sleep is insufficient, since monitors and TV sets take many hours to discharge entirely. (http://www.biodisc2u.com/esmog.htm.

Smart Meters and Other Forms of Wireless Technology and Their Effect on Pace Makers and Other Medical Devices: Radiofrequency Interference with Medical Devices.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Medicine and Biology Magazine 17(3):111-114 (1998) http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/embs/comar/interfer.htm   The past few years have seen increased reports that medical devices, such as pacemakers, apnea monitors, electrically powered wheelchairs, etc., have failed to operate correctly because of interference from various emitters of radiofrequency energy. 43   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  This condition is called radiofrequency interference (RFI). The consequences of these failures range from inconvenience to serious injuries and death. Reasons for this problem are twofold: 1) increasing numbers of electronically controlled medical devices with inadequate electronic protection against RFI, and 2) a significant increase in the number of RF sources in the environment. Medical devices are widely used outside the hospital and may be attached to, or implanted in, patients. Portable wireless communications equipment, including cellular phones, handheld transceivers, and vehicle mounted transceivers, comprise one of the largest sources of RFI. Some medical devices are especially sensitive to the type of digital modulation that some of the wireless communications devices utilize.

The article gives examples of some of the hundreds of incidents where RF induced medical device failures have been reported. Since this article was written back in 1998, before Smart Meters were being installed, it does not mention them as one of the RF wireless devices that would cause problems. But since PG&E tells us that Smart Meters have the same radiation as cell phones, then obviously, there would be the same effects. Effects of RF Interference with Medical Devices - Happening with Smart Meters as well: 1) In the mid-1980s approximately 60 infants died because the apnea monitor that was to detect breathing cessation malfunctioned because of interference from low RF field coming from a mobile communication base several hundred meters away and from FM radio broadcast stations more than one kilometer away. 2) Electrically powered wheelchairs have been affected by RFI from nearby emergency vehicles and in one case caused a person to be ejected from the wheelchair or propelled into traffic. 3) Cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators have been affected by nearby digital cellular phones causing a loss of pacemaker adaptive control, resulting the pacemaker functioning irregularly or going back to a preprogrammed fixed rate. Cellular phones have also been shown to cause unintended firings of implantable cardiac defibrillators. 4) Implanted hearing aids have also been disrupted by cellular telephones, that use pulse modulated time division multiple access (TDMA), have been found to disrupt the proper operation of in-the-ear hearing aids. This type of interference also occurs in behind-the-ear hearing aids, making it impossible for wearers of this device to be able to use this type of phone. Disclaimer from Southern California Edison Admitting they are Uncertain of the Safety of Smart Meters: In a September 2010 article “Understanding EMF” written on a paper called Business Connection, the following statement was made about the health risks, “Given the uncertainty of the issue, the medical and scientific communities have been unable to determine that usual residential exposures to EMF cause health effects or to establish any standard or level of residential exposure that is known to be either safe or harmful. These conclusions remain unchanged by recent studies.” Pretty ambiguous isn’t it? Kind of makes one think that this is their disclaimer against any sort of a law suit. They can say, “Well, we never really told you they were safe, nor did we say they were unsafe.”

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter Three
Other Harmful Effects of Smart Meters – Safety and Security Issues SMART METERS ARE NOT UL CERTIFIED
Underwriters Laboratory Confirms Meters Not Safety Tested, Raising Fire Safety Fears: Capitola- During a meeting last week in which they joined six other local governments who have passed laws criminalizing the installation of wireless ‘smart’ meters, the Capitola City Council discovered that the wireless ‘smart’ meters that CA utilities are trying to install are in fact not certified by Underwriters Laboratory, a certification that is required under the state electrical code for all electrical appliances and equipment within the home. The lack of certification was confirmed by Karl Moeller, a senior engineer with UL earlier today: Product certifications can be verified by going to www.UL.com then scroll down to the bottom and click on "on-line certifications directory." You can search for active certifications at the On-line Certifications Directory... In summary, I am unable to confirm these devices as being UL certified. Best Regards, Karl E. Moeller Senior Customer Service Engineer II HVAC, Appliances, and Lighting Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 1285 Walt Whitman Road Melville, NY 11747 The revelation came after Councilmember Termini, who is an electrician by trade, asked PG&E about the certification. After PG&E staff went to their car to fetch a ‘Smart’ Meter, the council and PG&E spent several minutes unsuccessfully trying to locate the UL symbol on the meter. This convinced Council-member Termini that an immediate ordinance was required to protect public safety. A number of fires that started in the new wireless meters have been reported, and last month a whistle-blower from Wellington Energy- PG&E’s installation contractoralleged serious breaches in safety procedures by installers, who are temp workers- not trained professionals as required by the Federal Communications Commission. Reports of fires, shorts, and electrocutions are also being reported in other countries where ‘Smart’ Meters are being installed, such as Australia. (see http://bit.ly/fWUqA7) “Gov. Brown must immediately act to remove President of the CPUC Michael Peevey, a former executive with Southern California Edison, who has been a symbol of the agency’s coziness with utility companies, a coziness that contributed to the San Bruno disaster as well as the current ‘Smart’ Meter debacle. The CPUC simply isn’t doing its job and it needs a change of leadership,” said Joshua Hart, Director of Stop Smart Meters! *Counties of Santa Cruz, Marin, Mendocino, and Cities of Watsonville, Fairfax, and Rio Dell have criminalized smart meter installations. A total of 26 local governments in California have demanded an immediate moratorium. For more information go to: http://stopsmartmeters.org 45   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Fire Hazards of Smart Meters
Interview with the Wellington Energy Whistleblower A former Wellington employee reveals the dangers of unqualified, untrained employees with no electrical experience installing the Smart Meters. (Posted on January 26, 2011 by onthelevelblog.) www.Stop Smartmeters.org. - Website of the Scotts Valley Neighbors Against Smart Meters

A picture of the Wellington Energy trucks used for the “deployment” of the Smart Meters. The following is an excerpt from the interview with a former Wellington employee who wishes to remain anonymous: (SSM stands for Stop Smart Meters. Org. and WW is for Wellington Worker.) SSM: Thank you for getting in touch with us. What made you want to come forward? WWW: I’m disgusted by what I’ve seen. PG&E and Wellington need to make the public aware that there are risks with these things. They need to come clean about the emissions of harmful radio waves, potential arcing etc. No one is taking the steps necessary to protect the public. People need to be aware the risks that are being taken with their homes and with their lives. SSM: How long did you work for Wellington and where were you based? WW: I worked at the Capitola yard from June until the beginning of September 2010, when they abandoned the yard following community protests. After that, I worked out of the San Jose yard until the end of September when I was laid off. I primarily installed in the Santa Cruz Mountains. SSM: What is your opinion of PG&E and Wellington Energy? WW: The only thing they are concerned with is money. Safety was an afterthought. SSM: What was your experience with the public? Are people happy to have these devices installed on their homes? WW: Most people who had looked into the issue on their own did not want the meters installed. We were dealing with an increasingly resistant public. Forcing these meters on people makes the job really difficult and stressful. A few of my colleagues reported that the police were called on them multiple times. SSM: The FCC requires that these devices be installed by trained professional electricians. What kind of training did you receive prior to working as a ‘Smart’ Meter installer? 46   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

WW: We received only two weeks of training before they sent us out to do the installations. Though the procedure is relatively simple, if you get it wrong this can lead to arcing, shorts, even house fires. The blades on the back of the meter have to be aligned properly with the jaws on the socket the meter gets placed in. I kept hearing one of the managers say, “you guys weren’t trained properly.” SSM: What did he mean? WW: Many of the installers would come back to the yard and report that they had come across meters that were hanging by an electrical wire, or other clearly unsafe conditions. There was a lot of pressure on workers to install as many meters as possible in a day in order to earn bonuses. One employee went out into the Santa Cruz Mountains, and I think he is still out there somewhere he got so disoriented. Needless to say, improper training, and being under incredible pressure, there HAS TO be error, especially with new people working in new territory. I overheard numerous times while at work, “you could have burned that goddamned house down.” SSM: Did you personally come across safety hazards? What happened when you tried to report them? WW: The more you called Wellington, the worse it looked on your record- because you’re wasting time. I saw sparks coming from one of the meters on a home. I reported it but am not sure what- if anything- was done. SSM: Based on your observations while working for Wellington, what are your fears about the risks they are taking with the public’s safety? WW: First off I can only speak about what I personally observed. I believe - based on what I observe - that there is a chance that due to inadequate training some meters were not installed properly. I do feel that Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Corralitos, to name a few should be informed enough to prepare for what could realistically turn into another San Bruno. (Emphasis added.) SSM: Of course, at the time of the explosion, San Bruno was 100% installed with Smart Meters. Are you aware that PG&E and the CPUC have not yet responded to questions about what safety precautions they took while installing Smart Meters adjacent to gas lines? Seems like a fairly reasonable question given that the technology can generate sparks. WW: It really doesn’t surprise me that they haven’t answered questions regarding the smart meters and San Bruno. When I asked one of my managers who was in charge of training, “is it possible in your opinion that a fire could start from an arc from a meter located above a gas meter” (which always has some blow off gas emitting from it) he would not give me a direct answer! He avoided the question like the plague, quoting some plumber he knew and on and on, avoiding an answer. Could the San Bruno fire have been started by an arc from a meter? I’ll let you decide. The definition of an electrical arc is: “a sustained luminous discharge of electricity across a gap in a circuit.” The definition of ignition: the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture. Gas is a fuel. I’ll leave it at that. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put it all together.

Smart Meters Can Be Hacked
Written by Jordon Robertson, AP Technology Writer, March 26, 2010 (http://www.TheBusinessJournal.Com/Energy/4343-AP-Exclusive-Smart-Meters-Can-Be-Hacked) (AP) — Computer-security researchers say new "Smart" Meters that are designed to help deliver electricity more efficiently also have flaws that could let hackers tamper with the power grid in previously impossible ways. At the very least, the vulnerabilities open the door for attackers to jack up strangers' power bills. These flaws also could get hackers a key step closer to exploiting one of the most dangerous capabilities of the new technology, which is the ability to remotely turn someone else's power on and off. The attacks could be pulled off by stealing meters — which can be situated outside of a home 47   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

— and reprogramming them. Or an attacker could sit near a home or business and wirelessly hack the meter from a laptop, according to Joshua Wright, a senior security analyst with InGuardians Inc. The firm was hired by three utilities to study their Smart Meters' resistance to attack. These utilities, which he would not name, have already done small deployments of Smart Meters and plan to roll the technology out to hundreds of thousands of power customers, Wright told The Associated Press. There is no evidence the security flaws have been exploited, although Wright said a utility could have been hacked without knowing it. InGuardians said it is working with the utilities to fix the problems. Power companies are aggressively rolling out the new meters. In the U.S. alone, more than 8 million Smart Meters have been deployed by electric utilities and nearly 60 million should be in place by 2020, according to a list of publicly announced projects kept by The Edison Foundation, an organization focused on the electric industry… …There are few public studies on the meters' resistance to attack, in part because the technology is new. However, last summer, Mike Davis, a researcher from IOActive Inc., showed how a computer worm could hop between meters in a power grid with smart meters, giving criminals control over those meters. Alan Paller, director of research for the SANS Institute, a security research and training organization that was not involved in Wright's work with InGuardians, said it proved that hacking Smart Meters is a serious concern. "We weren't sure it was possible," Paller said. "He actually verified it's possible. ... If the Department of Energy is going to make sure the meters are safe, then Josh's work is really important." …Industry representatives say utilities are doing rigorous security testing that will make new power grids more secure than the patchwork system we have now, which is already under hacking attacks from adversaries believed to be working overseas. …Wright said his firm found "egregious" errors, such as flaws in the meters and the technologies that utilities use to manage data from meters. "Even though these protocols were designed recently, they exhibit security failures we've known about for the past 10 years," Wright said. He said InGuardians found vulnerabilities in products from all five of the meter makers the firm studied. He would not disclose those manufacturers. One of the most alarming findings involved a weakness in a communications standard used by the new meters to talk to utilities' computers. Wright found that hackers could exploit the weakness to break into meters remotely, which would be a key step for shutting down someone's power. Or someone could impersonate meters to the power company, to inflate victims' bills or lower his own. A criminal could even sneak into the utilities' computer networks to steal data or stage bigger attacks on the grid. Wright said similar vulnerabilities used to be common in wireless Internet networking equipment, but have vanished with an emphasis on better security. For instance, the meters encrypt their data — scrambling the information to hide it from outsiders. But the digital "keys" needed to unlock the encryption were stored on data-routing equipment known as access points that many meters relay data to. Stealing the keys lets an attacker eavesdrop on all communication between meters and that access point, so the keys instead should be kept on computers deep inside the utilities' networks, where they would be safer. “That lesson seems to be lost on these meter vendors," he said. That speaks to the "relative immaturity" of the meter technology, Wright added.

Chapter 4

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Freedoms, Property Rights, Privacy Issues, “Big Brother’s” Control and Rationing of Energy
“It is not possible to make a lasting compromise between technology and freedom, because technology is by far the more powerful social force and continually encroaches on freedom through repeated compromise.” Ted Kaczynski, the “Unibomber” written in his “Manifesto,” published in the New York Times in 1995 For those who do not remember the Unibomber, Ted Kacznski, the following is a little background information. He was a gifted child prodigy, but a social recluse who never fit in. He graduated from Harvard at age 16, earned a PhD in math from the University of Michigan at age 25. That same year he became an assistant professor of math at Berkeley, the youngest they had ever hired. However, after just two short years, Kacznski resigned his position and moved back to live with his parents in Lombard, Illinois. Ten years later he moved to a remote cabin in Montana that he built himself which had no electricity or running water. Thinking he was doing his part to help save the earth, he became totally self-sustaining, but also a recluse, who, many believe because of his paranoia about saving mother earth, became mentally ill. After watching the wilderness around his home being destroyed by development, he decided the real enemy was “industrialized civilization” and began a bombing campaign against it. From 1978 to 1995, he sent 16 bombs to targets including universities and airlines, killing three people and injuring 23. He sent a letter to The New York Times on April 24, 1995, and promised "to desist from terrorism" if the Times or The Washington Post would publish his manifesto. They both did so hoping that maybe his style of writing would help reveal who he was. His article entitled Industrial Society and Its Future became known as the "Unabomber Manifesto." In it he argued that his bombings were extreme but necessary to attract attention to the “erosion of human freedom necessitated by modern technologies requiring large-scale organization.” What is also interesting, Kacznski’s Manifesto was very similar to the book he cherished, Earth in the Balance by Al Gore. A radio host for KSFO radio in 1996, Geoff Metcalf, read excerpts from both writings and the audience were to call in and see if we could tell them apart. We couldn’t. They were so similar. The FBI had launched a massive hunt to find Kacznski and had labelled him the “Unibomber,” since he seemed to be all alone and loved to send bombs. It was Kacznski’s brother and sister-inlaw who were the ones who recognized something in his writing that made them think it was he and tipped off the FBI. When he was found in his cabin, there were bomb making materials, a copy of his Manifesto and a copy of Al Gore’s book. He was found guilty and is now serving a life sentence in prison for murder. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Kaczynski.) Never did I think I would ever agree with anything the Unibomber had written, but the statement at the beginning of this chapter about technology and loss of freedoms is certainly true as we learn more about the Smart Meters. The quote by Kacznski was actually found in a popular magazine, the Eonomist, in a 14-page special report on smart systems, the Smart Meter and smart grid, November 6-12, “It’s a Smart World.” Since the article is a joint effort of businesses who have much to gain from the smart grid and Smart Meters (such as IBM, Cisco, Accenture, eMeter, ABI Research, Lux Research, and SAP), most of it is very supportive of the convenience, ease, efficiency, and amazement of all that will be possible when we are all connected to the smart grid. They also believe it will solve many environmental problems, “in particular global warming.” “Horror Worlds:” Towards the end, the 14-page article does try to devote at least one page to giving a little of the other side with a section entitled “Horror Worlds,” where it gives some major 49   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

issues to be concerned about – mainly loss of privacy and government surveillance. But not once in the entire 14 pages does it address any health issues. Major Issues of Concern with Smart Systems: 1. Turning our world into a surveillance society: “Some citizens have expressed discomfort at living in not a safer society but a surveillance society,” said Sam Palmisono, the boss of IBM... He cited a newspaper article recounting that there are now 32 closed-circuit cameras within 200 yards of the London flat in which George Orwell wrote his book, 1984 [about “Big Brother” watching our every move.] [I’m sure if Orwell were to come back and see his London now, he would say his book has come true.] 2. Possibility of the Smart Meters and other wireless machines being hacked: Hackers have become so sophisticated, nothing is too hard for them to hack into. The article mentions the “Stuxnet worm” and the May “flash crash” on Wall Street as examples of amazing hackers. 3. Turning our world into a Matrix: The article gives the possibility that the machines could become so powerful and able to control every aspect of people’s lives that our world could become like the movie “The Matrix.” 4. People will rely too much on the smart systems and their data collecting abilities: Since humans cannot cope with the huge amounts of data collected by the machines, the machines themselves will increasingly make the decisions that we should be making ourselves. 5. People’s creativity and thinking will be affected: Nicholas Carr, author of the book, “The Shallows,” claims that the internet, the mother of all smart systems, is on its way to smothering creativity and profound thinking. 6. People will be replaced with machines. Unemployment will increase: Paul Saffo, a Silicon Valley technology forecaster, expects all the wireless technology to give a huge boost to productivity, but not so many humans will be needed. It will all be run by machines. There will be many without work. 7. Difficult to pass laws as oversight of smart systems: Concerns raised will be hard to deal with. There would be little point in passing laws that give individual the right to decide whether their data can be used by smart meters, when so much of their lives are already under surveillance through cameras, computers, cell phones and other sensors. “Building in circuitbreakers to keep automation from going too far could defeat the purpose of smart systems and stifle innovation.” 8. For some regulatory laws to pass there must be openness, but there are few people who understand the systems: “The biggest risk is that smart systems become black boxes, closed even to citizens who have the skills to understand them. Smart systems will make the world more transparent only if they themselves are transparent.” (The Economist, “It’s a Smart World,” November 6, pp. 3-18, Economist.com/specialreports.)

Who is Liable? The Effect of Smart Meters on Land Developers and Landlords - The Deborah Tavares Story
Deborah Tavares and her husband Louis are the ones to whom many of us owe the most thanks for waking us up to the health hazards and the infringement on property rights of the Smart Meters. Here is their story of how they first became concerned and involved. This should be of special interest to others who also make their living from property – either as land developers, land lords or real estate agents: My husband and I were land developers and owners in Southern California for 30+ years. We built many multi-family housing developments some of which we still own. We are 3rd generation builders and built from dirt to keys (builder phrase from start to finish). We always had to provide environmental impact studies prior to ever pulling our 50   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  building permits. It is through our experience with tenants and environment studies that our smart meter journey began. We learned that the utility companies environmental impact studies were WAIVED, a BIG RED Flag for us, particularly when one utility company told us that the Smart Meter project was not large enough to require such a study. We became exceedingly concerned as we learned more about the Smart Meter project, the required appliance change outs, the remote power shut downs, the increased utility costs, the uninsurable liability consequences, the waived environmental impact study and the complete control at a button that a utility company would have IN OUR HOMES 24/7/365. This is a rationing program designed to reduce “global warming” concerns by reducing our “carbon foot print.” PG&E said it will be about customer behavior changes, when we use appliances in our homes and what appliances they are. They do not appear to be the least bit concerned about the evidence presented to them by the medical and scientific community of the health hazards - that the untested levels of the cumulative RADIATION is harmful. Many of our tenants questioned what we would do when and if the radiation effects would impact them by the meters that were to be attached to their units on our buildings. I checked with several insurance companies and was told there was no environmental insurance coverage available for these "likely" claims. In fact I was told this could become as large a lawsuit potential as Big Tobacco. We became involved with several local groups that were providing local, national and international information regarding the EMF and RF levels of effects. I was invited by PG&E, our electric and gas company, to participate in a Customer Advisory Group as one of ten Sonoma County PG&E Customers. That offered me the unique opportunity to speak to their legal council. I asked just how PG&E would weigh in if tenants were to allege symptoms from the radiation. The attorney said PG&E would not be responsible or liable since PG&E was being mandated by the CPUC (California Public Utility Commission). In short, property owners with tenants would become the first line of legal defense should class action law suits occur. It was the utilities requirement on us with their installers and equipment that was being placed on our buildings that they would not stand behind. We requested a “hold-harmless” or to be “indemnified against insurance claims,” and they further refused. We asked to be assured on their letter head that the folks concerns were not a problem, that after all the utility companies must be certain there were no safety concerns or they would not be installing millions of the smart meters. The utility company would not offer any such assurance. In fact, the utility said that International, National and California studies did not prove that the EMF/RF was either safe or harmful. I started RefuseSmartMeter.com and have since gone to various groups alerting folks to the smart meter concerns. I have spoken to the Eagle Forum with Orlean Koehle, who knows the national President Phyllis Schafly and connected me with her. That is how I was invited to be on her radio show. To date many of our local groups and 20+ cities and counties have backed moratoriums against further deployment of the Smart Meters in their communities. We have just added two actions the folks can take to oppose the Smart Meters. If your utility company has NOT YET installed a Smart Meter on your property OR if they ALREADY HAVE - YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. GO to RefuseSmartMeter.com and download the action, it's either a small claims court law suit or a NOTICE tell everyone you know to submit one of these two actions that applies to them, immediately! 51 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  There are a growing number of people who are now aware of the dangers of this smart meter program and this awareness is spreading across the nation. Learn more go to RefuseSmartMeter.com and NoSmartMeters.org.

Introduction to the Video – “The Dark Side of Smart Meters.”
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLeCTaSG2-U) This is an excellent video that makes one aware of the "dark side" of smart meters, mainly from health and privacy issues. The man speaking, Rob States, has several masters degrees in science; one from MIT; he is an engineer and has made microwave synthesizers; he knows all about the chips that are inside the meters, he is an expert on pulse-power generation. He gives proof that the radiation given out by the meters can be very dangerous to one's health. He also believes the Smart Meters are a violation of our 4th Amendment privacy rights. The chips inside the meters have the capability of knowing exactly when and what appliance or electrical device you are using. They can store that data and it could be sold to the highest bidder. He said this would fulfill the marketing dream of people wanting to sell you products: They already have step 1 and 2: Step 1) Bar codes on products tell them what you are buying; Step 2) The customer card identifies you - tells them who bought the product; and now Step 3) the Smart Meter can tell them when, where, and how the product is being used. Mr. States believes that could have "an extraordinary amount of marketing value." The goal is to have all your appliances with RF "smart-enabled devices" inside so your Smart Meter can better "talk to" them. The video can be seen at www.refusesmartmeter.com. At the end of the video more websites are given: EMF Safety Network.org; StopSmartMeters.wordpress.com; EONSEMFblog.net; and Bioinitiatives.org.

Appliances that will have the Chips for the Smart Meters to “Talk to” and the U.S. Senate Bill Authorizing them:
(From Deborah Tavares:) “These are rolling out in 2012, and the current non-chipped appliance version will be phased out. Lowell’s has confirmed this, and Home Depot already has the water heaters (GE). If you really want to STOP this we must start defunding the EPA and start aiming at FERC. (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). If a monster is coming you want to aim at the heart of the matter. Of course we MUST do what we can, lets aim higher.”

Stop Mandatory RF Appliances – Stop Federal Bill S. 3925
(From Sandi Maurer, sent on e-mail Nov 16, 2010, at 11:53 AM) Sandi Maurer wrote: “Appliances are coming OUT just as indicated. Here's a bill that would implement "Smart" interfaces in appliances. It also deals with efficiency, but keep reading. Starting in Section 8, begins language about the Smart Grid. This is a bill we need to expose and defeat now before it gets a head of steam. It appears to be done all in the name of "efficiency." http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-3925 P.S. In case you missed it, also attached is the FCC letter to Michael Boyd of CARE saying his Smart Meter concerns are under CPUC jurisdiction. S. 3928 - Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreement (in other words 52   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Smart Appliances) This Bill is still in committee....but this is what they want to do to all appliances. The Bills outline is attached in the pdf file. Got this info from Thomas.gov http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:s3925: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-3925 Smart Grid - appliance mfgs are getting on board already and are lobbying heavily for S. 3925...... http://www.appliancedesign.com/Articles/SmartGrid.” The Smart Grid appliances and resources listed on the above websites are the following: Omron and STMicroelectronics Enable Smarter Gas Metering: At the heart of the cooperation is a proprietary Omron transducer and a companion analog front-end chip developed by ST. These technologies have been integrated into a complete stand-alone subsystem. Accent Secures 5 Million Euros in Funding to Expand Smart Grid Technology Offerings: The funding will be used to accelerate development and productization of communication technologies for system-on-chip solutions required by smart meter and emerging smart home applications. Fairchild Semi Focuses on Smart Grid Technology at Electronica 2010: Fairchild Semiconductor will demo its latest technological advancements for power solutions that focus on the smart grid at electronica 2010. Focus on Innovation: A Smart Washer With Perfect Timing: Austin, Texas-based Freescale Semiconductor and European appliance manufacturer Indesit Co. have designed a Smart Washer that can control its own energy use based on cost and availability. by Genevieve Diesing You Are Now Connected: Manufacturers bring wirelessly enabled smart appliances quickly to the market- place. by Derrick Lattibeaudiere and Abhinay Venuturmilli Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. to Implement One of the Largest Smart Meter Programs in North America: Deployment of smart meters to result in enhanced service reliability and customer service for BGE's 1.2 million customers. Silver Spring Networks Smart Energy Platform to Assist Indianapolis Power & Light Co: IPL is funding the project, in part, through a $20 million smart grid investment grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Tennessee Utility Co. Chooses Smart Grid Technology Platform: With so many technology platforms to choose from in the current market, wading through the pros and cons of each technology can be a laborious task. Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. to Implement Smart Grid: The project should provide $2.5 billion worth of savings to BGE customers. AHAM Calls for New Efficiency Standards: Home appliances manufacturers call for improved national efficiency standards and tax credits in the U.S. Smart Meter Manufacturers Agree to Standards for the UK: Three meter manufacturers reach an agreement to develop common approaches for smart communication standards. Tendril Secures Smart Grid in 14 States: The energy management provider gained 20 Smart Grid programs this year. Poor User Experiences with Smart Meters a Risk for Energy Suppliers? Smart meters could represent a fork in the road for energy suppliers. One Step Closer to IP-Based Smart Products: The IPSO Alliance announced the successful interoperability of two new elements of the IPv6 protocol for small, resourceconstrained embedded devices known as “smart objects.” Smart Appliances Aid Consumers and Utility Companies: GE has developed a line of “smart” appliances that react to pricing signals from the utility company and delay or reduce wattage of high-consumption tasks until lower-cost, off-peak periods. 53 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Study Finds Many Consumers Skeptical About Remote Home Appliance Management: According to a study, consumers are unwilling to allow electricity providers to remotely limit the use of their home appliances without significant rate discounts. U.S. Government to Provide $100 Million for Smart Grid Workforce Training: The DOE will provide $100 million toward smart grid workforce training programs. AHAM and CES Join Forces to Showcase Smart Appliances at CES 2011: The Connected Home Appliances TechZone, co-sponsored by CEA and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) will have 10,000 square feet of exhibit space for manufacturers of next-generation appliances. Whirlpool to Produce One Million Smart Grid Clothes Dryers by End of 2011: Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, Mich., has announced that it will produce one million Smart Energy clothes dryers by the end of 2011, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Smart Grid Investment Grant program.

Sandi Mauer adds, “Why should we be concerned with the RF inside all of the above mentioned appliances? We should be very concerned with the health effects from radiation; increased utility costs; required appliance change outs; invasion of privacy; remote shut downs; and uninsurable consequences. “We have managed to get along for many years with the standard meter, so why not delay for a few years until comprehensive studies are performed by independent parties, and all health, privacy, and financial concerns are satisfactorily answered? We live in an environment saturated with various electromagnetic radiations and toxins, which may synergistically produce harmful effects. Little data on the long-term effects of this radiation is available and we, as private families, do not readily have access to the equipment necessary to identify and quantitate this radiation. Once Smart Meters are installed it is reportedly very difficult to get PG&E to remove them. Also, the blowing up of San Bruno by PG&E does not instill confidence in the ability of that huge corporation to protect the safety of its customers, or perhaps even to be sufficiently concerned with safety. The enormous Smart Meter instillation program may have drained resources that should have been directed at evaluating safety.”

“Power vs. Privacy - Smart grid could turn appliances into spies, experts warn” by Paul Gallant (Last Updated: Friday, February 19, 2010, special to CBC News)
Do you want your fridge talking about you behind your back? With the rapid adoption of a North American "smart grid" aimed at helping consumers conserve electricity, it's also possible that smart appliances will be able to transmit information about their activities (and yours) through the power lines. Your electricity utility may not yet be able to determine when you snack, do laundry or shower, but privacy advocates are sounding the alarm that systems need to be put in place to guard details about a household's electricity usage from prying eyes. A paper released last November by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the U.S.-based Future of Privacy Forum proposes building privacy controls right into the smart grid before the system is fully rolled out. 'The Smart Grid will enable third parties to peer into your home. You can imagine how tempting the marketing opportunities will be. — Ontario Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian (Dr Ann Cavoukian is the information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada.) 54   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Although different utilities define the smart grid in different ways, the key feature is a two-way communication system between a household's meter and the electricity utility so that energy consumption can be tracked with incredible — sometimes even minuteby-minute — detail. So-called Smart Meters are the first step in creating a smart grid. In Canada, Ontario has been first off the mark. The province has already installed 1.1 million Smart Meters and plans to have one in every household by the end of 2010. In the U.S., Boulder, Colo., has taken the lead to become the first city with Smart Meters for every customer. "Our expectation is that this network will be 100 or 1,000 times larger than the internet," Marie Hattar, vice-president of marketing at U.S.-based Cisco Network Systems Solutions, said when the company announced last year that it intended to make communication equipment for the smart grid. "If you think about it, some homes have internet access, but some don't. Everyone has electricity access — all of those homes could potentially be connected." How it works:- In its most basic form, the smart grid allows utilities to read meters without sending out an employee; instead the meters send a reading back to the utility automatically. But Ontario's push into Smart Meters has been aimed at changing consumer behaviour, so the launch in that province goes further. "The Ontario government wanted to get price transparency into the hands of the consumers," says Rick Stevens, director of distribution development at Ontario's Hydro One. "So we're building all the back-office systems to allow customers to get better price transparency through time-of-use rates, which is something we'll be rolling out in the next few months." Many households with Smart Meters can already go online and log in to an energyuse account to see how much energy they used during a specific time period. By giving people more detailed information about their electricity usage, the assumption is that they will be willing to reduce their consumption or re-schedule it to off-peak hours when the rate may be cheaper. Privacy Concerns: Things get trickier from a privacy perspective if the system offers real-time statistics, since electricity use is a good indication of whether someone is at home at that very moment and what they are doing - if they're awake or asleep, for example. Eventually, utilities will have the ability to allow consumers to see how their energy use compares to that of their neighbors, information that, if not sufficiently protected, could reveal many things about your neighbors' comings and goings as well. Utilities promise this data will be encrypted and assigned an anonymous number that can't be tracked back to an individual customer. But the cyber security co-ordination task group that has been addressing smart grid privacy concerns in the U.S. has warned, "there is a lack of formal privacy policies, standards, or procedures by entities who are involved in the smart grid and collect information." It added that, "comprehensive and consistent definitions of personally identifiable information do not generally exist in the utility industry." Stevens, who has been in touch with Cavoukian and has read the smart grid report, says Hydro One has both hardware and software safeguards in place to preserve customer privacy. "Hydro One's approach is to build security requirements right up front and put them into our tender documents so that safeguards are integrated as part of the overall design," says Stevens. "Privacy by design is what we live and breathe." Smart Appliances: 55 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Hydro One has policies in place that prohibit it from selling customer information to third parties. But the pressure for third-parties to access power-usage information will only increase. Many companies are working on new products — electric vehicles, smart appliances and energy-production systems like solar panels — that have the potential to take advantage of the smart grid's two-way communication system to send usage information from individual appliances and devices to a central office where it can be accessed by the utility or by the user. Whirlpool Corp., for example, announced in January it would produce one million smart appliances by the end of 2011 and make all its appliances smart grid-compatible by the end of 2015. Device-specific information would be useful to the consumer to get credit, for example, if they were feeding electricity back into the grid from solar panels or a windmill. Some appliances could adjust their own energy consumption according to the time of day or by monitoring what other appliances were running in the home. This kind of information could help make a home more efficient in terms of energy consumption, but it would also be tempting information for marketers, governments and even thieves. The Future of Privacy report suggests that extensive information could be gleaned from the grid — everything from when you shower or watch TV to which appliances and gadgets you have in your home, and when you use them. The report urges that any third-party access to the information should not be a deal between the utilities and the third parties, but between the consumers and the third parties. As well, third parties should agree not to correlate data with data obtained from other sources or the individual, without the consent of the individual. "There always needs be a policy to provide levels of protection, or at least transparency, about how the data will be used," says Christopher Wolf of the Future of Privacy Forum. "It's not the technology that's bad, it's the use of the technology." Stevens says it's hard to predict how smart appliances and vehicles will interact with the grid. For example, in the future you may be able to plug your electric vehicle into a friend's meter and, by keying in your code, have it billed to your account. This system could make it easier for a person's whereabouts to be tracked, but right now it's just an idea. "It's not that we're not thinking about it — it's just that we don't build cars, so we have to watch the car makers to see where they're going," says Stevens. "We can't start building functionality because we don't know the requirements at this point." Ontario privacy commissioner Cavoukian has been calling for companies, governments and other agencies to build their information systems with privacy as the default mode. "If privacy is to live well into the future, we can no longer rely on regulatory compliance. Smart privacy is about having a whole arsenal of protections. That includes having regulations, but they're not going to be enough for the future." (http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/02/09/smart-gridelectricity.html#ixzz18xnNVMRK)

Wired Smart Grids and Smart Meters – Would They be any Better?
The following article was sent from Mary Beth Brangan of The Ecological Options Network, "Documenting Solutions," www.eon3.net. It states that in some cases, wired grids and meters might be used, where the RF transmissions would be out of range for smart appliances. Mary Beth thinks this would be a good idea and asks why isn’t it being done? However, Deborah Tavares and I and many others do not want smart grids and Smart Meters under any circumstances, wired or not. Deborah states, “Either way we lose our freedom and our energy cost will skyrocket. This smart grid program is simply 56   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

about controlling us and charging all of us more money to finance cap and trade and the agendas that are in-play right now. Personally, I am not interested in giving up any more freedom than is currently being taken away on a daily basis right now.” At the end of the following article, it reveals the wired possibilities, but it also reveals some of the groups partnering together with Silver Springs to produce Smart Grid software technologies:

Silver Spring reveals ZigBee development partner, Monday, March 2, 2009:
Silver Spring Networks, a leading smart grid technology firm, announced on February 26 that it has partnered with Exegin Technologies to develop ZigBee based software applications. ZigBee is a wireless standard that allows smart grid components to communicate intelligently without human intervention. The protocol has gained a lot of momentum for use in smart grids because of the very low power requirements, low bandwidth, and low cost. Because of these factors, ZigBee is rapidly emerging as a favourite for transmitting information from smart meters to monitoring and controlling equipment in the home. Silver Spring has performed well for a start-up company. It has signed up major utility companies including American Electric Power, Florida Power & Light, and Pacific Gas & Electric, among others, to deploy its Smart Meter technology that is built around ZigBee technology. Partnering with Silver Spring puts Exegin in a leadership of smart grid technology development. The working relationship began in September of last year. Thursday’s announcement made it official that Silver Spring was going to license software from Exegin built upon the ZigBee PRO protocol within its ZigBee radios that make up a critical component its smart grid technology. According to James Pace, senior director of business development at Silver Spring, the “vast majority” of network interface cards (NICs) that the company installs into Smart Meters are ZigBee radios, implying that Exegin’s innovation will be gaining significant share of the market rather quickly. Pacific Gas & Electric has already installed more than 150,000 Smart Meters that feature technology from Silver Spring. By 2011 the utility giant plans to have a million installed. Silver Spring says that by the end of this year it will have 2 million Silver Spring-enabled Smart Meters installed. Both Exegin and Silver Spring are members of the ZigBee Alliance – a group dedicated to the development of the protocol. The official mission of the ZigBee Alliance is “to enable reliable, cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard.” Pace said that Exegin was chosen as a partner because of its expertise in “bridging and gateway technologies.” This is important because ZigBee is competing with other networking protocols some of them wired and others wireless. The ZigBee Alliances has insisted upon an open platform in the development of its technology so that it will be freely available to any developer who wishes to build upon it. Other companies working through the HomePlug Powerline Alliance are developing communications over power lines. Echelon Corporation is one of these, among others. The ZigBee Alliance has been working with HomePlug since September of last year to create a communications protocol that will work for both technologies. In some areas, such as apartment buildings or other large multi-family buildings, transmitting communications over power lines makes sense because metering devices 57   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  are most often installed in the basement and out of transmission range for smart appliances or in-home display units located in individual units.

Pace added that Exegin’s innovation in developing ZigBee-to-Ethernet gateways could easily translate into a gateway for powerline communications. “There are a number of people playing with that technology,” said Pace. (Following are the addresses and websites for all three companies.) Silver Spring Networks 575 Broadway Street Redwood City, CA 94063 http://www.silverspringnet.com Exegin Technologies Limited 204 - 2071 Kingsway Avenue Port Coquitlam, BC Canada V3C 6N2 http://www.exegin.com The following article traces the history of electricity to what now is possible – under the excuse of saving energy and the environment – the federal government can control your electrical appliances without your knowledge or permission. This is the ultimate in government control. Echelon Corporation 550 Meridian Ave. San Jose, CA 95126 USA http://www.echelon.com

Washington Set to Control Your Light Switch
Posted By Tim Slagle On November 29, 2010 (4:40 am) In Environment, Featured Story, Politics, Regulation, Uncategorized, energy
Ever since this continent was electrificated, Americans have been allowed to plug anything they want into their own electrical outlet. The history of electricity is a biography of modernism. Originally intended just to light homes, electric power was soon used to run sewing machines, fans, teakettles, and toasters. According to Dr. Rachel P. Maines the fifth electrical appliance to be invented, was a device to treat hysteria (which is used in more homes today, than sewing machines and electric teakettles). Shortly after hysteria was cured, electric irons and vacuum cleaners became feasible. Following the big war, came an explosion of things you could stick into an outlet: hair driers, electric drills, popcorn poppers, and television sets Not to mention, those goofy things that have a big belt and motor and are supposed to help you lose weight by jiggling your belly. Today a home built only a generation ago is woefully inadequate for the number of appliances that need to find a plug. Hence, there has been a great market in power-strips. In my home office, (built in 1959) I actually have one outlet branching off into four different power-strips to handle all the appliances required of my profession. Before the modern epoch, what you decided to plug in the privacy of your own home was an accepted civil right. If you’re willing to pay the bill, power it up. I have an old RCA refrigerator in my basement that uses far more electricity than a sleek new Korean import but it looks so cool, I don’t mind making my electric meter spin like a circular saw every time I restock it with beer. A friend of mine was so enamored with some of the waterfalls of Las Vegas that he built one in his back yard. It was a masterpiece of boulders and whitewater cascading across the 30-foot slope of his lakefront home. He used three high-powered electrical pumps to keep water churning down the hill at a spectacular rate of 25,000 gallons per 58   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  hour. It took him months to build, but only one electric bill, to realize that it wasn’t a 24/7 attraction, and should only be activated on special occasions. The free market encourages conservation. When President Bush signed The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 we saw the first limits on which appliances we can use in our homes. (This bill is known by other names, such as the light bulb ban, or the 100 watt stockpiling act of 2012. It was spearheaded by GOP Rep. Fred Upton, who is this/close to assuming the Chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee. That’s right, the GOP Rep who hates Thomas Edison is set to create energy policy for the whole country.) The law was necessary, because most Americans prefer incandescent bulbs. They are more aesthetically pleasing, and help heat your home in the winter. Most people believe the extra money spent is well worth the cost of electricity. After all, what is more economical than sitting in the dark? The next step in Green won’t even require Congressional approval. The Department of Energy recently decided they have authority over appliances in your home. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently issued five new energy efficiency standards for large appliances, and is reworking the policy to include ten new categories. According to Assistant Energy Secretary Cathy Zoi “…we have a mandate. Where we can actually just issue regulations and do market transformation.” It is like we are moving backwards in time, seeing modern life outlawed one convenience at a time. Right now social engineers are busy working on “Smart Grid” technology. (The perennial question: if environmental choices are actually so intelligent, why do the marketers have to convince us, with names like “Smart Car,” and “Insight?”) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 set aside $11 billion dollars to begin construction of that grid. Smart Grid sounds harmless and modern, but it will be incredibly intrusive. Appliances in the future will have microchips installed; when you plug them in, they will handshake with the grid, and a central authority will determine whether that appliance deserves to get power or not. If a bureaucrat in Washington decides that it’s not hot enough for you to put on the air conditioner, your air conditioner will not work. If the Fed decides that Margaritas lead to too much trouble on Cinco de Mayo, all blenders can be disabled for the day. They can also turn off radios, televisions and computers. In the era of electronic information, restricting the freedom of the press is as easy as turning off the light. The idea is to conserve power, but a Smart Government will be able to use the technology to retain power as well. And as for my beautiful pink basement refrigerator, you can forget that. In fact every appliance that was built before the smart grid will eventually be forbidden power. Which means that once the “Smart” Grid is fully operational, everything in your house that requires a plug will probably need to be replaced –including your hysteria device (which will also leave a record the central office, every time it’s turned on). There is no question that Air Conditioners in Washington DC will be functional year round, while those of us out in Red State American will deal with the limitations of windmills that are incapable of keeping the entire nation cool in the stagnant summer air. Isn’t technology wonderful? (http://biggovernment.com/tslagle/2010/11/29/washington-set-to-control-yourlight-switch/)

Since Smart Meters are all about “Big Brother” having the right to pry into your private lives, should we not be surprised that PG&E officials think they have the right to do so even before the 59   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

meters are even installed? This article tells of such a ploy done by a top PG&E official? It is also believed that he was authorized to do so by other executives above him.

PG&E Executive Playing the Part of “Big Brother” Spying on Critics (An Associated Press Article that Appeared in the Press Democrat and Marin
Paper about “PG&E executive snooping on SmartMeter critics”- Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, 7:55 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO — A Pacific Gas & Electric Co. executive admits he secretly snooped on SmartMeter critics by posing online as a utility foe. SmartMeter program senior director William Devereaux told the San Jose Mercury News on Monday that he used a false name to try to join an online group opposed to the meters and secretly monitoring other online forums critical of PG&E. Activists discovered the subterfuge last week when Devereaux tried to join the California EMF Coalition, which maintains an online discussion group for those concerned about electromagnetic radiation. Devereaux's e-mail address was the 45-year-old utility executive's undoing. He says monitoring Internet activity is part of understanding what PG&E customers are thinking. Information from: San Jose Mercury News, http://www.sjmercury.com (Note: Devereaux later resigned from his position at PG&E)

Letter to the Editor by Deborah Tavaras “PG&E Exec Spying – No Surprise”
Why are we not surprised what the PG&E executive of the Smart Meter program did? After all, the entire Smart Meter grid is designed to observe, control and monitor our behavior in our homes through the regulation of our energy use. We know that, and so far most folks have been compliant to this deployment. PG&E is 70% deployed in their service area and it's likely that many of the 30% undeployed customer base will be tough to complete. While it's right to recognize Mr. Devereaux (PG&E Exec) likely committed a crime it is important not to let the other snakes in the den squirm away. It's good practice to keep your eyes on both hands because the other is still playing the game of continued disregard to our mounting concerns over their smart meter deployment onto all of us. Why should we be surprised that one player in this game is unethical when we know all of them are by the evil they inject into our lives every day. Daily PG&E continues to fundamentally transform our lives, our homes and our communities to gain power over us and control our lives in-spite of the ills we express. They are all equally criminal; Devereaux was just flushed out of the shadows into the light of day. We must immediately HALT this covert Smart Meter deployment or continued "spying" on all utility customers across the nation will become the accepted norm. HEALTH ADVOCATES INVITE PG&E CEO DARBEE TO WIRELESS SUMMIT - “No Need to Spy to Learn Health Impacts of Smart Meters- Published Scientists Happy to Share Findings” By Joshua Hart, Date: Tue, Nov 16, 2010 at 2:04 PM, <[email protected]> San Francisco- Opponents of PG&E’s ‘Smart’ Meter program today delivered an invitation to PG&E’s CEO Peter Darbee at the corporation’s Beale St. headquarters, urging him to attend Thursday’s high profile wireless health forum at the Commonwealth Club. Last week, William Devereaux, the Senior Director of PG&E’s ‘smart’ meter program was caught falsifying his identity in an attempt to spy on internal discussions within the EMF Safety Network, a group who have a legal case against PG&E pending at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), alleging health 60   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  harm from the new meters and demanding an immediate halt on further installations. The espionage has prompted widespread media coverage, Devereaux’s resignation, and an investigation by the CPUC. Although PG&E would like us to believe that Devereaux was working alone, circumstantial evidence indicates that the spying was known about, and sanctioned at high levels within PG&E. Glen Chase, a Systems Management Professor who has been consulted and asked to speak on the Smart Meter issue by a number of Bay Area municipalities, said: "The complex logistics and granting of authority to transfer a complete fleet of trucks to another location to foil a demonstration would be near impossible to accomplish by a single man. Other PG&E management and operations personnel almost certainly had to know. Otherwise who would have authorized the move, selected a new truck location, reserved the buses to bring in drivers for the trucks, briefed the installation contractor, etc.?" Thursday’s forum, dubbed “The Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields,” will feature dozens of scientists from all over the world who have published peer-reviewed research in scientific journals. Their findings include a variety of health problems from the same type of radiation that is being emitted by new wireless ‘Smart’ Meters. “It is not necessary for PG&E to spy on our discussion groups to find out how ‘Smart’ Meters are hurting California families.” Said Joshua Hart Director of Stop Smart Meters! “Scientists from all over the world will be happy to share their published, peerreviewed findings that even low levels of microwave radiation have been linked with nausea, dizziness, and headaches, some of the many symptoms that people throughout the state are reporting after ‘Smart’ Meters are installed.” Nearly two dozen California cities and counties have demanded a halt to the program. Yesterday, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), the consumer advocacy arm of the CPUC, blasted the appointed Commission for failing to hold hearings on the health impacts of ‘smart’ meters. The DRA commented: “Unless the public’s concerns can be put to rest, there is a very great risk that PG&E’s SmartMeter deployment will turn out to be a $2.2 billion mistake that ratepayers can ill afford.”

PG&E is Involved in Weather Modification: There are other reasons to be concerned about PG&E. It is one of the many companies involved in ongoing atmospheric experiments, which are causing crop loss, air and water toxicity, dead trees, dead bees, soil and water contamination and is, of course, affecting many people’s health. PG&E’s involvement in experimental weather modification is mentioned on Channel KTVU, July 28, 2008. Here is the link http://www.ktvu.com/video/17022143/index.html. This can also be verified on a 2009 and 2010 chart and article prepared by Roseland Peterson, an agricultural inspector and expert on weather modification and the effect it is having on crops and people. Check them out on her website: “Weather Modification and Sponsor List” and “What Meteorologists, the Media, and PG&E are not Telling You.” (www.AgricultureDefenseCoalition.org.) IBM Employees Speak About Smart Grid on a Promotional Video (found at www.ibm.com): Notice how positive IBM employees speak about the Smart Grid and how wonderful all the Smart technology and systems will be – the building blocks of a “smarter planet.” Nothing is mentioned of any health risks or privacy issues. The current infrastructure constrains change whereas a dynamic infrastructure enables companies to respond quickly to change. In this video, IBM'ers discuss solutions they're working on to face today's challenges, in an era when trillions of things are going to be connected to the internet, and how dynamic infrastructure can be used to build smart utility grids, smart traffic systems, smart medicine -- ultimately the building blocks of a smarter planet. 61   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Transcript: [IBMer 1] Well right now what I am working on is finding ways to deal with all of the trillions of things that are going to be connected to the internet. [IBMer 2] We are looking to change the way information is processed, stored, delivered, and transmitted. [IBMer 3] You could use this virtual environment to save more energy and manage large systems. [IBMer 4] By making this smarter, we are allowing the electric grid to work with your home to better manage your electricity. [IBMer 5] This RFID chip can track shipments in real time, and to retailers that is everything. [IBMer 6] Heres an equation that can help prevent traffic jams. [IBMer 7] Information systems that are smarter about security and privacy are helping the world work better. [IBMer 5] A smart world is built with smart people. [Rotating IBMers] Smarter infrastructure, Smarter water systems, Smart utility grids, Smart traffic systems, Smarter medicine, Smarter supply chains, and that is what I am working on…

Is the US Constitution 4th Amendment Becoming Dead in America?
Amendment IV (the Fourth Amendment) to the United States Constitution is one of the provisions included in the Bill of Rights. The Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and was originally designed as a response to the controversial writs of assistance (a type of general search warrant), which were a significant factor behind the American Revolution… "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." en.wikipedia.org caselaw.lp.findlaw.com. Is the installation of Smart Meters on your property without your permission not just the same as someone coming on your property and conducting a search without a search warrant? Since these meters are comparable to the biggest data search prying into your privacy possible, wouldn’t you say that a search warrant should be required? And since you paid for your analog meter as part of your home when you purchased it, would you not say that it belongs to you, and someone taking it away without your permission should be guilty of theft? These are just more reasons why you - the property owner - should file your own law suit in a small claims court. It only costs $75 to file. The forms are in Chapter VI.

What is Happening In Other Countries?
As has already been mentioned, the SmartMeter Program is not just going on in the USA. It is global. The following are e-mails or articles telling of what is going on in London, Holland, Switzerland, and Canada. London, England – from The Times (London, 2010-04-19) “It [the Smart Meter] will be able to turn on your washing machine remotely, to switch off your tumble dryer and to manage how and when you use your energy supply - and National Grid believes that ultimately it will change the way in which Britain uses its electricity and gas. OnStream, a National Grid business that supplies meters and meterreading services for all six energy retailers, has developed a Smart Meter that can 62   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  communicate with similarly equipped appliances through Bluetooth-style wireless technology.” Barbara Simpson, San Francisco - KSFO Talk Show Host on Saturday and Sunday evenings told on the radio of her experience vacationing in England. The hotels obviously already had the Smart Meters. You could not get a really warm shower. The water temperature was controlled and would not go to any higher temperature.

Possible Prison Sentence for Refusing a Smart Meter in Holland
(The following e-mail letter was received by Deborah Tavares from Hendrick Smit from Utrecht, Holland. It was originally sent to Josh Hart of the EMF Network): PROPOSAL - REFUSING A SMART METER - AN ECONOMIC CRIME ASKING FOR 6 MONTH’S PRISON SENTENCE:
My name is Hendrick Smit and I'm a member of Vrijbit, a Dutch privacy organization. With success we've managed to kill a bill at our senate, after it passed our 'First Chamber' of parliament (like your congress, I guess). It now has to be revised. What happened before: This was early 2009 when the legislation was being worked through. Over here the Minister of Economics ensured that the small print of the law was not clear. Her party (Christian Democrats) are masters at manipulating and word-games. In the mean time the left was enthusiastic about all the energy savings that lay ahead. Nobody bothered to ask any specifics. A lot of monkeys came out of the hat in the senate. It turned out that: 1. The savings were not around 14%, but actually closer to 2%. The meter itself would also use some 0,5% of the total bill. I'm not sure about that. Note: It now seems that the savings part is more complicated and not true. 2. Radiation. Legislators are not concerned about this. Unfortunately, the Electrosmogorganization I contacted was not concerned about the GPRS technology either. 3. Privacy issues. The first concept would log the use of gas and electricity every 15 minutes. From a privacy standpoint that is awful. It allows government to see what goes on behind your closed door. It also allows energy companies to target you with marketing, based on your user profile. And perhaps worst: Criminals know your every move, your habits. This allows for simple burglary all the way to the nightmare of identity-theft. 4. Security issues. Again, legislators do not understand much about this. The University of Amsterdam has proven that the Smart Meters we have can be hacked. 100% security does not exist. Beside the gathering of privacy data, hackers can also mess with the overall system. They may even access the connected PC. 5. Remote control. These things are (consciously?) dubbed 'meters'. They are more than that. They may better be called controllers in a master-slave configuration. Calling it that would take out the fun, would it not? They can cut off your energy at the push of a button. They can restrict energy. Before, it would require a worker coming over and physical cutting off the gas flow or electricity. It's very sterile with the Smart Meters. These things give the energy company control. 6. One way flow of electricity: Those who own solar cells could feed the grid with those. With the Smart Meters we got installed the owner would have to buy a second one at his/her own expenses. 7. Imprisonment. Yep. This was the thing that upset the senate most. It turned out that anyone refusing a meter would be committing an economic crime. That could put you in 63   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  prison for up to 6 months. This was in the bill. Vrijbit found it out and this was what killed it. Once again, it appears that government was representing large companies rather than the population. Recent developments: The new government is now reviving the undead law again. I'm currently brushing up my knowledge on the matter. The Smart Meter is somewhat my file within Vrijbit. We need all the help we can get since the Dutch consumer organization has been put to sleep. They were our main allies killing the bill in 2009. They have more members than the German equivalent. They will look foolish when we bring out the analysis that now is forming. The one overlooked part is power quality. What I mean is this: CFL light bulbs and many other equipment does not use the electricity the way an old-fashioned incandescent light bulb does. A CFL is picky. It cherry-picks the peaks on the AC current and leaves the rest. That means that the voltage would drop if it wasn't compensated for. It means that the electricity company would have to produce more electricity than what the CFL light bulb uses. If your GE energy-saver states 8 Watts of use, the electricity produced needs to be 16 Watts. With LED's it can be even worse and other appliances (electric motors) can mess up the electricity in other ways. Same result. It now becomes evident to me that the Smart Meters can solve this problem. A producer's problem. And thanks GE for creating it and solving it for them. Beside the fact that these CFL and other 'dirty users' do not use the full AC current they also create radiation. Polluted power can make people sick. The environmental organizations in my country do not touch the subject as their agenda is to 'fight global warming.' The issue is serious, according to specialists. If you have any additional information I am interested. I'm poised on driving this law the wooden stake through its heart by exposing its hidden truth. Feel free to use my letter. I'm not the spokes person for Vrijbit but an active member, dealing with technical issues. If you Twitter then please add me. My English account is http://twitter.com/Mr_Communicator. The strength of Internet is that it connects people. Let's benefit from it while we have it. All the best from Utrecht, Hendrick Smit The Netherlands, www.divineintervention.nl

Smart Meters are Turning Off Appliances and Restricting Energy in Switzerland: (Posted by Patrick Wood on 3/3/2010 11:12:06 AM From a reader who lives in Switzerland)
In Aargau (Canton of Switzerland) where we live, the power supplied to our apartment is restricted for several hours (late morning to early afternoon). We can use all electronic devices except the washing machine. How they do it, I don't know. But the washing machine cuts off if it was started just prior to a certain time and resumes working when the restricted time period is over. This was totally freaky to us at first when we moved from Germany to Switzerland. Now Joy had to adjust her washing habits accordingly. Interestingly enough, there is an atomic power plant just up the road from us. We were not told of this when we moved here, and a Swiss friend of ours who helped us to move in didn't know about it either. But he lives in a different Canton. [A Canton is similar to a state.] Researchers Claim Smart Meters Can Reveal TV Viewing Habits [What programs are watched on what channel and what films are watched on a DVD.] (Münster, Germany --(METERING.COM) --- September 21, 2011) 64   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  A group of researchers at the Münster University of Applied Sciences have claimed that it is possible to use the electricity usage data from a smart electricity meter to determine which programs a consumer is watching on a standard TV set. The test results, which have been presented in draft form and are yet to be formally published (presumably with peer review), also suggest that it may be possible to identify films played from a DVD or other source, the researchers claim. The tests were carried out by Prof. Dr. Ing U. Greveler, Dr. B. Justus, D. Löhr of Münster University’s IT Security Laboratory as part of the state-funded DaPriM (data privacy management) project. The researchers conducted the investigation at a private residence in RWE’s service area in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a 3-phase Zähler Q3D smart meter from EasyMeter reading at 2 second intervals and the smart meter data sent to the company’s consumer web portal. They were able to readily identify the consumption profiles of the standard household appliances, including refrigerator, kettle, hot water heater, microwave, washing machine, oven and lighting. In addition, they were able to identify the TV and to match the light and dark scenes in a film to the smart meter data. They then generalize this to suggest that through analysis of programs being broadcast at any time – and provided there is minimum interference from other devices – it may be possible to determine the channel to which the TV was set. In the light of these results the researchers call for a tightening of data protection regulations, including a restriction on the length of time data is stored.

Lesli Brosi, who sent me the above e-mail lives in Texas, where she said her neighbors already have similar technology because of phone connections to tv cable. She wrote, “In our high-rise condo building, most hard-wired phones are plugged into the tv-cable boxes also, so that when the phone rings, you can see who is calling on the television screen! We are one of the few who opted out of plugging in the land line to the box for interconnectivity. Not only can the television shows be monitored, but phone calls could be monitored through the same box, if they choose to do so.”

The Smart Grid in Canada – Plans for a North American Grid – Including USA and Mexico
Why should we be concerned with what Canada is doing with the Smart Meters and Smart Grid? As you will read in Chapter VIII, the Smart Grid that is being planned is for all of North America. We will be sharing our energy grid with Canada and Mexico and treated as one big union, just as the European Union. Although it has not officially happened yet, the Smart Grid will help to bring about a North American Union, something for which many people high up in government have been planning, scheming and preparing for many years, but all under cover. I reveal this scheme in my recently published book, By Stealth and Deception, USA Transformation and Its Parallel to the European Union. (See bibliography page for more details.) The following are talks and articles given or written by Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada, entitled,” she reveals many disturbing issues of the Smart Grid, how it will be used to collect data on all of us, greatly affecting privacy rights. (The following are You Tube video clips with the length of time for each.) Refuse smart meters, What Happened to Privacy? "Smart Meter or Spy Meter ?...4:16 Privacy by Design and the Smart Grid...3:48 Smart Antivirus 2009 Information...1:18 65   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  How Google Uses Your Information - Peter Barron...4:19 Legal issues in Energy Policies and Climate Change...54:32 Smart Film_Hologram & Interactive Projection...2:57 Smart Film_New Display Window for SONY...1:09 Smart Grid, Utilities, and Internet Protocols...1:18:28 Smart Grid SOS...2:04:01 Loaded: Morning Edition: Google TV is Smart TV...1:59 Privacy Project SentrySafe Autosafe...7:25 2009 Industrial Innovation Achievement Award...2:31 Dynamic Infrastructure: Building a Smarter Planet...1:50 US Constitution 4th Amendment is Dead in America...9:00 “Privacy by Design - a practical approach to make the future of privacy more certain – by Ann Cavoukian (The following is a talk that was given for UC Berkely) Legal issues in Energy Policies and Climate Change Deirdre Mulligan [UC Berkeley] Abstract: Although the Smart Grid promises to help meet goals of energy efficiency and renewability, incorporating IT into the electric grid poses new and substantial risks to individual privacy. At the same time, Smart Grid deployment is proceeding along a path that could make it difficult for individuals to control the flow of information about their energy use while also raising barriers in the market for in-home smart devices. The crux of these issues—and the focus of this talk—is the Smart Meter, which is a linchpin in the Smart Grid strategy in California and nationally. Data from Smart Meters can reveal intimate details about individual behavior, such as when members of a household are awake, asleep, at home, or away. As the Smart Grid is built out, home energy consumption data will become increasingly attractive to a number of players in the energy market, criminals, and law enforcement officials. Yet there is no comprehensive, consistent legal framework to protect energy consumption data, and California and other states that are adopting smart meters have the potential to reveal more and more information over time. Furthermore, these Smart Meters have embedded gateways for home area networks, a feature that could exacerbate privacy issues while potentially turning the meter into a gatekeeper for smart devices. (Her talk then explored regulatory and technological alternatives.)

Other News Story From Canada and the USA Regarding Smart Meters:
Canada: Commissioner Cavoukian partners with major utilities to announce the Gold Standard for building privacy into the Smart Grid - smr.newswire.ca Data explosion from new Smart Grid may threaten privacy: Commissioner Cavoukian Canada Newswire Smart Grid must be built with privacy embedded as the default - Make it the ...Canada Newswire Commissioner Cavoukian partners with major utilities to announce the Gold Standard for building privacy into ... Canada Newswire GridWise Global Forum 2010: Secure the Smart Grid - an ICT professional's perspective (Part 3 ... The Examiner World is losing grip on privacy: watchdog Canada Dot Com Are consumers ready for the smart grid? CNN Privacy concerns challenge smart grid rollout MSNBC Privacy concerns surround Ontario's Smart Grid plan2010-05-11 CBC Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian. (Canadian Press) Ontario's privacy commissioner is urging the Liberal government to ensure consumer privacy is a key part of its ongoing Smart Grid. 66   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  USA: “New electricity grids may be smart, but not so private” Denver Post (2010-05-18) and the Toledo Blade “Smart grid may glean more data than watts” (2010-06-06) “The ‘smart’ electric grid may be just a little too smart. Once a Smart Meter is attached to a home, it can gather a lot more data than just how much electricity a family uses. It can tell how many people live in the house, when they get up, when they go to sleep and when they aren't home. It can tell how many showers they take and loads of laundry they do. How often they use the microwave, etc.” The Coming Wave of Smart Grids, Smart Energy and Smart Appliances (09-12-30) TechNewsWorld: “The recent lull in Smart Meter deployments and smart grid projects has come to an end with an announcement from the Obama administration last month. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced over US$3 billion in funding for smart grid projects, which will be matched by private-sector funding to push the total amount of investment in smart grid project over $8 billion.” Ontario is leading the way by embedding privacy into the Smart Grid, says Commissioner Ann Cavoukian2010-05-11 Canada Newswire TORONTO, May 11 /CNW/ - Consumer privacy is a crucial element of the Smart Grid electrical framework being developed in Ontario, says the province's Information and Privacy Commissioner, Dr. Ann Cavoukian, who released her 2009 Annual Report this morning. "I have met with many stakeholders in the Ontario electrical sector and am happy to see a high level of understanding and commitment to privacy. Putting Household Appliances on a Low-Carbon Diet 2009-03-03 Wall Street Journal By JON MOYNIHAN and PETER ELLIOTT | From today's Wall Street Journal Europe. The emerging consensus on European energy policy is that every step possible should be taken to lower our levels of carbon-based fuel usage, while minimizing costs. Solar, nuclear, wind, geothermal and biomass power, along with changes in the ways consumers conserve energy, are all needed. GE Appliances Creates Home Energy Management Business2010-11-30 Business Wire Innovative line of smart energy products to help consumers and utilities manage electricity consumption and costs. GE uniquely positioned to provide energy generation, management and storage solutions to address America’s tough energy needs. LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Appliances & Lighting plans to be the first major appliance company to provide a whole-home solution for energy. GE adopts Zigbee protocols for smart appliance products2010-06-05 The Examiner: GE adopts Zigbee protocols for smart appliances products. If you like this ... In home displays gaining popularity as Smart Meters hit the market. GE (General Electric) debuts smart grid technology center in Atlanta. Smart grid technology sector could grow larger than the internet. Tantalus utility network (Tunet) drives utility adoption of smart grid technology. Texas New Mexico power to install SmartSynch. JEA seeks $12.5M for electric grid upgrades2009-11-02. Smart grids can give people power to cut electric bills 2009-08-23 Pittsburgh Tribune Review MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Inside a tiny office in a business park near West Virginia University, Allegheny Power is testing the powercontrol system of the future. The electric meters and programmable thermostats on two office walls connect to a large television screen, which a technician uses to monitor changes in room temperature. The screen tells the tech when the air conditioning or heating unit should go on or off and for how long.

When one reads all the above information, much of it sounds like everything is absolutely wonderful about the smart grid and the smart meters. The technology is going to make life so much easier and happier for everyone. Our energy and electricity will be better “managed” so our 67   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

costs will be lower. It will be a “whole-home solution for energy.” We will have “people power” to cut electric bills. Our appliances will be on a “low carbon” diet, how nice! However, there were a few articles that questioned the niceness. They mentioned the privacy issues, the ability of the smart meter to know your every move inside your home and the cost - $8 billion, most of it coming from federal Stimulus money. It was interesting that not one of these articles mentioned any health concerns. As you will see from the next chapter, most of those who are taking a firm stand against the meters and protesting them are primarily concerned about health, their own, their children’s and their grandchildren’s:

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter Five What Individuals and Neighborhoods are Doing to Stop Smart Meters:
Posting Signs on Smart Meters, Signs on Lawns, Large Banners, Bumper Stickers, Leafleting Neighborhoods, Letters to the Editors, Contacting Elected Officials, Protest Rallies
Do we want any of what is going on in other countries regarding the Smart Meter and the smart grid to happen here in our nation? Do we want to go to prison for committing “energy or economy crimes?” Do we want to have some strange power in your home that can turn off your appliance so you cannot even finish a dishwashing cycle when you so desire. Is that not just a little too much Big Brother? As you have read, neither Hendrick in Holland nor the family in Switzerland had any idea that such things would be going on. This has all happened by stealth, just as the installing of the meters and the Smart Grid is happening in the USA. But for many of us, it is not just “Big Brother” snooping into our lives that disturb us the most. It is the health aspects. That is how the Tavares family got involved and so many of the people who belong to the EMF Network and various other organizations who are now working together. Notifying Neighbors: Thanks to the efforts of many concerned Americans, utility companies are having a tougher and tougher time “depoloying” the meters. Thanks to Deborah and Lou Tavares, their son Brian, their daughter Kelly and son-in-law Brian Thalhamer, who live in the Hidden Valley area of Santa Rosa, many people in their neighborhood have been notified in time to say no to PG&E. They have signs posted on their meters saying “Dear PG&E, We refuse you to install a Smart Meter.” They have signs posted out in front of their lawns saying “Refuse Smart Meters, PG&E Installation, www.RefuseSmartMeters.com.” Because of this, PG&E has pretty much left them alone - other than letters and telephone calls intimidating them and telling them they have until a certain deadline to call their office and set up an appointment to receive their smart meter. That deadline has come and gone, and they still do not have Smart Meter, and somehow they still are receiving their electricity all right. Kelly Thalhamer even made a home video about the Hidden Valley standoff that can be seen at the following website: MobileMeGallery <[email protected].> Many people in various towns and cities have taken it upon themselves to call their neighbors or walk their neighborhoods leaving information at the doors or talking to them in person warning them also in time to say no to PG&E. Jennifer Delaney takes a stack of handouts about the Smart Meter to Curves, her exercise place every day. The manager has given her permission to leave them there. The manager is in total agreement with Jennifer. She told her that she has elderly relatives in the Midwest who are having below freezing temperatures, but their smart meters won’t let them turn up their heat to where their home is warm enough for them. As we learned that the “deployment” was moving up north, Deborah even called many Bed and Breakfasts places, whatever telephone numbers she could find and warned them about it as well. I called old friends where we used to live in Fortuna, Ca, and others whom I knew in the Eureka area. I was able to speak at Tea Party groups in several towns that had not yet been deployed. They began at once spreading the word about it and also talking to their local elected officials to try to get a moratorium to stop it before it comes to town.

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Radio Programs: Dr. Stan Monteith of Radio Liberty that broadcasts from Santa Cruz has had Deborah on several of his national radio talk shows that go out to about 55 stations across the nation. She has also been on a local Santa Rosa station and on Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum national radio show. Leafleting – Cindy in Tennessee Doing Her Own Paper Toss Delivery: I sent out an e-mail to contacts all over the nation giving the first article I had written October 21, “Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters” that is shown at the beginning of this booklet. I also sent a copy of the Resolution against Smart Meters that was it passed by our Sonoma County Republican Central Committee (shown in the next chapter). I sent it to all the state Eagle Forum presidents, and it has been sent to many other places since. I received a telephone call from Cindy Turpin, a lady in Tennessee, who made thousands of copies of what I had written, rolled the copies up as newspapers with rubber bands around them and has been tossing them off in people’s front lawns as one would deliver a newspaper. She is determined to save her whole community. She said that she has heard from people in Tennessee who already have the meters, and their rates have tripled. She has also been contacting her state and national elected representatives. She told me she is appalled at how many “supposedly conservative” Republican Congressmen are on board with this, totally supporting the SmartMeter Program and the bill authorizing all the appliances. One of her representatives supporting it is Lamar Alexander. Bumper Stickers: Many of us are driving with bumper stickers on our cars that also warn about the Smart Meter installation. All of the signs, bumper stickers, and banners can be ordered from the following website www.RefuseSmartMeter.com. Speaking at Hearings, Contacting Elected Officials: Where the following resolutions and ordinances have been passed, it first happened because of many diligent people speaking before their city councils, board of supervisors, school board meetings, and writing letters to elected officials. Protest Rallies: Several rallies have been held in Rohnert Park (close to Santa Rosa) where the Wellington trucks are stored. They are the trucks and drivers who are doing the installation of the meters for PG&E. For the first one, November 4, we made the mistake of alerting everyone about it via email, and the newspaper, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat the night before. The PG&E spy that you read about in the previous chapter tipped off the Wellington Truck Company about it, so all the trucks were moved when we arrived that morning at 7:00 a.m. Protesters in San Francisco in front of City Hall A reporter and photographer from the newspaper arrived and wrote a story about the November 4th rally, but it was kind of hard for us to protest the Wellington truck drivers who were no longer there. The article that came out in the paper made us appear rather “fanatical,” giving only one quote about our concerns about the health and privacy issues, and many quotes from PG&E saying there is nothing to worry about and the Smart Meters will be for everyone’s best good. Successful Rally, November 22: Someone from our group discovered that the Wellington trucks were back from their trip up north so this time we staged a very successful rally only letting people know by telephone calls or by word of mouth. We also did not call the newspaper until the 70   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

morning of the rally. We were all there in front of where the trucks were parked at 7:00 a.m. There were only 12 of us, but we held the trucks off from leaving for 4 hours until 12:00. We felt that saved a few houses from being deployed. Deborah and a few others had the chance to talk to the manager for about 30 minutes and explained our concerns and give him some literature. He actually listened and was amiable. Very Shocking Comments from the Wife of One of the Workers: A lady pulled up in a car with another man and a small child in the back seat. The lady and the man were both shouting at us telling us to leave, that they had called the police and we would be arrested. We told them, “Good. We are glad that the police are coming. We are not doing anything illegal. We are standing on the sidewalk which is public property, and we are allowed to do that. This is a freedom of speech rally.” The lady started screaming at us and even crying. She said, “You are stopping my husband from being able to do his job and we need the money. He was out of a job for a long time and now that he has one, you won’t let him work.” “Look, you are nothing but a bunch of old people who are retired and don’t need jobs.” One of our group, a young 29-year old man named Brian, asked her, “Doesn’t it bother you that your husband is working at a job that is harming people, including little children?” She at first said that was not true, but when we gave her much evidence that it is hurting people, she said, “I don’t care, at least he has a job.” Brian asked her, “What if we were back in Nazi Germany and your husband had a job to pull the switch to turn on the gas to kill the Jewish people in the gas chambers. Would that not bother you? She said, “No, at least he would have a job.” We were all so shocked to hear her answer. Just to be sure, Brian asked the question again. She gave the same answer, “At least he would have a job.” We finally got her to calm down and Deborah was able to give her some literature to read. They soon left, and sure enough the police arrived. A police sergeant for Rohnert Park explained that we could not block the driveway, but we could stay on the sidewalk. So we just walked back and forth on the sidewalk and the driveway, not really “blocking” per say, but imposing a big enough threat that no truck tried to leave. At 12:00, the police sergeant asked us all politely to leave, which everyone did. The rally generated a large front page article on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, in the Press Democrat. This time it was much more supportive of our viewpoint and the opposition to the Smart Meters.

Personal Meeting with PG&E Representatives,
November 30, 2010, at PG&E Office, 111 Stony Point Circle, Santa Rosa, CA, While Protest Signing Went On Outside: PG&E held two informational meetings about the Smart Meter program announced in the newspaper for any interested people the morning of November 30 and the afternoon of December 1. A group of us decided to stage a protest signing both days outside on the corner of Stony Point and Stony Point Circle where much traffic goes by. While that was going on, Deborah Tavares and I went inside to meet with PG&E officials. We met with a woman and a man named Austin, who already knew Deborah from previous meetings. We asked many questions and received some amazing answers. Here are just some of the highlights: Deborah asked what will happen to the pockets of people and entire cities and counties who are resisting the meters and have ordinances against them? We were told that for awhile they will still send out meter readers to read their meters, or they will just have to estimate what the usage was from prior years and send out a bill that way. But eventually everyone will have to have smart meters if they want to have electricity. It is a CPUC mandate. I asked, so when it is totally implemented, the only way to escape having a Smart Meter will be to get off the grid and have your own source of electricity or just not have any, is that about it? Austin said, “Yes.” 71   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

We both told them that our biggest concerns were about health issues caused by the RF radiation, which many people are already complaining about. They tried to dismiss that saying that it is no worse than your cell phone, in fact much less. But, we told them the cell phone is not going constantly and is not pulsed radiation as the Smart Meter will be. Pulsed radiation is actually more harmful according to the scientist presenters at the recent Commonwealth Club meeting in San Francisco. Deborah told them that top scientists and doctors from various European countries, Canada and the U.S. spoke about the harmful effects on health of the EMF and RF rays being sent out. Austin said that the Smart Meters had been approved by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission.) I added, "But I have heard that testing was done long ago. It is all outdated." They tried to assure us that all is updated and safe. A lady name Karen from the EMF Safety Network came in holding a sign with a picture on it of many meters on the wall of an apartment complex with a little child sleeping behind the wall. One can only imagine how much radiation must be coming into the room where the child was and how harmful that would be. A lady came in after us who turned out to be an old neighbor of mine from 26 years ago. Her name is Alexis Shawgo. She was very upset because she has a heart pacemaker and had heard that the Smart Meters will affect such. It has been the case and is well documented. The PG&E representatives also dismissed the issue and told her to talk to her doctor, but it was her doctor who sent her to talk to them. I asked what is the main reason or advantage for the Smart Meter Program? Austin said - it is all about information. We can better understand and know our own use of energy and how to lower the costs by using less at peak hours and PG&E can know it as well. The Smart Meter RF (radio frequency) will be collecting the data of our use of electricity and will be sending it to a tower where it will be collected. This is supposed to be cost saving. PG&E won't have to have meter readers anymore. We told them that we have heard of people whose rates had trippled as soon as the Smart Meters were installed. They pretended to not have heard of such and were sure if the people contacted PG&E that all would be corrected. I told them about the scientist on the video “The Dark Side of Smart Meters,” who believes that one of the purposes behind the Smart Meters is to collect data on each of us, when and what appliances we are using and to sell that to the highest bidder. They both denied that is what PG&E would do. They said the data is encrypted and protected so no one could decipher it. Austin told us that the Smart Meters will lower our use of energy and help preserve our "finite resources of energy." I told them that scientists have now discovered we do not have “finite” resources of energy. The concept of "fossil fuels" is outdated. It has been discovered that oil is not just found in the buried remains of fossils that died many years ago. Oil is constantly being produced inside the mantel of the earth. Old oil wells that were thought to be all drilled out are filling up again. We have a rich supply of oil and gas constantly being produced, we just are not allowed to drill for it anymore because of whacky environmental policy. We were told that the Smart Meter program is not just coming from the CPUC, but from the federal government and that it is global or international. I asked, "If it is international then who is mandating it from that level? Is this ultimately coming from the UN?" Austin quickly said "Oh, No. It is not from the UN." Deborah told them all about the UN "Agenda 21" connection and about the Rio de Janeiro UN Conference of 1992 - the Biodiversity Treaty or "Agenda 21, or "Sustainable Development." Top officials from PG&E were in attendance at that conference and have been in support of all of its amazing restrictions on property owners ever since. They are also one of the top funders for support of the pseudoscience of global warming and they lobbied for Smart Meter legislation. I think Austin and his colleague probably knew all about this, but they pretended they didn’t. But for some reason, those behind the scenes want Americans and people around the world to think that the UN is a benign, silly, do- nothing group, and there is nothing to worry about. I am one of those who believes that we have plenty to worry about. Every environmental, draconian regulation treaty that our nation is signing onto is coming from the UN. The SmartMeter program is no exception. 72   

 

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We stayed talking to Austin and his colleague for over an hour. We thanked them for the information and then went out and joined our fellow protesters for several hours each day. Small Group Causes Wellington Truck Driver to Flee:

WELLINGTON WATCH – Smart Meter Man Flees Bolinas
Like the West Marin County, California communities of Stinson Beach and Point Reyes Station (and growing numbers of communities around the state and the nation), the people of Bolinas are protesting and resisting PG&E's technocratic totalitarian plan to install wireless 'Smart' Meters whether ratepayers and property owners want them or not. This despite conclusive, peer-reviewed scientific evidence that long-term exposure to low-level wireless radiation causes such adverse human health effects as sleep disorders, irritability, short term memory loss, headaches, anxiety, nausea, un-repairable DNA damage, cancer, premature aging, Alzheimers, and heart palpitations, among many others. Here is what happened when the EON video team tracked down a Wellington 'Smart' Meter contract installer at work in Bolinas. When confronted, he fled...apparently on company orders. Why not try a little video-the-SMeterMan resistance in your town. Send it to us. We'll post it. Like the Borg, PG&E would like us to believe that 'Resistance is Futile.' But we know from experience that Resistance is Fertile! For more info go to: EMFSafetyNetwork.org EON3EMFblog.net http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSKYj7seMFk StopSmartMeters.wordpress.com, BioInitiative.org

Sit Down Protest Shuts Down PG&E Headquarters in Santa Rosa: (December 9, 2010) The protest began in front of the area in Rohnert Park where the Wellington trucks are parked, but they somehow had gotten the word, so only about five trucks were left in the area. The group of protestors thus decided to move their protest to the PG&E headquarters in Santa Rosa. About fifteen went inside and insisted on speaking to the manager or to someone who could answer their questions and give them any scientific evidence that the meters would not be harmful to our health. No one would talk to us. Finally, the police were called. The police officer listened to our complaints and then went outside where some representative from PG&E was who spoke to the officer but would still not talk to any of us. Three young mothers from Marin finally sat down in front of the main doors to PG&E and would not let anyone through. They were willing to be arrested to get their point across how strongly they reject smart meters, to try to get press coverage to alert others. However, rather than risk alerting people and having any press coverage, the representative from PG&E would not allow the police to arrest the women and instead just closed the headquarters for as long as the women were there. Rap Song Written to Inform and Protest Smart Meters: “A-to-Z Smart Meter Rap:” A group of concerned citizens from Marina have produced a rap song to try to get the word out about Smart Meters. Their goal is to educate through entertainment. They call it “edutainment.” The group were shown on a television news clip, December 26 for KION Central Coast News, with reporter Azenith Smith. The main person interviewed and the one who had the inspiration to write the rap was Ellen Cecile. She says the lyrics are based on her research against the Smart Meters. (http://www.kionrightnow.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5414315&flvUri=&p artnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Smart%20Meter%20Protesters%20Rap%20About%20Issue &d1=105100&redirUrl=&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd =1141661.) 73   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Positive Newspaper and Media Attention: More and the Press Democrat Newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Marin Independent began to run more positive articles about those who were speaking out against the meters. Here are excerpts from the December, 2010, issue of the magazine North Bay Biz, in an article called “Smart Decisions” by Ray Holley: Under a mandate from the CPUC, PG&E is installing wireless Smart Meters all over the state. Of approximately 9.8 million Smart Meters to be installed (5.5 million electric, 4.3 million gas) PG&E reports it’s already at 70 percent deployment, meaning around 7 million have been installed. Skepticism growing: There are those who believe Smart Meters aren’t that smart. Anecdotal evidence of over-billing abounds, with many ratepayers assailing PG&E and local government officials when bills increased after installation of Smart Meters. PG&E officials say that a small number of older analog meters might have been running too slowly, under billing customers who are now paying the correct charges. A study commissioned by the CPUC found that Smart Meters tend to be accurate but that PG&E is doing a poor job of following up on customer complaints and concerns. The utility says it’s taking steps to address customer service issues and is providing customer outreach ahead of meter deployment. But there are also prevalent concerns about Smart Meters that center around negative impacts on our health, privacy and personal freedom. Smart Meter doubters are an unusual alliance of those concerned about technology’s impacts on our lives, property rights advocates and government skeptics. Claims of health risks: Sandi Maurer, founder of the Sebastopol-based EMF Safety Network, suffered from health problems that, she says, were caused by electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from indoor and faulty wiring in her home. “This [potential for sensitivity to EMFs] has been suppressed and downplayed by the industry for years,” she says. According to Maurer’s website, “Electrical Sensitivity (ES) is also known as Electrosensitivity, Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS), EMF Sensitivity, Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS), Microwave Sickness, Radio Wave Sickness, Wireless Stress Syndrome and Rapid Aging Syndrome,” all terms for individuals who may have adverse reactions to exposure to Smart Meters and other appliances and devices, including cellular phones, cordless (DECT) phones and Wi-Fi, that emit EMF and radiofrequency radiation (RF). “Radiofrequency radiation travels through walls and there are biological impacts,” says Maurer. “Short-term risks include headaches, sleep problems, nausea, memory loss and body pain. Long-term impacts can include cancer and genotoxic affects.” Maurer says the Smart Meter deployment is “the largest technology rollout in PG&E history; the use of wireless radiation is a billion-dollar, blossoming industry, but it hasn’t been proven safe. Neither health nor environmental impacts were considered in the process of approving Smart Meters. The CPUC approved this without a study and without scientific consensus.” Privacy and lawsuits: Deborah Tavares has a different take on Smart Meters: She believes they might ruin her financially. Tavares and her husband are housing developers and own apartment buildings in Sonoma County and Southern California, where Southern California Edison is installing Smart Meters as well. While Smart Meters were being installed on her Southern California buildings, Tavares was contacted by tenants who were concerned about health risks from the radiation. “I went to Southern California Edison to look at the environmental impact reports so I could copy the pages and show my tenants they were safe,” Tavares says. She was surprised when she was unable to obtain an environmental study. PG&E confirms an EIR wasn’t required by the CPUC. 74   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  At an August meeting of the PG&E Santa Rosa Customer Advisory Group, Tavares was told by an attorney representing the utility company that, because Smart Meter installation was mandated by the CPUC, PG&E could not be held liable or responsible in any lawsuits claiming health problems caused by the devices. Tavares and her husband are concerned about their liability if Smart Meters do create health or environmental hazards that are uninsurable. “Southern California Edison and PG&E are installing equipment on our buildings without our permission. We want to be indemnified against the health risks by PG&E or the CPUC if there isn’t a study conducted [on those risks]. Property owners of multi-family construction aren’t aware of what’s coming down on them due to these uninsurable risks. She believes exposure to Smart Meters will trigger “a wave of lawsuits” similar to those triggered by mold exposure and construction defects in multi-family developments. She also believes Smart Meter installation is a breach of privacy, a stretch of the terms of a utility easement and poses a security risk if savvy computer outlaws hack into the system. For more information, Tavares encourages visiting www.refusesmartmeters.com. Because Tavares’ tenants each have their own electric meter, Tavares wasn’t aware that Smart Meters were being installed in Southern California until it was too late to protest, but, “We’re fending them off one of our apartment buildings in Santa Rosa at the moment,” she says, because, “we refuse to be the first line of legal defense” against the litigation she believes is coming. The Sonoma County Republican Central Committee has come out against SmartMeters for privacy reasons. Decrying the devices as “Big Brother” intrusions into our everyday lives, a resolution authored by Central Committee member (and president of the California Eagle Forum) Orlean Koehle states the Smart Meter deployment is “an invasion of privacy rights and the right to control and use our own property (a violation of the Fourth Amendment).” In an introduction to the resolution, Koehle asserts that the smart grid plan can be traced to “Agenda 21, a plan devised by the United Nations…to exercise more and more control over our lives and property using the excuse of ‘saving the environment.’” Koehle, Tavares, Maurer, and others all encourage resisting Smart Meter installation. TURN (The Utility Reform Network) has downloadable signs that can be posted on meters or windows requesting the meters not be installed. The TURN website suggests that Smart Meter installers are respecting the signs, for now. (http://www.northbaybiz.com/General_Articles/General_Articles/Smart_Decisions.php)

Northern California’s Protest Against Smart Meter Reported in World Net Daily Article FROM JEROME CORSI'S RED ALERT – Here come the energy police!
Millions of 'smart meters' installed to monitor electricity usage, Posted: November 14, 2010

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The following report is taken from Jerome Corsi's Red Alert, the premium online newsletter published by the current No. 1 best-selling author, WND staff writer and senior managing director of the Financial Services Group at Gilford Securities. Energy police are about to invade your home with "smart meters," new electronic/Internet based devices that

determine precisely how much energy you are using, Jerome Corsi's Red Alert
reports: While the devices are being sold as energy-saving tools, the technology also gives the energy police the ability to shut you off or charge you additional if you refuse to install energy saving measures demanded by green ideologues and enforced by utility companies doing their bidding, Corsi reported. The California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, has given permission to deploy an Advanced Meter Infrastructure project that will upgrade both metering and communications software to install 5.1 million electricity meters and 4.2 million natural gas meters in homes in the Pacific Gas & Electricity in California. Orlean Koehle, an active tea-party member and a member of the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee, has begun fighting back. "What is a Smart Meter?" Koehle asks. "It is one that contains RF (radio frequency) so that it can be remotely controlled and read. No longer will a meter reader have to come to your home to read the meter. It will all be done remotely." What is the concern about the energy police? "When all is in place, the Smart Meter will not only keep track of how much electricity you are using, but it will be able to control, regulate, and ration your use of that electricity," she wrote. "If 'big brother' decides that you are using too much heat in the winter time, or too much air conditioning in the summer time, or using too much hot water in your showers or washing machine (even if you are willing to pay for that extra usage), the use of power will be automatically turned down." Koehle's not only concerned that green bureaucrats want to impose their global warming agenda on a free marketplace, but that in the future no one will be able to avoid the coming ideologically driven intrusion into homes. Pretty soon, Koehle warns, all appliances will be replaced with those containing RF chips. Corsi has also reported on Google's PowerMeter, software intended to measure the precise amount of energy a house consumes and provide an accounting that lists by household location and device that consumes the electricity. As a result, the Google PowerMeter will provide utilities and any government regulators who care the access the data complete information on a household's energy footprint and carbon footprint. "An easy next step would be for government regulators to demand more household energy efficiency or a reduction in carbon emissions, with the result that 'energy offenders' could be charged substantial fines, with the possibility that the truly recalcitrant could be deemed 'energy criminals' subject to severe consequences," Corsi wrote. "As always, government extermination of civil liberties first arrives with a helping hand."

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For more information on the energy-monitoring devices, read Jerome Corsi's Red Alert, the premium, online intelligence news source by the WND staff writer, columnist and author of the New York Times No. 1 best-seller, "The Obama Nation." Red Alert's author, who received a doctorate from Harvard in political science in 1972, is the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-sellers "The Obama Nation" and (with co-author John E. O'Neill) "Unfit for Command." He is also the author of several other books, including "America for Sale," "The Late Great U.S.A." and "Why Israel Can't Wait." In addition to serving as a senior staff reporter for WorldNetDaily, Corsi is a senior managing director in the financial-services group at Gilford Securities.

N. California Protests Reported in International Abu Dhabi News
Subject: Health risks could switch off home energy meters - The National This is an excellent article- detailing the resistance and potential international failure of the Smart Grid based on the consumer pushback. The National is an English-language journal from the middle east-located in Abu Dhabi.
(http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/health-risks-could-switch-off-home-energy-meters)

Storm clouds are gathering over the booming domestic-energy monitoring sector in the US as concern grows that household electricity Smart Meters could pose serious health risks. Investors in this new sector should be aware that, despite its green-energy saving credentials, the Smart-Metering industry could become the focus of international concern regarding the levels of radiation generated by the new digital devices. The Smart-Meter sector is now starting to see a trend towards mergers and acquisitions. But reports in mid-February that smart-meter maker Landis & Gear, believed to be worth roughly US$1 billion (Dh3.67bn), is about to be auctioned coincided with news of mounting anti-Smart Meter protests in the US. For three days, residents of Marin County, California, formed a human shield to stop trucks from delivering Pacific Gas and Electric Co's Smart Meters, due to be installed in their homes. According to the San Jose Mercury News, two female protesters arrested by police said the demonstrations were organised to draw attention to concerns that low-level radiation from the meters posed a serious health risk for children. There is growing popular antagonism against smart meters in California, where "Stop Smart Meters" signs and bumper stickers have been multiplying on front lawns and cars. In response to these and other fears, such as invasion of privacy, the Californian authorities have imposed bans on smart-meter installation. In Santa Cruz, California, a year-long moratorium has been imposed on Smart-Meter installation and in Marin County, there is a ban on Smart Meters in some rural areas. Safety fears are now starting to spread across America, with residents in Maine waging internet-based campaigns and a growing number of towns adopting moratoria on Smart Meter installations. Health concerns focus on a condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). Sufferers claim that the radiation from devices such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi systems and smart meters can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness and heart palpitations. Those in favour of installing Smart Meters claim EHS is the product of pseudoscience. But others point out that the potential long-term ill effects of constant exposure to low-level radiation include cancer. There are also growing fears among some consumers that the long-term effects of constant exposure to wireless radiation may take at least a generation to surface, as was the case with cigarette smoking in the first half of the 20th century. But while the jury is still out on whether Smart Meters pose health risks, the energy-monitoring industry is likely to experience a degree of wariness on the part of investors. Markets are driven by "sentiment," a polite word for greed and fear. The fear now among some investors is that the 77   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Smart-Meter industry could be about to suffer a dramatic setback if health concerns begin to escalate globally. Fears are being further fuelled by fresh safety concerns about the risk of fire from poorly installed Smart Meters. In California, the anti-Smart Metering lobby is claiming that poorly trained engineers are installing potentially lethal smart meters. In Australia, the Electrical Union claims that Energy Safe, the industry regulator, is allowing unqualified subcontractors to install Smart Meters in Victoria. There are also growing concerns regarding privacy issues. Right-wing groups such as the North Bay Patriots, a Californian affiliate of the Tea Party movement, insist that Smart Meters will be an invasion of privacy. Smart Meters monitor every aspect of domestic energy consumption and allows consumers to monitor and manage their usage in detail. Companies gearing up to network this vast quantity of data include the search engine giant Google. There is, however, concern that by allowing the utilities and companies such as Google to spy on consumers' personal lives, smart metering could further erode personal privacy. By monitoring minute-by-minute energy consumption it would, for example, be easy to deduce when people are home or how many individuals are likely to have been there at any one time. These fears have together created a powerful alliance between California's liberal left, who are mainly concerned about health issues, and right-wing groups who believe the installation of smart meters are the thin end of a wedge of future state intervention into citizens' personal lives. California's rejection of Smart Meters could also have investment repercussions way beyond energy-monitoring companies. Smart Metering is a central pillar of President Barack Obama's vision of a "green grid" supplying energy nationwide. Should the US health and privacy fears continue to spread internationally, there could be global consequences. According to Pike Research, the total installed base of Smart Meters in the Asia Pacific will increase from 52.8 million in 2010 to 350.3m by 2016. But the global growth of the industry in the Asia Pacific and elsewhere will suffer a severe setback should consumer resistance to smart-meter installation continue to grow throughout 2011. ([email protected])

Monterey Resident Pays for her Own Ad Against the Smart Meters
Nina Beety: “It’s Time to Take Action Against Smart Meters” Posted on March 3, 2011 by
onthelevelblog Nina Beety is a Monterey based activist who has been fighting PG&E’s “stupid meter” assault with a ferocity and a tenacity that must make the executives at PG&E quake in their pricey leather dress shoes. Nina is on disability and low income, but she felt it important enough that she spent $4100 of her own money last month to place a full page ad in the Monterey Herald that has turned the tables on PG&E in Monterey County’s smart meter debate virtually overnight, with the City of Monterey on Tuesday unanimously demanding that the utility halt any installations within the city.

Monterey is the first city in Monterey County to take formal action against ‘Smart’ Meters, and joins 29 other cities, towns, and counties around 78   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

California in taking action opposing them, including the town of Pacific Grove, where last night police were summoned to a packed city council meeting amidst some mysterious ‘threat of violence’ totally manufactured by the police spokesman, who alluded to some “anti-government forces.” It’s positively turning into Cairo down here. Nina Beety was asked by KION TV how she could afford a full page ad on limited income and she said with a smile: “that’s what credit cards are for.” Donations have been pouring in from all over the state to help her raise back the money, a true outpouring of grassroots affection and solidarity. If you’d like to also contribute, please contact us and we can get you in touch. Every little bit helps. Nina also wrote a brilliant, forceful, and truthful article entitled “Smart Meters, It’s Time to Take Action” for Pacific Grove’s Cedar Street Times. The writer of this blog adds, “It’s an article that deserves a much bigger audience. Those in Monterey County- and the rest of us as well- are lucky to have her fighting for us. It’s time to bring out the Nina in all of us.”

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter Six Successes: Resolutions/Ordinances against Smart Meters by Central Committees, Cities and Counties
More than 22 cities and three counties in California have already launched formal objections to the mandatory deployment of Smart Meters. The leading purveyors of smart grid products would be wise to think through a greater diversity of options for deploying the smart grid, while simultaneously building the scientific record on accumulative impacts of electromagnetic radio frequencies. Millions of dollars are potentially at stake. Of course, a more complicated matter will be who will pay for these alternatives if only a small minority of customers “opt out” of standard smart meter offerings. The following are some of the resolutions, ordinances and moratoriums that have been written against the meters:

Sonoma County Republican Central Committee Resolution against Installation of Smart Meters
Submitted by Orlean Koehle, October 20, 2010, and was unanimously passed (shown on page 3)

Suggested Resolution Against Smart Meters for Sonoma County Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Suggested Resolution against Installation of Smart Meters Submitted by Orlean Koehle, October 26, 2010 Whereas California’s Public Utility Commission has mandated Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), in participation with Wellington Energy, to remove analog meters and replace them with “smart meters” without permission and often without any awareness from their customers; Whereas many California residence and even elected officials from some cities and counties consider this “deployment” – (the word chosen for the attachment of the smart meters by PG&E) as an invasion of privacy, a threat to private property rights and documented health risks, and encroachments (over burdening) of utility companies easements; Whereas Smart Meters by remote control would control and regulate the thermostat, air conditioning, and all electrical appliances, and could lower the output or shut them down. The eventual goal is to mandate the replacement of all appliances to those that contain RFID chips. All this is an invasion of privacy rights and the right to control and use our own property (a violation of the 4th Amendment); Whereas the Smart Meters contain electromagnetic-radio frequency waves that have been documented to affect health, such as loss of memory, dizziness, nausea, migraines, muscle spasms 80   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

and insomnia. The rays are especially harmful to children with autism. Some are concerned that they could have more serious long-term effects, such as causing cancer; Whereas there has never been any Environmental Impact Study (EIS) made on the Smart Meters. The study was waived. There are no safety standards for chronic long term RF exposures that these meters emit. The FCC safety standards are for only short term exposures, 6 - 30 minutes long; Whereas PG&E claims to have done an accurate RF evaluation to ensure customer safety (performed by an independent commission to evaluate possible health impacts), but the report was never published, which means it was never peer reviewed. The Smart Meters were granted a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) exemption with no explanation given why; Whereas such a computerized RF system of control over all the electrical power and appliances in one’s home, including personal computers, could be penetrated by hackers, just as so many other supposed “fool-proof” systems have been. Private information and privacy rights would again be at risk; Whereas the Smart Meter program really has nothing to do with lowering costs or conserving energy, but everything to do with “rationing” energy and controlling our lives, using the excuse of helping the environment. Therefore, be it resolved that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors strongly opposes the “deployment” of any further Smart Meters in our county, and we support an immediate ordinance be passed banning it. Be it further resolved that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors urges other County trustees to take similar action and join a state-wide protest; to urge all residents post a sign above their meters stating they refuse the Smart Meter and tell PG&E not to install it. (Those counties and cities that already have such an ordinance are Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Fairfax, and possibly San Anselmo. There are possibly 18 other cities and counties pending.) (More information can be found at www.refusesmartmeter.com Message to all Elected Officials: Whenever you speak out at hearings or meetings or write letters to elected officials, both local, state, or national, you could end it with the following that was composed by an attorney friend.

I want you immediately to pass an ordinance prohibiting the installation of wireless Smart Meters by utility companies and their agents until such time as the people of this community are persuaded that Smart Meters are safe, do not represent a threat to our privacy, do not decrease our property values, will not result in the micro-management of how we live our lives, and will not result in higher energy costs during a period of economic danger and distress. I consider such an ordinance to be urgent civic business, and a matter of great public concern. Please understand that any failure to act swiftly to pass such an ordinance will produce a profound voter backlash.

Sanford, Maine Wants to Halt Smart Meter Installation:
November 18, 2010, Portland Press Herald, Portland, Maine SANFORD, MAINE — Sanford has become the third Maine community to pass a resolution asking Central Maine Power Co. to hold off on installing Smart Meters. The town council wants 81   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

CMP to wait at least 90 days before installing more equipment, until the utility provides residents with more information. Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth previously passed similar requests. CMP is replacing all its electric meters with new wireless equipment meant to help manage electricity use and demand. But some residents have concerns, ranging from health impacts to privacy and security. CMP says the meters are safe and secure. The Maine Public Utilities Commission also is reviewing a request from Smart Meter opponents to put the program on hold, but so far has taken no action.

Maine to consider cell phone cancer warning
Gen Financial By: Glenn Adams 12/20/09 A Maine legislator wants to make the state the first to require cell phones to carry warnings that they can cause brain cancer, although there is no consensus among scientists that they do and industry leaders dispute the claim. The now-ubiquitous devices carry such warnings in some countries, though no U.S. states require them, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. A similar effort is afoot in San Francisco, where Mayor Gavin Newsom wants his city to be the nation's first to require the warnings. Maine Rep. Andrea Boland, D-Sanford, said numerous studies point to the cancer risk, and she has persuaded legislative leaders to allow her proposal to come up for discussion during the 2010 session that begins in January, a session usually reserved for emergency and governors' bills. Boland herself uses a cell phone, but with a speaker to keep the phone away from her head. She also leaves the phone off unless she's expecting a call. At issue is radiation emitted by all cell phones. Under Boland's bill, manufacturers would have to put labels on phones and packaging warning of the potential for brain cancer associated with electromagnetic radiation. The warnings would recommend that users, especially children and pregnant women, keep the devices away from their head and body. The Federal Communications Commission, which maintains that all cell phones sold in the U.S. are safe, has set a standard for the "specific absorption rate" of radiofrequency energy, but it doesn't require handset makers to divulge radiation levels.The San Francisco proposal would require the display of the absorption rate level next to each phone in print at least as big as the price. Boland's bill is not specific about absorption rate levels, but would require a permanent, nonremovable advisory of risk in black type, except for the word "warning," which would be large and in red letters. It would also include a color graphic of a child's brain next to the warning. While there's little agreement about the health hazards, Boland said Maine's roughly 950,000 cell phone users among its 1.3 million residents "do not know what the risks are."All told, more than 270 million people subscribed to cellular telephone service last year in the United States, an increase from 110 million in 2000, according to CTIA-The Wireless Association. The industry group contends the devices are safe."With respect to the matter of health effects associated with wireless base stations and the use of wireless devices, CTIA and the wireless industry have always been guided by science, and the views of impartial health organizations. The peer-reviewed scientific evidence has overwhelmingly indicated that wireless devices do not pose a public health risk," said CTIA's John Walls. James Keller of Lewiston, whose cell phone serves as his only phone, seemed skeptical about warning labels. He said many things may cause cancer but lack scientific evidence to support that belief. Besides, he said, people can't live without cell phones."It seems a little silly to me, but it's not going to hurt anyone to have a warning on there. If they're really concerned about it, go ahead and put a warning on it," he said outside a sporting good store in Topsham. "It wouldn't deter me from buying a phone. "While there's been no long-term studies on cell phones and cancer, some scientists suggest erring on the side of caution. Last year, Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sent a memo to about 3,000 faculty and staff members warning of risks based on early, unpublished data. He said that children should use the phones 82   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

only for emergencies because their brains were still developing and that adults should keep the phone away from the head and use a speakerphone or a wireless headset. Herberman, who says scientific conclusions often take too long, is one of numerous doctors and researchers who have endorsed an August report by retired electronics engineer L. Lloyd Morgan. The report highlights a study that found significantly increased risk of brain tumors from 10 or more years of cell phone or cordless phone use. Also, the BioInitiative Working Group, an international group of scientists, notes that many countries have issued warnings and that the European Parliament has passed a resolution calling for governmental action to address concerns over health risks from mobile phone use. But the National Cancer Institute said studies thus far have turned up mixed and inconsistent results, noting that cell phones did not come into widespread use in the United States until the 1990s. "Although research has not consistently demonstrated a link between cellular telephone use and cancer, scientists still caution that further surveillance is needed before conclusions can be drawn," according to the Cancer Institute's Web site. Motorola Inc., one of the nation's major wireless phone makers, says on its Web site that all of its products comply with international safety guidelines for radiofrequency energy exposure.A Motorola official referred questions to CTIA.

Walnut Creek May Consider Moratorium on Residential Cell Towers:
(Thanks to Angela Flynn from the [email protected]) By Elisabeth Nardi, Contra Costa Times (Posted: 11/12/2010 04:38:18 PM PST, Updated: 11/14/2010 05:18:43 AM PST) The Walnut Creek City Council on Tuesday may consider imposing a six-month moratorium on new wireless towers in residential neighborhoods. Responding to outcry from residents, the council held a study session Thursday on the city's 13year-old wireless facilities ordinance. The ordinance regulates the height of antennas -- used for cell phone activity, GPS and Wi-Fi -- and what they can look like. But residents from around Walnut Creek are asking that the law be changed to specify where such facilities cannot be placed -- notably, residential neighborhoods. The council seems inclined to agree. At Thursday's study session, after representatives of various neighborhoods spoke about the need to revise the law, council members asked city staff members to prepare a plan for a moratorium. "The neighborhood response is indicative of the growing problem that we've got," Mayor Sue Rainey said. The controversy bubbled up when a group of Buena Vista residents became concerned about a 28-foot cell antenna disguised to look like a tree that AT&T wants to build at St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Keaveny Court. After revisions, a permit for a 16-foot antenna was approved. The neighbors' appeal of that permit approval will be considered by the council Tuesday. As part of that hearing, the council may decide to adopt such a moratorium, thus putting the Keaveny Court tower in limbo. Neighbors say that after recent court cases the city can, and should, follow the lead of Richmond, which essentially tells wireless providers to place their towers anywhere but in residential neighborhoods. Walnut Creek specifically states in its ordinance only that the city prefers antennas be placed on city property, so the city can collect revenue, said planning manager Victoria Walker. That is not enough, neighbors say. "What is happening in the city is wrong, it's so wrong for the citizens," said Liz Menkes with the Buena Vista group. Councilman Bob Simmons said Thursday he favors revising the current ordinance rather than creating a new law. Likewise, Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Silva said she favors a task force tweaking and rewriting parts of the ordinance. 83   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Silva cautioned there will likely be a lesson learned about the difficulty of balancing the public's hunger for wireless use and fears over cell towers. There's also concern about placing wireless facilities in open space. The wireless ordinance says antennas shouldn't be placed on prominent ridgelines, but doesn't specify where or what those are. Linda Judd, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation president, said there is a discrepancy between the ordinance and the general plan that hasn't been challenged, but it could leave open space vulnerable to new antennas. "We oppose the placement of wireless communication in the open space," she said. Residents also urged the city to do radiation tests on the towers and check on the cell companies' needs for more antennas beyond taking their word for it. There are more than 100 wireless facility sites in Walnut Creek, many of them "co-located," multiple antennas sharing one site. Sprint spokeswoman Caroline Semerdjian said her company tries to co-locate on utility poles wherever possible. She was unaware Walnut Creek may be considering a moratorium, and didn't know whether Sprint has any pending applications with the city. Three employees of wireless companies were at Thursday's meeting, but did not speak publicly. Contact Elisabeth Nardi at 925-952-2617. Follow her at Twitter.com/enardi10.

City Ordinances Against Smart Meters for Watsonville:
Ord No. (CM) 1 Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM AJS ______ CJP ______ ORDINANCE NO. (CM) AN EMERGENCY INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS ON THE INSTALLATION OF SMARTMETERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE OR IN, ALONG, ACROSS, UPON, UNDER AND OVER THE PUBLIC STREETS AND PLACES WITHIN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, AND DELCARING THE URGENCY THEREOF WHEREAS, the City of Watsonville (the “City”), through its police powers granted by Article XI of the California Constitution, retains broad discretion to legislate for public purposes and for the general welfare, including but not limited to matters of public health, safety and consumer protection; and WHEREAS, Article XII of the City Charter expressly grants the City authority to regulate public utilities within the City of Watsonville; and WHEREAS, the Council adopted a franchise agreement with PG&E’s predecessor, Coast Counties Gas and Electric Company by Ordinance 435 on or about September 25, 1945; and WHEREAS, in addition, the City retains authority under Article XII, Section 8 of the Constitution to grant franchises for public utilities, and pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 6203, “may in such a franchise impose such other and additional terms and conditions…, whether governmental or contractual in character, as in the judgment of the legislative body are to the public interest;” and WHEREAS, Public Utilities Code section 2902 reserves the City’s right to supervise and regulate public utilities in matters affecting the health, convenience and safety of the general public, “such as the use and repair of public streets by any public utility, the location of the poles, wires, mains, or conduits of any public utility, on, under, Ord No. (CM) Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM 2 or above any public streets, and the speed of common carriers operating within the limits of the municipal corporation;” and

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

WHEREAS, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (“PG&E”) is now installing SmartMeters in Central and Northern California and will be installing these meters in the City of Watsonville in the very near future; and WHEREAS, concerns about the impact and accuracy of SmartMeters have been raised nationwide, leading the Maryland Public Service Commission to deny permission on June 21, 2010 for the deployment of SmartMeters in that state. The State of Hawaii Public Utility Commission also recently declined to adopt a smart grid system in that state. The CPUC currently has pending before it a petition from the City and County of San Francisco, and other municipalities, seeking to delay the implementation of SmartMeters until the questions about their accuracy can be evaluated; and WHEREAS, major problems and deficiencies with SmartMeters in California have been brought to the attention of the City of Watsonville City Council, including PG&E’s confirmation that SmartMeters have provided incorrect readings costing ratepayers untold thousands of dollars in overcharges and PG&E’s records outlined “risks” and “issues” including an ongoing inability to recover real-time data because of faulty hardware originating with PG&E vendors; and WHEREAS, the ebb and flow of gas and electricity into homes discloses detailed information about private details of daily life. Energy usage data, measured moment by moment, allows the reconstruction of a household's activities: when people wake up, when they come home, when they go on vacation, and even when they take a hot bath. SmartMeters represent a new form of technology that relays detailed hitherto confidential information reflecting the times and amounts of the use of electrical power Ord No. (CM) Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM 3 without adequately protecting that data from being accessed by unauthorized persons or entities and as such pose an unreasonable intrusion of utility customers' privacy rights and security interests. Indeed, the fact that the CPUC has not established safeguards for privacy in its regulatory approvals may violate the principles set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kyllo v. United States (2001), 533 U.S. 27; and WHEREAS, significant health questions have been raised concerning the increased electromagnetic frequency radiation (EMF) emitted by the wireless technology in SmartMeters, which will be in every house, apartment and business, thereby adding additional man-made EMF to our environment around the clock to the already existing EMF from utility poles, individual meters and telephone poles; and WHEREAS, FCC safety standards do not exist for chronic longterm exposure to EMF or from multiple sources, and reported adverse health effects from electromagnetic pollution include sleep disorders, irritability, short term memory loss, headaches, anxiety, nausea, DNA breaks, abnormal cell growth, cancer, premature aging, etc.. Because of untested technology, international scientists, environmental agencies, advocacy groups and doctors are calling for the use of caution in wireless technologies; and WHEREAS, the primary justification given for the SmartMeters program is the assertion that it will encourage customers to move some of their electricity usage from daytime to evening hours; however, PG&E has conducted no actual pilot projects to determine whether this assumption is in fact correct. Non-transmitting time-of-day meters are already available for customers who desire them, and enhanced customer education is a viable non-technological alternative to encourage electricity use time-shifting. Further, some engineers and energy conservation experts believe that the Ord No. (CM) Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM 4 SmartMeters program--in totality--could well actually increase total electricity consumption and therefore the carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, because the potential risks to the health, safety and welfare of Watsonville residents are so great, the City Council wishes to adopt a twelve (12) month moratorium on the installation of SmartMeters and related equipment within the Watsonville City limits. The twelve (12) month period will allow the CPUC petition process referenced above to be completed and for additional information to be collected and analyzed regarding potential problems with SmartMeters; and WHEREAS, there is a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare because, without this urgency ordinance, SmartMeters or supporting equipment will be installed or constructed or modified in the City without PG&E’s complying with the CPUC process for 85   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

consultation with the local jurisdiction, the City’s Code requirements, and subjecting residents of Watsonville to the privacy, security, health, accuracy and consumer fraud risks of the unproven SmartMeter technology; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption and implementation of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. This Ordinance does not authorize construction or installation of any facilities and, in fact, imposes greater restrictions on such construction and installation in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. This Ordinance is therefore exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. Ord No. (CM) Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM 5 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. No Smart Meter may be installed in or on any home, apartment, condominium or business in the City of Watsonville, and no equipment related to Smart Meters may be installed in, on, under, or above any public street or public right of way in the City for twelve (12) months from the date of this Ordinance, at which time the Watsonville City Council, shall consider whether to extend or terminate this prohibition in light of the then-current data on Smart Meter privacy, safety, accuracy and health effects. Section 2. Violations of the Moratorium may be charged as infractions or misdemeanors as set forth in Section 1-2.10 of the Watsonville Municipal Code or otherwise as set forth in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Watsonville Municipal Code in the discretion of the City. In addition, violations shall be deemed public nuisances, with enforcement by injunction or any other remedy authorized by law. Section 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized on behalf of the City of Watsonville to direct all City Departments, to facilitate compliance with the purpose and intent of this Ordinance using the enforcement powers described in the preceding paragraph. Section 4. This City Council finds and determines that: (a) there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare; (b) the moratorium must be imposed in order to protect and preserve the public interest, health, safety, comfort and convenience and to preserve the public welfare; and (c) it is necessary to preserve the public health and safety of all residents or landowners adjacent to such uses as are Ord No. (CM) Q:\COUNCIL\2010\082410\SmartMeter Moratorium.docx ri 8/19/2010 2:19:23 PM 6 affected by this interim ordinance as well as to protect all of the citizens of Watsonville by preserving and improving the aesthetic and economic conditions of the City. Section 5. Any provision of the Watsonville Municipal Code or other ordinances of the City inconsistent herewith, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby suspended during this interim ordinance. Section 6. If any provision of this interim ordinance is held to be unconstitutional, it is the intent of the City Council that such portions of such ordinance be severable from the remainder and the remainder be given full force and effect. Section 7. The interim ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 602 of the Watsonville City Charter and California Government Code Section 65858 and is necessary for preserving the public peace, health, safety, and property, and the general welfare and urgency for its adoption are set forth in the findings above. Section 8. This interim ordinance shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until August 25, 2011, unless otherwise modified by ordinance; and on August 26, 2011, 86   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

it shall be of no further force and effect. Section 9. The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause this interim ordinance to be published once in the official newspaper within fifteen (15) days after its adoption. ********************************

CITY ORDINANCE for FAIRFAX NO. 752
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX ADOPTED AS AN URGENCY MEASURE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE INSTALLATION OF SMARTMETERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX OR IN, ALONG, ACROSS, UPON, UNDER AND OVER THE PUBLIC STREETS AND PLACES WITHIN THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF: The Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, California does ordain as follows: Section I. Findings: A. The Town of Fairfax (the “Town”), through its police powers granted by Article XI of the California Constitution, retains broad discretion to legislate for public purposes and for the general welfare, including but not limited to matters of public health, safety and consumer protection. B. In addition, the Town retains authority under Article XII, Section 8 of the Constitution to grant franchises for public utilities, and pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 6203, “may in such a franchise impose such other and additional terms and conditions…, whether governmental or contractual in character, as in the judgment of the legislative body are to the public interest.” C. Further, Public Utilities Code section 2902 reserves the Town’s right to supervise and regulate public utilities in matters affecting the health, convenience and safety of the general public, “such as the use and repair of public streets by any public utility, the location of the poles, wires, mains, or conduits of any public utility, on, under, or above any public streets, and the speed of common carriers operating within the limits of the municipal corporation.” D. Pacific Gas & Electric Company (“PG&E”) is now installing SmartMeters in Central and Northern California and will be installing these meters in Fairfax in the very near future. PG&E has already installed antennae to support the SmartMeter system at four sites within the public rights of way in the Town without obtaining permits from the Town as required by Section19.04 of the Town Code. Further, PG&G did not comply with Section XIV of General Order 131-D of the California Public Utilities Commission (the “CPUC”), which requires a utility to consult with the local jurisdiction on land use matters prior to locating its facilities. E. Concerns about the impact and accuracy of SmartMeters have been raised nationwide, leading the Maryland Public Service Commission to deny permission on June 21, 2010 for the deployment of SmartMeters in that state. The State of Hawaii Public Utility Commission also recently declined to adopt a smart grid system in that state. The CPUC currently has pending before it a petition from the City and County of San Francisco, the Town of Fairfax and other municipalities, seeking to delay the implementation of SmartMeters until the questions about their accuracy can be evaluated. F. Indeed, major problems and deficiencies with SmartMeters in California have been brought to the attention of the Fairfax Town Council, including PG&E’s confirmation that SmartMeters have provided incorrect readings costing ratepayers untold thousands of dollars in overcharges and PG&E’s records outlined “risks” and “issues” including an ongoing inability to recover real-time 87   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

data because of faulty hardware originating with PG&E vendors. G. The ebb and flow of gas and electricity into homes discloses detailed information about private details of daily life. Energy usage data, measured moment by moment, allows the reconstruction of a household's activities: when people wake up, when they come home, when they go on vacation, and even when they take a hot bath. SmartMeters represent a new form of technology that relays detailed hitherto confidential information reflecting the times and amounts of the use of electrical power without adequately protecting that data from being accessed by unauthorized persons or entities and as such pose an unreasonable intrusion of utility customers' privacy rights and security interests. Indeed, the fact that the CPUC has not established safeguards for privacy in its regulatory approvals may violate the principles set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kyllo v. United States (2001), 533 U.S. 27. H. Significant health questions have been raised concerning the increased electromagnetic frequency radiation (EMF) emitted by the wireless technology in SmartMeters, which will be in every house, apartment and business, thereby adding additional man-made EMF to our environment around the clock to the already existing EMF from utility poles, individual meters and telephone poles. I. FCC safety standards do not exist for chronic long-term exposure to EMF or from multiple sources, and reported adverse health effects from electromagnetic pollution include sleep disorders, irritability, short term memory loss, headaches, anxiety, nausea, DNA breaks, abnormal cell growth, cancer, premature aging, etc.. Because of untested technology, international scientists, environmental agencies, advocacy groups and doctors are calling for the use of caution in wireless technologies. J. The primary justification given for the SmartMeters program is the assertion that it will encourage customers to move some of their electricity usage from daytime to evening hours; however, PG&E has conducted no actual pilot projects to determine whether this assumption is in fact correct. Non-transmitting time-of-day meters are already available for customers who desire them, and enhanced customer education is a viable non-technological alternative to encourage electricity use time-shifting. Further, some engineers and energy conservation experts believe that the SmartMeters program--in totality--could well actually increase total electricity consumption and therefore the carbon footprint. K. Because the potential risks to the health, safety and welfare of Fairfax residents are so great, the Fairfax Town Council wishes to adopt a twelve month moratorium on the installation of SmartMeters and related equipment within the Fairfax Town Limits. The twelve month period will allow the CPUC petition process referenced in Recital E above to be completed and for additional information to be collected and analyzed regarding potential problems with SmartMeters. L. There is a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare because, without this urgency ordinance, SmartMeters or supporting equipment will be installed or constructed or modified in the Town without PG&E’s complying with the CPUC process for consultation with the local jurisdiction, the Town’s Code requirements, and subjecting residents of Fairfax to the privacy, security, health, accuracy and consumer fraud risks of the unproven SmartMeter technology. M. The Town Council hereby finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption and implementation of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. This Ordinance does not authorize construction or installation of any facilities and, in fact, imposes greater restrictions on such construction and installation in order to protect the 88   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

public health, safety and general welfare. This Ordinance is therefore exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. Section II. Moratorium 1. No SmartMeter may be installed in or on any home, apartment, condominium or business in Fairfax, and no equipment related to SmartMeters may be installed in, on, under, or above any public street or public right of way in the Town for twelve months from the date of this Ordinance, at which time the Fairfax Town Council, shall consider whether to extend or terminate this prohibition in light of the then-current data on SmartMeter privacy, safety, accuracy and health effects. 2. Violations of this Moratorium may be charged as infractions or misdemeanors as set forth in Chapter 1.08.010 of the Town Code or as administrative citations as set forth in Chapter 1.10 of the Town Code, in the discretion of the Town. In addition, violations shall be deemed public nuisances, with enforcement by injunction or any other remedy authorized by law. 3. The Fairfax Town Manager is hereby authorized to direct all Town Departments, including the Town Attorney, to facilitate compliance with the purpose and intent of this Ordinance using the enforcement powers described in the preceding paragraph. Section III. Effectiveness This Ordinance, being adopted as an urgency measure for the immediate protection of the public safety, health, and general welfare and containing a declaration of the facts constituting the urgency, upon passage by a minimum four-fifths (4/5) vote of the Town Council, shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and shall continue in effect until modified or rescinded. Section IV. Severability If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable. Section V. Publication Copies of the foregoing ordinance shall, within fifteen days after its passage and adoption, be posted in three public places in the Town of Fairfax, to wit: 1. Bulletin Board, Town Hall Offices; 2. Bulletin Board, Fairfax Post Office; 3. Bulletin Board, Fairfax Women's Club building; which places are designated for that purpose. The foregoing ordinance was duly adopted on the 4th day of August, 2010, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Bragman, Hartwell-Herrero, Tremaine, Weinsoff NOES: None ABSENT: Reed ______________________________ LEW TREMAINE, MAYOR Attest: ______________________________________ Town Clerk 89   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

PG&E’s Smart Meter Program Takes More Hits
http://www.pikeresearch.com/blog/articles/pge’s-smart-meter-program-takes-more-hits Peter Asmus — November 24, 2010 My blog published on November 11th (“PG&E Blows it Again”) highlighted the embarrassing resignation of Pacific Gas & Electric’s manager of its SmartMeter program after it was revealed that he was eavesdropping on the online networking of grassroots activists that have been blockading the installation of smart grid infrastructure in northern California. Turns out, this was just a harbinger of things to come. PG&E is now facing further challenges on the smart grid front, this time from state regulators. In response, the beleaguered utility now appears to be backing off on requiring mandatory installation of its smart meter technology, though the details surrounding any alternatives may not be clear until early next year. On November 18th, the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) called for an investigation into alleged public health hazards with PG&E’s smart meters. “Unless the public’s concerns can be put to rest, there is a very great risk that PG&E’s SmartMeter deployment will turn out to be a $2.2 billion mistake that ratepayers can ill afford,” reads the announcement. Ironically enough, this was the same day that a high profile event in San Francisco – home to PG&E’s corporate headquarters – brought together leading scientists from around the world to highlight the latest research on the public health impacts of various wireless technologies — including smart meters. It turns out that there is very little data available about smart meters, according to Elizabeth Kelley, founder of the Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, Inc., who made a presentation on smart meter technology at the prestigious Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The lack of data, however, has convinced Kelley more research is required before more smart meters are installed throughout the country. She alleged she is in contact with growing numbers of consumers reporting maladies that have transpired since smart meters were installed in their homes. “So far, studies have looked at the growing array of wireless signals permeating our homes and businesses in isolation. Yet today, there are growing numbers of electromagnetic technologies operating simultaneously, a situation she described as a “toxic soup.” She added, “We need to know the accumulative impacts, and differences between acute and chronic exposures.” At present, only cell phones among wireless technologies are subject to some form of government health standards – and she pointed out these standards are also now under attack. Interestingly enough, a day later after the CPUC’s DRA announced its investigation, PG&E offered the possibility of offering customers alternatives to the smart meters, a sign that the utility is now recognizing the toll of the campaign organized by the anti-smart meter crowd. For those betting on the business opportunities linked to the smart grid, is this good or bad news? The answer depends upon whether firms are entirely locked into the idea that the smart grid has to be deployed using wireless signals. It may indeed by the case that there is no “one size fits all.” The actions by the CPUC, which has been a trend setter for more than three decades, could encourage a domino effect throughout the U.S. The European model of securing intelligence
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for the grid through fiber optics, existing phone lines or power line communications may cost more, but may help stem the negative press that has surrounded smart grid deployments throughout 2010 here in the U.S. (Interestingly enough, PG&E was authorized by the CPUC to rely upon power line communications, but then independently switched gears and opted for wireless transmission via Silver Springs Network.)

Smart Meters Turned Down in Westerville OhioRejecting $4.3 million Fed Grant Money
http://www.snponline.com/articles/2010/12/25/multiple_papers/news/allwecityy_201012 24_0947pm_57.txt Smart meters turned down Westerville, Ohio, (population about 36,000) residents turned out in mass regarding legislation for a project incorporating "smart meters" -- technology that falls under the blanket term of advanced metering infrastructure. In a 5-2 vote Sept. 7 City Council voted against four pieces of legislation that included accepting a $4.3 million economic stimulus grant from the federal government the city received last year. Westerville was one of 100 recipients in the nation and the funds would have paid for 50 percent of the cost for electrical smart meters. Water meters would have been funded by a $1 per month utility bill charge. Implementing the technology would have began this fall. By 2015 residents would have been able to track energy consumption online, a tool proponents said would help reduce energy consumption. Within 10 years the technology would be fully implemented and residents with smart appliances could control them remotely through the Internet. Despite an extensive public information campaign about the perks of the technology, council's decision was largely affected by feedback from residents. Cited concerns ranged from accepting federal stimulus money, security and privacy issues, fears the meters would facilitate government-mandated energy use reduction, unknown future costs and even house fires. Despite their vote, council members said AMI technology is the wave of the future and today's technology will someday be obsolete. Plans for a voluntary opt-in program are in the works but have not been brought back to council. Also See this article: http://www.columbuscastles.com/westerville-electric-smartmeters

Two States in the USA Have Said No to Smart Meters – Maryland and Hawaii: The Maryland Public Service Commission denied the deployment of Smart Meters in their state on June 21, 2010, and on September 2, 2010, Hawaii Public Utility Commission announced that they would decline to allow a Smart Grid system in their state. (http://gigaom.com/cleantech/reportpges-smart-meter-tech-works-but-outreach-lacking/. Below is an article about Maryland:
Maryland: Smart Grid SOS: The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) recently denied Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) authorization to deploy smart meters and other smart grid technologies, arguing the potential financial and technological risks to consumers - who would have foot the bill for BGE's smart meters outweighed the benefits. This was after the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded BGE their largest federal grant of $136 million for the initiative. Is this the beginning of the end of a great idea? 91   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  The Smart Grid is the rare energy initiative that has the support of the Department of Energy, environmentalists, and utilities across the country. When fully implemented, the Smart Grid could enable energy efficiency, integrate renewable sources of electricity, foster electric cars, and allow consumers to reduce their energy consumption and save money. In order to accomplish all of these lofty goals, the Smart Grid will need the cooperation, and even love, of consumers. And an early negative reaction from consumers could jeopardize the entire project. Yet with the early rollouts of smart meters, consumers complain that their needs for information and communication have not been met, privacy concerns have not been addressed, and their bills are rising. Some consumers have gone so far as to place locks on their old meters. In this provocative discussion between representatives of utilities, consumers, regulators, and an expert of consumer behavior and energy consumption, we will dig.

Marin County One-Year Moratorium Against Smart Meters Passed 4-0 by the Board of Supervisors, January 4, 2011:
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40918724/ns/localnews-san francisco_bay_area_ca/) The moratorium will prohibit the installation of smart meters and related equipment in the unincorporated areas of Marin. It is very well written and lists the many areas of concerns expressed by other ordinances such as privacy and health issues, but they also mention a new area of concern – smart meters are interfering with radio reception, especially emergency radio reception. It can be read at the following website: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/efiles/BS/AgMn/agdocs/110104/110104-11-CL-ord-ORD.pdf In the NBC article about the vote by the supervisors, by reporter Mike Anderson, he states something very interesting – that the county has no jurisdiction over the meters. It is the PUC that makes the decision and PG&E thinks they can go on installing them unless they hear from the PUC. Wow! Does that mean that PG&E thinks county government is meaningless? They have some draconian power over all of us? The following is how the article reads: “PG&E's new wireless meters have been a hot issue in the area. Just a few days ago, two women were arrested for blocking a Smart Meter truck in Inverness. Opponents say the new meters are inaccurate and send out unhealthy radiation. But the county actually has no authority over the meters. It's the state Public Utilities Commission that can make the decision, and it hasn't said anything. PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith told the Marin Independent Journal that the utility will keep installing the meters unless it hears from the commission. About 100 residents showed up to the meeting on Tuesday. Some of them complained about headaches, sleeping disorders and heart problems, according to a release. The moratorium was put in place "because the potential risks to the health, safety and welfare of county residents are so great," the emergency ordinance says. It applies only to unincorporated areas of the county, including all of West Marin. After thousands of customer complaints, a September audit found the meters were "functioning properly," but it didn't say anything about possible health risks. PG&E did admit that thousands of its meters had glitches. Until more information is known about the meters, opponents in Marin want the option to opt-out of having the meters installed in their home. There are currently about 5.5 million smart meters installed, most of them are in the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

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California PUC Finally Rules in Favor of the People
PUC orders PG&E to let customers opt out of SmartMeter program, by Gary Richards and Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3/10/ 2011 Responding to months of consumer protests, the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday ordered PG&E to come up with ways for worried customers to refuse SmartMeters. The utility was ordered to submit proposals to the commission outlining procedures and costs within two weeks. The PUC order is a stunning turnabout on a technology that many consider a key to managing energy use in the future. Utilities around the country have installed the electronic meters -- which can be monitored and adjusted wirelessly -- with little incident. But in Northern California, angry residents have expressed concerns that the meters can lead to overbilling and cause health problems, and PG&E has struggled to counter the bad publicity. PUC President Michael Peevey said before Thursday's meeting that he hoped the announcement "might calm some of the emotion surrounding this issue." Peevey said he could not predict what kind of proposal PG&E will submit, or how the commission will judge it. "But I think it's clear the time has come for some kind of movement in the direction of customer opt-outs," he said. Joshua Hart, director of Stop Smart Meters, an activist group that has led opposition to the meters, said the PUC order was significant "but too little, too late." "We will not rest until we have a moratorium on installation and public hearings on the health concerns," Hart said. The rest of the article gives more of the same old propaganda that there are really no health concerns to worry about, that the Smart Meters are all about reducing electricity costs, using electricity more efficiently and saving the world from “greenhouse gas pollution.” However, spokesperson for PG&E, Paul Moreno does agree that PG&E could have done a better PR campaign selling the idea to the public. The PUC released a 400-page report by an independent consultant last year that found nothing wrong with the meters but concluded that “PG&E turned the rollout into a consumer relations disaster.” The Cost of Giving Customers an Opt Out and How Many Would Ask for it? Chris Johns, PG&E President said PG&E installs about 15,000 SmartMeters a day, and had replaced more than “7 million traditional meters in its service area from Bakersfield to Oregon. He said the replacement of all 10 million meters in PG&E's jurisdiction would be completed by the end of this year or early 2012.” To replace the SmartMeters already installed will be pretty expensive Johns said and he asks who is going to pay for it? “Does the whole community pay for that? Or do you try to make the person who wants the alternative pay for that?” Peevey said that customers not wanting SmartMeters should pay "reasonable" costs for alternative meters instead of putting the burden on all ratepayers. Many Groups and Cities Have Filed Protesting Letters and Briefs Against PG&E’s Proposed Opt Out Plans. Most of these groups are protesting that the plan does not include an opt out of the Smart Meter period and keeping the old analog meter. Many letters are coming from groups also against Southern California Edison not allowing an opt out from the meter. Here are most of them: http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140853.pdf: Protest Of County Of Marin, Town Of Fairfax, City Of Marina, City Of Seaside, Consumers Power Alliance, Public Citizen, Marin Association Of Realtors, Alliance For Human And Environmental Health, Coalition Of Energy Users, Eagle 93   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Forum Of California, Santa Barbara Tea Party, Concerned Citizens Of La Quinta, Palm Springs Patriots Coalition Desert Valley Tea Party, Menifee Tea Party - Hemet Tea Party – Temecula Tea Party, Rove Enterprises, Inc., Schooner Enterprises, Inc., and Eagle Forum Of San Diego To Consolidated Applications For Adoption Of Smart Grid Deployment Plans. http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140842.pdf: Protest Of The Division Of Ratepayer Advocates http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140844.pdf: Protest Of The Utility Reform Network http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140791.pdf: Protest Of The Direct Access Customer Coalition And The Alliance For Retail Energy Markets To The Applications Of The Investor-Owned Utilities http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140795.pdf: Protest filed by the Greenlining Institute – regarding supplier diversity http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/RESP/140850.pdf: Pacific Gas And Electric Company’s Opposition To Division Of Ratepayer Advocates’ Motion To Amend The Scope Of The Proceeding To Include Data On Radio Frequency Emissions And To Order PG&E To Serve Supplemental Testimony On The Costs Of An Analog Meter Option http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/MOTION/140937.pdf: MOTION TO AMEND APPLICATION Applications of the County of Santa Barbara, the Consumers Power Alliance, et al For A Commission Order Requiring Southern California Edison Company (U338E) To File An Application For Approval Of A Smart Meter Opt-Out Plan http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/A/140806.pdf: PG&E deployment filing http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140767.pdf: The People’s Initiative Foundation Protest Of The Application Of San Diego Gas And Electric Company (U 902 E) For Adoption Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan, The Application Of Pacific Gas And Electric Company For Adoption Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan U 39 E, And The Application Of Southern California Edison Company (U 338-E) For Approval Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan. http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140771.pdf: Protest filed by Californians for Renewable Energy http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140772.pdf: Protest filed by Santa Cruz County ratepayers http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140835.pdf: Southern Californians For Wired Solutions To Smart Meters (Scwssm) Protest Of: The Application Of San Diego Gas & Electric Company (U 902 E) For Adoption Of Its Smartgrid Deployment Plan, The Application Of Pacific Gas And Electric Company For Adoption Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan U 39 E, Application Of Southern California Edison Company (U 338-E) For Approval Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140840.pdf: Scwssm Protest Exhibit G- Decmber 16, 2010 Department Of Justice Testimony On Disabilities-Janet Newton Of Emr Policy Institute National Advocacy Organization http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140839.pdf: Scwssm Protest Exhibit F - Doj December 16, 2010Testimony Of William J. Bruno, Phd, Physics UC Berkeley

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140838.pdf: Scwssm Protest Exhibit E - Michael Hurts (Michele Hertz) Testimony Re Sce -Department Of Justice Taken On December 16, 2010 http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140836.pdf: SCWSSM Protest – Testimony of Dr. Dan Harper, with attachments of CCST critiques by Havas and Carpenter http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/P/140837.pdf: Declaration Of Samuel Milham M.D., In Support Of The Southern Californians For Wired Solutions To Smart Meters, Protest Of The Application Of San Diego Gas & Electric Company (U 902 E) For Adoption Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan, The Application Of Pacific Gas And Electric Company For Adoption Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan U 39 E, And The Application Of Southern California Edison Company (U 338E) For Approval Of Its Smart Grid Deployment Plan

 

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Chapter Seven Law Suits Concerning Smart Meters:
The First Successful Law Suit - Portland, Maine, reported May 25, 2011, “Skelton, Taintor & Abbott Wins Landmark Smart Meter Case” On behalf of several Maine residents, the law firm Skelton, Taintor & Abbott secured a landmark decision that will benefit utility customers throughout the country. Alan Stone, chair of the firm's energy law group, successfully convinced the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to find that it was an unjust and unreasonable practice for Central Maine Power Company (CMP) to refuse to permit residential and small commercial customers to opt-out of CMP’s smart meter program and to retain their existing electromagnetic meters.. Stone proved that because of unresolved concerns relating to health, privacy and cyber security resulting from the installation of wireless meters on their homes, customers should have a choice concerning the installation of those meters. CMP argued vigorously that customers should not be allowed to opt out, and the MPUC found that position to be unjust and unreasonable. The Portland Press Herald has described the decision as a “landmark” case that represents the first time any state had ordered an electric utility to permit customers the choice to opt out of a smart meter program. The case has been followed by other Public Utilities Commissions and utility experts around the country, and will serve as precedent for others in the determination of how to resolve what has become a growing debate about customer choice and smart meters. Alan Stone is also chair of the trial practice group at Skelton, Taintor and Abbott, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of Energy Law. (http://www.skeltontaintorabbott.net/news/85/77/Skelton-Taintor-Abbott-Wins-Landmark-Smart-MeterCase.html)

Possible Law Suits in California: When it became obvious that PG&E did not respect local government, nor the property and privacy rights of their customers, many irate customers were looking for what they could do legally to get the meters removed. A kind attorney (who wishes to remain anonymous) prepared the following information free of charge on how to file a small claims law suit:

STOP SMART METERS with a Small Claims Suit
If a utility company installed a Smart Meter on your property or residence, you can do something about it.

Who Can Take Action?
1. Owners of the property 2. People who reside in the property

A Small Claim Makes A Big Difference
Did you ever wonder why the bigger something gets the harder it is to deal with? Well, even if you never thought about it before, it’s really true. That’s why Small Claims Court lawsuits brought by tens of thousands of California utility users may help to stop Smart Meters in California. Oh, sure, the utility companies have the money to fight thousands of Small Claims Court cases, but the logistics of doing it would be a nightmare for them. They will have to respond to each and every Small Claims Court case, and when a case comes to trial in Small Claims Court they will have to send an agent or employee to court to oppose the case. Just to organize all those responses and people will be a huge logistical burden, even for a big utility company. What’s more, it would give the utility company a public black eye, and they are wary of that kind of publicity. 96   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Do not file a Small Claims Court case unless you sincerely believe that you have a legal right to do so. But understand that, whether or not you actually win a Small Claims Court action, if thousands of citizens file such cases they may achieve a political victory over Smart Meters in California, because the utility companies (and even the court administrators) will almost certainly have to turn to Sacramento for assistance in order to deal with litigation of such magnitude. That will put the state legislators and state regulatory agencies, like the California Public Utilities Commission, squarely in the political bulls-eye, which is exactly where they should be, because the utility companies are trying to justify Smart Meters based on laws the legislators have passed and rules the regulators have enacted. So, if your utility company has installed a Smart Meter on your property or on your residence (whether or not you own the property), and you have a good faith belief that you are entitled to file a Small Claims Court action on that account, here is what you can do:

File A Small Claims Court Case
You can file a Small Claims Court action all by yourself, without anyone’s help, or you can get help filling out the papers and serving them on the utility company. Lawyers are prohibited from representing parties to a Small Claims Court action, but legal services and even some lawyers can help you get the paper work in shape if you feel you need that kind of assistance.

A. File a Small Claims Action by Yourself
In California, you don’t need a lawyer to file a Small Claims court case, and a lawyer cannot represent a party to a Small Claims court lawsuit. If you win the case, the other side can hire a lawyer to appeal to the regular Superior Court and then you can either represent yourself there or hire a lawyer to represent you. Every one of California’s 58 counties has a Court Clerk’s office where you can file a Small Claims court action. Here is where you can get the address and phone number of the Clerk’s office in your county: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/find.htm To file a claim for $7,500.00 in damages usually requires that you pay a filing fee of $75.00 to the clerk of the court. If you are going to file your own Small Claims Court action, here is what you need to know: Small Claims basic information: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/ Download the forms you need: http://www.cc-courts.org/_data/n_0003/resources/live/SmallClaimsSC-01FullPacket2010.pdf

B. Get Help Filing Your Small Claims Action
For a nominal fee, you can get help filing your Small Claims court case. There are online services, and services you can contact by telephone. Just Google “California small claims court services” and you’ll find help. Here are just a few of the many places that provide assistance: Instant Process Service: http://www.instantprocessservice.com/small_claims.html My Small Claim: http://www.mysmallclaim.com/?gclid=CJGPjN-t-6UCFRtVgwodmmhtcQ Small Claims Service: http://www.smallclaimservice.com/?gclid=CJXRxNWt-6UCFQoLbAodKlizqA Turbo Court: http://turbocourt.com/go.jsp?act=actShowAppInfo&appcode=elfsc&tmstp=1264288.0&fld=fldHomeAppName&srcde=dteAppsList&source=scrHome&form=frm AppsList&ind=1&screenCode=HOME

C. Ideas for a Small Claims Court Case
The information below is not intended as legal advice, and may not be used for that purpose. It is solely for the purpose of stimulating discussion and sharing ideas about the possible kinds of 97   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Small Claims Court claims people might make in relation to the installation of Smart Meters on their property or their residence. When you file a lawsuit, you always make a claim. In the law, a claim is called a “cause of action.” Below are some possible causes of action in relation to Smart Meters. Some of them may be appropriate for property owners. Some may be appropriate for people who reside in the property but don’t own it. For anyone who owns the property and resides in it as well, all of the causes of action below may be appropriate NOTE: Wherever the words “the utility company” appear below, they refer to a person’s actual utility company. It is the actual name of the utility company that must be used in a Small Claims Court complaint.

Possible Causes of Action for Property Owners
(Including Multi-Unit Property Owners) Cause of Action (Burdening Utility Easement): The utility company is burdening the utility easement it has on my property by installing a Smart Meter that (a) emits dangerous electromagnetic waves that cause personal injury, (b) invade the privacy of residents by data mining and data basing information about their private behavior, (c) utilizes technology that is not proven to be reliable in relation to utility usage and the lawful charges that can be assessed for such usage, (d) subjects occupants of the property to an unconstitutional degree of control of their life activities by computer algorithms and faceless bureaucrats who have no knowledge of their personal needs and desires, without their knowledge and informed consent. Cause of Action (Trespass): The utility company is trespassing on my property by installing a Smart Meter that (a) emits dangerous electromagnetic waves that cause personal injury, (b) invade the privacy of residents by data mining and data basing information about their private behavior, (c) utilizes technology that is not proven to be reliable in relation to utility usage and the lawful charges that can be assessed for such usage, (d) subjects occupants of the property to an unconstitutional degree of control of their life activities by computer algorithms and faceless bureaucrats who have no knowledge of their personal needs and desires, without their knowledge and informed consent. Cause of Action (Diminution of Property Value): The utility company is diminishing the value of my property by installing a Smart Meter that puts my property at a competitive disadvantage in the real estate market due to the costs and risks associated with Smart Meter technology, including the fact that a Smart Meter: (a) emits dangerous electromagnetic waves that cause personal injury, (b) invade the privacy of residents by data mining and data basing information about their private behavior, (c) utilizes technology that is not proven to be reliable in relation to utility usage and the lawful charges that can be assessed for such usage, (d) subjects occupants of the property to an unconstitutional degree of control of their life activities by computer algorithms and faceless bureaucrats who have no knowledge of their personal needs and desires, without their knowledge and informed consent.

Possible Causes of Action for Residents and Property Owners
(Including Multi-Unit Property Owners) Cause of Action (Invasion of Privacy): The utility company is invading the privacy of the property residents in violation of the state and federal Constitutions, by installing a Smart Meter that data mines and data bases private life style choices and habits through the electromagnetic analysis of utility usage, and makes that data available to unknown persons without the knowledge and informed consent of the occupants of the property. Further, the utility company stores that personal data in ways that render it susceptible to hackers, home invaders and other criminals who pose a serious risk of further injury and loss to the residents. Cause of Action (Conversion): The utility company is committing civil theft by installing and maintaining a Smart Meter that data mines and data bases private life style choices and habits through the electromagnetic analysis of utility usage, and makes that data available to unknown 98   

 

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persons without the knowledge and informed consent of the occupants of the property. Further, the utility company stores that personal data in ways that render it susceptible to hackers, home invaders and other criminals who pose a serious risk of further injury and loss to the residents. Cause of Action (Violation of Constitutional Rights): The utility company purports to be acting pursuant to state and federal laws and administrative regulations in installing and maintaining a Smart Meter on the property. However, such laws and regulations are unconstitutional on their face or as applied in this case, in that they (a) violate the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, by usurping powers and disparaging rights possessed by the states or by the people, or by both; (b) violate the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, by depriving those who occupy the property the right to life, liberty and property without due process of law, and in violation of the right to equal treatment under the law with every other citizen of the United States, including those citizens who, by state law, are not made subject to Smart Meters; (c) violate Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution, in that they deprive the occupants of the right to enjoy and defend their life and liberty, and deprive them of their right to acquire, possess, and protect their property, safety, happiness and privacy. Cause of Action (Personal Injury): The utility company is causing me personal injury because it installed a Smart Meter that causes electromagnetic waves that make me sick. [If there are facts to support the above claim, it can be inserted in the complaint]

Request for Relief
At the end of your claims, you must tell the Court what you want it to do (this is your request for relief). In California, when a Small Claims Court action is filed seeking money damages, the Small Claims Court has jurisdiction (legal authority) to award money damages up to a maximum of $7,500.00, and to issue a court order in place of, or in addition to, an award of money damages. The authority for a Small Claims Court to issue a court order is found in California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 116.210-116.221. So, it may be appropriate not only to ask the Small Claims Court for the maximum amount of money damages allowed by law, but also for a court order directed to the utility company ordering it to remove the Smart Meter from the property you own or in which you reside, and to reinstall the analog meter that it previously removed. One would expect a utility company to fight such an order by the Small Claims Court by appealing it to the regular Superior Court. But the utility company may have no better luck there. For owners of the property, the theory of getting a court-ordered removal is that the utility easement constitutes a contract between the owner and the utility company, a contract that by its terms and by law defines the rights (and limitations on the rights) of the parties in relation to how the easement and the property are to be used. The owner is asking the court for “specific performance” of the easement in order to eliminate the illegitimate use (burdening, trespass, etc.) represented by the utility company installing and maintaining a Smart Meter. For residents who are not owners, the theory of getting a court-ordered removal is that the customer service contract the resident has with the utility company must by law be performed in “good faith” (this is implied as a matter of law in every contract in the State of California), and the installation of any Smart Meter that makes the resident ill, invades the resident’s privacy, etc., represents a bad faith breach of the customer service contract, entitling the resident to “specific performance” of the terms of contract (including the implied-in-law terms) in the form of a courtordered removal of the Smart Meter. A Note About Serving Papers on the Utility Company

Small-claims lawsuits against corporations must be "served" (mailed or delivered in person) on the corporation's registered agent for receiving service of legal “process” (summons and complaint). You can find out the name of the utility company’s agent for service of process at this website (control-click the link to go to the web page or type http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/cbs.aspx into your browser’s web address field). If you look up the
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official address for a corporation at the California Secretary of State website, this is the kind of thing you will see:
Entity Name: Entity Number: Date Filed: Status: Jurisdiction: Entity Address: Entity City, State, Zip: Agent for Service of Process: Agent Address: Agent City, State, Zip: PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY C0044131 10/10/1905 ACTIVE CALIFORNIA 77 BEALE ST 32ND FL SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105 LINDA Y H CHENG ONE MARKET, SPEAR TOWER STE 2400 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105

Write the name of the corporate defendant into the Small Claims complaint exactly the way the name is officially registered with the State of California, and mail the complaint and summons to the corporation in care of the registered agent, requesting that the post office provide you with a return receipt that shows that the named agent signed for the mailing. A refusal to accept service of process could be a violation of law, and should be reported to the office of the California Secretary of State. When you are suing a corporation, you may file the lawsuit in the county where the corporation is officially located (according to the official corporate address registered with the State of California), or in the county where the utility contract was broken (typically the county where the easement rights exist), or in the county in which you experienced harm to yourself or your property (typically the county where the property is located, which is also usually the country where the easement rights exist).

Restraining Order or Class Action Law Suit
(These are also possibilities, but you would need to hire your own attorney, which can be very expensive. My recommendation is that go with the Small Claim Law suit.)

 

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Chapter Eight
Who and What are Behind the Smart Meter, Smart Grid Programs? What Objectives are they Trying to Achieve?

The SmartGrid and SmartMeter Network
When one looks at the above picture, the SmartGrid and SmartMeters look so neat, clean, modern and efficient. Why would anyone want to stand in the way of progress? For those who dig deeply, however, we find out that there are many dark motives hidden behind the scenes. We also find many false beliefs and sinister ideas that are driving the motives. It appears there are five main groups and objectives pushing for the smart meters and grid. 1) Ecological – made up of environmentalists who think smart meters and smart grids will somehow help save the planet by controlling and preserving the use of energy, water, limit greenhouse gases, (such as CO2), stop global warming, or climate change, etc. 2) Political – made up of sneaky politicians who think Smart Meters and the Smart Grid are a way to get “Cap and Trade” implemented through the back door, since it has had such a hard time getting passed in Congress; 3) Financial - Those in it for the money to be made - financiers, bankers, investors, manufacturers, owners of IT companies and appliance stores who think there is much money to be made with the manufacturing of the smart meters, the smart appliances, the towers, and the data 101   

 

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that will be collected that can be sold to the highest bidder; 4) Control and Surveillance – Made up of “ Big Brother” Officials who like the idea of a 24-hour non-stop surveillance system and control over all people and their use of energy. 5) Global – made up of those who are implementing the stealth objectives of UN Agenda 21including many controls, regulations and population control. And there are probably some who are supporting smart meters for all of the above reasons.

1. Environmentalists Who Want to “Save the Planet”
“Save Energy, Stop Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Stop Global Warming:” Having been a substitute teacher over the past 16 years, often in science classrooms, I have seen the propaganda and fear tactics used on kindergarten through high school students about saving “Mother Earth.” It used to just be taught in a class called environmental science. Now it is has permeated into every class, English, history – even math. In an art classroom, students were asked to do a thumbnail picture of something they were most concerned about. Most of the drawings had to do with some environmental issue that caused them such concern, such as one boy who drew a picture of the earth melting into a pool of mud. This was in December of 2009. I drew the words on the black board and told the class to google “Climate Gate,” that thousands of e-mail had just been released revealing how top UN scientists that were in charge of all the global warming graphs and reports had been “cooking the books,” greatly exaggerating the numbers of the earth’s temperature and telling other scientists to not let the true numbers come out. The students looked shocked and asked me why anyone would want to do such a thing? I told them there was a great deal of money to be made if they could keep the “global warming” hoax going on. I asked them if they had ever heard of “carbon credits.” They had not, so I explained the whole concept (which is explained under Cap and Trade on the next page). Carbon credits could no longer work if people no longer believed in global warming. I also asked them to not just take my word for this but to do their own homework and research. I also asked them to research how many places on the earth were reporting that they were having record cold spells, not experienced in years. We could actually be facing a global cooling period, not warming. The boy who had drawn the melting earth actually looked a little relieved after what I had told him. Who knows what the rest of the class felt It has even gotten worse this past year – 2010. But the global warming believers do not want to give up on their “religion.” They try to blame global cooling on global warming. Nothing is beyond their ability to twist things around. As you will read below, true scientists and meteorologists, those who have a background in studying weather patterns, know that global warming is a big hoax being used for political and economic gain. Read some of the statements below: Weather Channel boss calls global warming 'the greatest scam in history' By Our Foreign Staff 11:14AM GMT 09 Nov 2007 The founder of the The Weather Channel in the US has described the concept of global warming as 'the greatest scam in history' and accused global media of colluding with 'environmental extremists' to alarm the public. “It is the greatest scam in history. I am amazed, appalled and highly offended by it. Global Warming; It is a SCAM," John Coleman wrote in an article published on ICECAP, the International Climate and Environmental Change Assessment Project, which is known for challenging widely published theories on global warming. The maverick weather forecaster is known for his regular critique of widely accepted global warming theories. The Weather Channel broadcasts weather forecasts and weather-related news in the US 24 hours a day. 102   

 

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The article then reiterates the lies and fear tactics that are being told to us in our schools and the media about “the 90% consensus” of scientists who believe in global warming and the scary things that will happen to the earth because of it: His views challenge the consensus of the international science community that it is at least 90 per cent certain that temperatures will continue to rise, with average global surface temperature projected to increase by between 1.4 and 5.8ºC above 1990 levels by 2100. This increase will be accompanied by rising sea levels, more intense precipitation events in some countries, increased risk of drought in others, and adverse effects on agriculture, health and water resources. The following gives more background on the hoax of global warming and the UN Treaty that is behind it called Agenda 21: (http//www.infowars.com. October 19, 2010.) The United Nations has ensnared the world in voluntary treaties intended to become mandatory later, tricking politicians and the public. The treaties may be vague and open to interpretation over time, using a tactic known as ‘incrementalism’. These treaties affect many branches of government. The treaties are designed to deindustrialize and economically break nations, restrict energy resources (especially for electricity and transportation) and implement taxation schemes based on manipulated science from the UN (the EPA has authority to implement Cap-and-Trade). EVIL DECEPTIONS: Agenda 21 Sustainable Development was introduced at the 1992 Earth Summit; it is not a treaty but uses treaties as a tool to implement its action plan for depopulation and total control. Michael Shaw has described Agenda 21 as the head of a monster whose tentacles have infiltrated all levels of government, affecting almost all areas of life, and he says that if you take out the head of the monster (Agenda 21), its tentacles will wither. The UN avoids using the word ‘treaty’. Most people understand that treaties erode national sovereignty and power. Voluntary treaties can be used to slide a foot in the door in order to trample sovereignty later through mandatory regulations. Conventions, Protocols, Agreements, Covenants and Accords take the form of a treaty, which may be binding international legal instruments or may become binding later when negotiations are completed. An Initiative is a type of referendum in which a proposal is placed on the ballot by way of petition. A Declaration does not have any legal power to enforce compliance but relies on the moral weight it carries. UNFCCC: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is a voluntary treaty ratified by the US in 1992 following the Earth Summit; no limits were set for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but the treaty provided for updates (protocols) to set mandatory limits. The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the UNFCCC which is legally binding but the US never ratified this treaty. The Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, hence the push to ratify it, or a similar treaty like the Copenhagen Accord. SCARY POLITICAL POLICIES: According to Richard Courtney’s article (May 1999) the real danger of global warming is the extreme response that politicians have had to imaginary global warming. Courtney says that the theory of global warming was developed during the Industrial Revolution in the 1880’s, but 103   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  remained relatively obscure until 1979 when Margaret Thatcher became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Courtney’s article explains that Thatcher desired respect and followed the advice of Sir Crispin Tickell, depopulation advocate and UK ambassador to the UN. He pointed out that she could gain international credibility if she promoted the global warming (GW) deception because most politicians are scientifically illiterate (Thatcher holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry). The benefits to the Thatcher Administration GW policies were: * GW fear was used to weaken US power- if all other countries enacted carbon taxes and industrial reductions they could pressure and gain benefit over the US. * Thatcher belonged to the Conservative Party that held a grudge against the National Union of Mineworkers who were blamed for the Party’s prior defeats, so GW provided an excuse shut down many coal mines and eliminate the miners’ political power. * Nuclear energy emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), and many coal plants were replaced with nuclear power plants. Nuclear power, which presents its own risks, was 4 times as expensive as coal-fired electricity. * The new nuclear power plants were necessary to produce nuclear weapons. Thatcher established the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, the operating agency for the UN IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Hadley is located at East Anglia University, the focal point of the ‘Climategate’ scandal. (http://www.infowars.com/un-tricks-and-treaties/.)

The following gives more information on the Climategate scandal. It comes from my book By Stealth and Deception, USA Transformation and Its Parallel to the European Union, published in May of 2010, pp.177-178. (It can be ordered from www.xlibris or at www.Amazon.com or by calling the author at 707-539-8393.) Global Warming Lies Exposed: In what has become known as “Climategate,” the global warming hot-air balloon of lies and exaggerations had a big whole punched in it, November 23, 2009, just a few weeks before the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Summit was to begin, December 7. Some computer hackers were able to discover thousands of e-mails that had been sent between several two important science professors that crucial data refuting the global warming theories had been hidden and not allowed to be published. UK Professor Dr. Phil Jones, of the University of East Anglia, headed up the prestigious Climatic Research Unit, which was the main source of information for the UN Intergovernmental Panel (IPPC) and for the world media on climate change.” Jones had corresponded mainly with a professor at Penn State in Pennsylvania, Michael Mann, the creator of the deceptive “hockey stick” graph. USA News, December 1, 2009, reports Penn State is investigating Michael Mann’s participation in “cooking the books” on global warming data as well. Michael was told by Jones to “delete certain E-mails” and hide valuable scientific facts that did not support the global warming theory. In an e-mail back in 2004, Jones wrote that he and his assistant would keep the true information out of the next IPCC report, “even if we have to redefine what the peerreview literature is.” There were many similar e-mails. Jones has since stepped down from his position at East Anglia. I was in hopes that this scandal would put a big hole in the “hot air” emitted by international wind bags at the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit that took place starting December 7, but they did their best to ignore it and went right on promoting their scare tactics trying to get all the nations to agree to more draconian restrictions on energy and redistribution of wealth, taking from the wealthier nations to give to the poorer ones. 104   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Fortunately, they were not quite able to accomplish their objectives and will have to stage more big CO2 emitting conferences in the future. From a Reuters article, December 16, 2009, it was estimated that the “carbon footprint” of CO2 emissions that were used up at this summit was the largest in history. With all the commercial and private jets flying into Copenhagen, the private limos, etc. bringing hundreds of thousands of people from over 200 countries, the emissions were over 46,200 tons of CO2, which could have taken care of 660,000 Ethiopians for one year. (http://www.redicecreations.com/article.php?id=9134.)

For more information on the truth about CO2, I also highly recommend the book, Climate Gate, by Brian Sussman, former weatherman and a talk show host for KSFO radio in San Francisco. The book can be ordered from www.wndbooks.com., or on Amazon.com.

2) Politicians Who Want to Implement “Cap and Trade” Through the Back Door?
When one considers the objectives that the SmartMeter program hopes to achieve and how similar they are to those of Cap and Trade, it makes one very suspicious that they are part of the same plan. The Cap and Trade program is designed to limit our use of energy – “to put a cap on it.” If an industry has exceeded its allotted use of energy, then it could be fined, or it can “trade” - buy nefarious “carbon credits’ for the amount of CO2 that it needs to go on using more energy. The Smart Meter program is also designed to limit our use of energy. If we are using too much heat or air conditioning, then your energy flow can be turned down remotely. Later when your appliances all have RF chips in them and the smart meter can “speak to them,” they can also be controlled remotely. Obama will not really have to get his controversial Cap and Trade bill passed. All that one needs to stifle and control the use of energy is all here in the SmartMeter program. Why is Cap and Trade so Bad? The great state of California that loves to pass all sorts of environmental wacky laws, passed their own version of Cap and Trade, back in 2006. It is called AB 32 (and the Senate version - SB 17), otherwise known as the Global Warming Solutions Act, which supposedly would require all California residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the 1990 level by 2020. The implementation of this law has already imposed draconian measures and regulations to lower the use of energy, increase its costs, cause loss of jobs, driven unemployment to 12.6 % and has driven millions of jobs out of the state in the process. Losing businesses and people does not seem to bother those behind Cap and Trade or the SmartMeter program. One of the stated objectives by the U.S. Department of Energy is “Smart grid development can reduce the need for other infrastructure…It can obviate the need for many infrastructure investments. Building less is more affordable than building out.” So in other words, let’s just stop building, especially infrastructure like roads, which would entice more cars to be on the road. Let us regress, not progress, and go back to what life was like in California in 1990. Surely, that will solve all the global warming problems. Even if there were any truth to this, can one lone state in the United States lesson the use of C02 all by themselves? Contrary to how some Californians view themselves, California is not a little planet unto itself. Quotes from President Obama about Cap and Trade and sacrifice that reveal that the whole plan is to limit the use of energy and drive up costs (the Smart Meter Program will achieve the same): Under my plan of a Cap N Trade system, electricity would necessarily 'SKYROCKET,' even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad, because I am capping 105   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  greenhouse gases, coal power plants, natural gas, you name it, whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, they would have to retrofit their operations, that will cost money, they will pass that money on to consumers.

What will this do to the already depressed economy? As the writer of the website below states, “Price shocks on energy is the last thing this economy needs. It would be worse than the taxes Obama promises to impose on investment, and would have the same depressive effect. It’s an utter disaster." (http://hotair.com/archives/2008/11/02/obama-ill-make-energy-prices-skyrocket/.) Speaking before an Oregon crowd of environmentally-conscious voters, Obama called on the United States to sacrifice and "lead by example" on global warming as an example of leadership to the rest of the world. He said: “We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK. That's not leadership. That's not going to happen.” (http://hotair.com/archives/2008/05/19/obama-lets-eat-less-so-that-wecan-lead-by-example-on-climate-change-by-eating-less/.) I’ve heard the environmental rant about SUV’s guzzling too much gas and why we much save energy by turning down the thermostats in our homes, but “we cannot eat as much as want” is a new one. What has that to do with global warming? Maybe a larger body exhales more CO2 than a skinnier body? Is the government going to start measuring the amount of CO2 that people give out, just like they have done with cattle? That measurement will determine how much food we are then allowed to eat? Is this another reason why Michelle Obama is pushing so much her crusade to fight obesity? The person who posted the above information about Obama wanting us to eat less on his website adds the following comments: To me this sounds like he [Obama] wants us to keep our thermostats on the temperature that the United Nations desires or that foreign nations want to reduce our "carbon" footprint and lessen greenhouse gases. They are "green" bullies that want to dictate to the world, and especially to the United States. And since President Obama could not get Cap N Trade passed through Congress, they will do it by stealth back door actions. Cap and Trade is Planned Mass Energy Shortages: According to Brian Sussman, author of Climategate, the “cap” part of the bill is designed to limit the use of energy: Cap and Trade will eventually eliminate America’s energy suppliers, dismantle our manufacturing base, increase every citizen’s day-to-day living expenses, and be used as the honey pot for a host of welfare projects. It will enable the elitists to accomplish their goal to “de-develop” the United States of America. Every oil refinery, natural gas producer, electric utility company – any entity involved in the production of energy – will be limited by the EPA as to their allowable amount of CO2 emissions. That’s the “cap,” and the cap will decrease each year. Likewise, other major carbon-emitting industries, such as steel, cement, glass, paper, lumber, mining, welding, airlines, trucking and manufacturing, will also be hit with a cap based on annual estimate of the tons of carbon dioxide each business releases into the atmosphere. Businesses will be assigned carbon “permits” corresponding to EPA-determined standards.

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Carbon Credits can be Traded to Offset a Company’s Need for Energy: If it’s determined that any company in these carbon-emitting industries has exceeded their annual carbon permit quota, they may purchase “emission credits” from a government-approved exchange to offset their CO2 emissions – that’s the “trade.” …Businesses able to maintain their emissions below the allotted permit cap will have surplus credits, and will be able to trade those credits on the “carbon exchange.” Credits, or “offsets” will also be awarded to major landowners who create or maintain carbon dioxide sinks by planting trees, not cutting down standing timber, or not plowing their fields. Those credits can also be traded on the exchange… Every time a carbon credit is sold or purchased, somebody will get a slice of the transaction – a fee. And just like the way they trade in the commodities market, these smart investors will buy bulk-loads of credits on the cheap, and then position themselves to see the credits to needy businesses for great profits. Carbon dioxide will be a new currency. (pp. 299 and 205) Sussman adds: “One can only imagine the tremendous opportunity for graft, corruption, and favoritism carbon permits will allow and encourage.” I compare carbon credits to the nefarious “indulgences” that the Catholic Church was selling back in the Dark Ages to allow naïve, gullible parishioners to buy their deceased ancestors way out of purgatory. Carbon credits are just as nefarious and based on deception, graft, and lies.

3) - Financial – There is Much Money to be Made
Whenever there are strange programs that do not make much sense, especially from a whacky environmental viewpoint, the best thing to do is to follow the money trail. There is enormous money to be made by pushing the environmental scare tactics and from the smart meters and smart grids. The following is taken from an article that appeared on Infowars, June 27, 2009, which lets us know how much money it would all cost – almost a trillion, and $4.5 billion for the smart grid part. It also lets us know who would benefit the most from the money involved. New World Order Rams Through Sham Cap and Trade Bill,” by Zachary T. Baker The U.S. House of Representatives are nothing more than prostitutes for the international banking cartel. Brothels in Washington D.C. were packed Friday afternoon with eager congressman who sold Americans out 219-212 in favor of The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). Also dubbed “Waxman- Markey” the bill will implement the infamous cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions, signaling the NWO’s final moves towards total financial bondage. The federal government will have an annual allowance of almost a trillion dollars worth of grants/ bribe money to use as they seem fit. Much like the mafia acting as a middleman between people and businesses, the EPA will create a list of companies who are “trade sensitive” or rely on imports. With General Electric’s smart grid technology in place, energy companies along with their customers will have no other choice but to convert to the communist style system of rationing vital utilities. What smart grid visionaries foresee are home thermostats and appliances that adjust automatically depending on the cost of power. The availability of $4.5 billion in federal economic recovery money for smart grid technology gives incentives for companies to convert over to the new digitalized grid. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says, “If you want to create mischief one very good way to create a great deal of mischief is to actually bring down a smart grid system. This system has to be incredibly secure.” 107   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  “Is the average consumer willing to pay the upfront costs of a new system and then respond appropriately to price signals? Or will people view a utility’s ability to reach inside a home to turn down a thermostat as Orwellian?” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said at a recent hearing on smart grid. Lastly, there is the option for companies to avoid a cap on their CO2 emissions by offsetting them. Al Gore, part owner of carbon offset company Generation Investment Management testified in front of a congressional committee that a cap-and trade system along with a direct carbon tax would be ideal. Limiting the amount of CO2 will do nothing to help make the planet less warm, make us energy independent or create millions of jobs. It will on the other hand destroy whatever is left of our industry here in the North American Union by leaving companies no choice but to move offshore. Some of the biggest oil reserves in the world are here in North America, yet we rely on foreign oil. The elites indirectly control every facet our life. Citizens will never be energy independent until every home is off the grid. Green jobs will include heavily fluoridated drones enforcing new EPA laws/codes. Besides, the amount of jobs that will be lost due to companies either moving offshore or going bankrupt will certainly be higher than the millions created by our fuhrer. With the hookers in Washington granting dictatorial powers to the Federal Reserve last week, it seems as though HR 2998 is part of a two prong attack. The New World Order is moving fast, and there is really only two more obstacles in their way: our right to speak freely and our right to protect ourselves.

Another article that gives more information of how the money will be broken down and spent comes from Art Technica, October 28, 2009, “Obama Announces Stimulus Funding for Smart Grid” by John Timmer, Earlier today, President Obama spoke at the opening of what's now the largest photovoltaic power installation in the US, using the opportunity to announce the funding of a different energy project: the modernization of the US electric grid. The two might seem unrelated, but a report released earlier this year by the National Academies of Science indicated that grid modernization was essential of the country's use of renewable electricity was to rise above 20 percent of its total. The new projects would involve a total of $3.4 billion dollars of stimulus spending; with matching spending by utilities, the total commitment would reach over $8 billion, and fund the installation of over 5 million smart meters. The funding has been in the works for a while, as the DOE solicited grant applications shortly after the stimulus bill was passed. But this is the first time that the projects that would be funded have been revealed (a list, broken down by category, is available). A significant portion of the funding, $1 billion dollars, will be going to consumer-level technology, primarily smart meters. The project list indicates that well over 5 million smart meters should be installed. These devices will allow homeowners to receive finegrained information about their energy use, in some cases on a per-appliance basis, and exert greater control over its timing. These devices will be most useful, from both a financial and grid perspective, when they're coupled with pricing that encourages use during off-peak hours, so some of the funding is going to help utilities transition to these pricing systems. A larger chunk of the funding, $2 billion, will go toward putting the infrastructure in place to support these smart meters. The same sort of reporting and control provided by a smart meter can be provided at a variety of levels, allowing utilities to better handle 108   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  issues like changes in demand, intermittent renewable power sources, and equipment malfunctions. In addition to getting the hardware in place, the utilities will be facing an enormous IT challenge, as the data has to be transmitted on secure networks, analyzed, archived, etc. The $2 billion will help cover these projects as well. Another $400 million will be used to modernize transmission lines, both to limit the losses during transmission and to allow greater long-distance shuffling of power, "so that a wind farm in rural South Dakota can power homes in Chicago," as Obama put it. Another $25 million is going to foster the development of a smart device manufacturing capability. In making the announcement, Obama claimed that the smart meters and demandresponse pricing should enable consumers to save over $20 billion during the next decade, far exceeding the cost of the new program. He also suggested that the projects would increase grid reliability, limiting the $150 billion a year in economic losses suffered due to power outages. All of that is generally good news, but the longer-term significance of this program may simply be to push smart metering and equipment out of the realm of test projects and into the mainstream. So far, smart meter deployments have been the rare exception on the US grid; if the program works as planned, nearly five percent of US households will have experience with them in the near future, and the utilities will have a wealth of real-world experience with the technology.

Who will be Benefitting the Most from the Money? – Al Gore’s Web
As one can see from the previous articles and those following, those who will be benefiting financially and are pushing Cap and Trade and the Smart Grid and Smart Meters are such “benevolent, unselfish” people as Al Gore, who is part owner of a carbon offset company and many other “green” investment firms. He gets a profit from those who trade in CO2 credits through his company. Does that help to explain why he is so involved in pushing the global warming scam? Others who are going to benefit are all those who own or have stock in the manufacturing plants of the new technology, the Smart Meters themselves, and the new smart appliances that are supposed to be ready to go in 2012. Many of those were listed on pages 22-23, such as General Electric, Whirlpool, and IBM and other IT companies such as Siemens, Cisco, Panasonic, Kyocera, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Google, Microsoft, etc. Others who will benefit are utility companies who will be involved in modernizing and installing the infrastructure, the transportation lines and the meters themselves. Al Gore’s Web of Investments – How He Has Benefited Economically from Global Warming Hysteria in Cap and Trade and SmartGrid: As Brian Sussman states in his book, Climate Gate, after decades of helping to create “global-warming hysteria” Al Gore is “cashing in” on all the profits that hysteria has created. “For Gore, cap-and-trade seems to be an easy means of cash and carry.” As you will see in the following illustration, Gore and other millionaire/billionaires have invested much money in “green” businesses and technology, including companies invested heavily in the SmartGrid. Here is a summation of all the “green” groups Gore is invested in: • • Metropolitan West: In 2001, Gore co-founded the green financial investment firm, Metropolitan West, with Philip Murphy, formerly of Goldman Sachs. In 2003 it was sold to Wachovia Bank for $50 million. Google Stock: Also in 2001, Gore became an advisor to Google, picking up much Google stock before it went public. His stock is now worth millions. 109   

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Apple Inc: In 2003, Gore took a position on the board for Apple, securing a director’s salary and significant shares of stock. Generation Investment Management (GIM) (in London, England): In 2004, Gore cofounded GIM with David Blood, a Goldman-Sachs partner. GIM is a hedge fund that invests in companies supposedly committed to “going green.” As of July of 2008, GIM managed a portfolio worth $1 billion. GIM will not allow any of its financial statements to be examined, but it is said to have considerable influence over the major carbon-trading firms that currently exist such as the ECX and CCX. Every time a carbon credit is sold or purchased by these firms, Gore gets a slice of the transaction – a fee. European Climate Exchange (ECX) and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX): GIM is said to have 20% stake in Europe’s official climate exchange, the ECX and also in Chicago’s CCX. Public record reveals that Goldman Sachs (that helped start GIM) owns a large share of ECX and 10% of CCX. Its own website boasts of such, “Goldman Sachs is active in the market of carbon emissions…In September 2006, we made a minority equity investment in Climate Exchange PLC, which owns several European and US trading platforms…the European Climate Exchange and the Chicago Climate Exchange.” Kleiner Perkins (KP): In 2007, Gore joined this venture capital firm in the San Francisco Bay area. KP is run by his longtime friend, John Doerr. KP gives financial backing to many “green” groups such as Google, Netscape, Sun, and Amazon. Green Growth Fund: In 2008, Gore and Doerr created Green Growth Fund to invest in startup companies in alternative energy. Green Growth is a mighty arm of the KP portfolio and is worth more than a $billion. It also has investments in CCX and invested $75 million in Silver Spring Network, the company that provides essential system infrastructure for the SmartGrid. Capricorn Investment Group LLC: In 2008, Gore invested $35 million with Capricorn. This is another Silicon Valley firm that selects private funds for clients and invests in makers of “environmentally friendly products,” according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was founded by billionaire Jeffrey Skoll, former president of EBay Inc. Skoll just so happens to be the executive producer of Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” which is spreading the global warming hype in all of our public schools, and for which Gore won an Oscar and won the Nobel Prize in 2007. Alliance for Climate Protection: A “non-profit” public relations firm that Al Gore created from his Nobel Prize money. It is located just down the street from the office of his good friend Paul Ehrlich on the Stanford Campus. Ehrlich is a radical environmental professor at Stanford and the author of two dooms’ day books that gave dire predictions of terrible calamities that were soon to happen to the “over-populated” earth. The first was Population Bomb, published in 1968, and Population Explosion in 1990. Even though none of his predictions came true, Ehrlich continues to be the “prophetic guru” and icon of the environmental movement. His books have caused many people to believe having children is an “eco-crime.” Al Gore uses his non-profit Alliance for Climate Protection as his charity to give much of his money to as a tax writeoff. However, he is still eligible to receive a salary from his non-profit, as well as paid expenses. (Brian Sussman, Climate Gate, WND Books, Washington D.C., 2010, pp. 204-209)



• •





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Co-Founded Metropolitan West Investment Firm (Sold to Wachovia for $50 million) Co-Founded Generation Investment Management (GIM) (worth $1billion) Advisor to Google, has much Google stock on the Board for Apple Capricorn Investment Group of Silicon Valley

European Climate Exchange (ECX) and Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)

Al Gore’s Web

Kleiner Perkins (KP)   Capitol – Invested Venture million in Silver Springs Network – SmartGrid

Co-founded Green Growth Fund – invests in CCX & Silver Springs Network – infrastructure for the SmartGrid Alliance for Climate Protection – Al Gore’s Non Profit that is worth $1 billion

A Web of all of Al Gore’s Investments and Connections to Cap & Trade and the SmartGrid

Obama’s Connection to Cap and Trade: Would Al Gore’s friend Obama have any vested interest in promoting Cap and Trade and Carbon trading as Gore does? It turns out that when Obama was in Chicago, he served on the board of the radical non-profit Joyce Foundation from 1994-2001. The Joyce Foundation gave nearly $1.1 million in two separate grants that were instrumental in launching the privately-owned Chicago Climate Exchange. As a member of the board, Obama approved the grant. (“Obama Years Ago Helped Fund Carbon Program He is Now Pushing through Congress,” FoxNews. Com. Ed Barnes, March 25, 2009. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/ 03/25/obama-helped-fund-carbon-scheme.)

The Truth Comes Out – It’s all About Redistribution of Wealth:
The following is coming straight out of the horse’s mouth, Ottmar Edenhofer, official from the IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, from the Global Warming Policy Foundation’s website. He tells us openly and honestly that the planned Climate Conference was really going to be an “economic conference” and that climate policy is no longer about environmental protection but is all about “redistribution of wealth, essentially taking from those who have and giving it to those who have not, a purely Marxist, socialist ideal.” However, it now has new terminology. Instead of dealing with cash, we are dealing in “emission rights.” This article is also so revealing of the other misleading gross exaggerations and “gobbledygook” that now stands for science – such comments as: “developed countries have basically expropriated the atmosphere of the world community;” and his parable at the end that insinuates 111   

 

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that the industrialized nations “drink half of the water” of the world and then suggest that they share the rest. Edenhofer also reveals the globalist draconian plans: “there is no getting around the fact that most of the fossil reserves must remain in the soil.” And for those countries who still want to use fossil fuels, “There must be penalties and incentives: global CO 2-tariffs and technology transfer.” Home IPCC News IPCC Official: “Climate Policy Is Redistributing The World's Wealth” (Thursday, 18 November 2010 13:16 Neue Zürcher Zeitung) Climate policy has almost nothing to do anymore with environmental protection, says the German economist and IPCC official Ottmar Edenhofer. The next world climate summit in Cancun is actually an economy summit during which the distribution of the world's resources will be negotiated. Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 14 November 2010, Interviewer: Bernard Potter. (His questions are in bold, Edenhofer’s answers are left plain. Those comments I wish to emphasize I have put in italics.) NZZ am Sonntag: Mr. Edenhofer, everybody concerned with climate protection demands emissions reductions. You now speak of "dangerous emissions reduction." What do you mean? Ottmar Edenhofer: So far economic growth has gone hand in hand with the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. One percent growth means one percent more emissions. The historic memory of mankind remembers: In order to get rich one has to burn coal, oil or gas. And therefore, the emerging economies fear CO2 emission limits. But everybody should take part in climate protection, otherwise it does not work. That is so easy to say. But particularly the industrialized countries have a system that relies almost exclusively on fossil fuels. There is no historical precedent and no region in the world that has decoupled its economic growth from emissions. Thus, you cannot expect that India or China will regard CO2 emissions reduction as a great idea. And it gets worse: We are in the midst of a renaissance of coal, because oil and gas (sic) have become more expensive, but coal has not. The emerging markets are building their cities and power plants for the next 70 years, as if there would be permanently no high CO 2 price. The new thing about your proposal for a Global Deal is the stress on the importance of development policy for climate policy. Until now, many think of aid when they hear development policies. That will change immediately if global emission rights are distributed. If this happens, on a per capita basis, then Africa will be the big winner, and huge amounts of money will flow there. This will have enormous implications for development policy. And it will raise the question if these countries can deal responsibly with so much money at all. That does not sound anymore like the climate policy that we know. Basically it's a big mistake to discuss climate policy separately from the major themes of globalization. The climate summit in Cancun at the end of the month is not a climate conference, but one of the largest economic conferences since the Second World War. Why? Because we have 11,000 gigatons of carbon in the coal reserves in the soil under our feet - and we must emit only 400 gigatons in the atmosphere if we want to keep the 2-degree target 11, 000 to 400 - there is no getting around the fact that most of the fossil reserves must remain in the soil.

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  De facto, this means an expropriation of the countries with natural resources. This leads to a very different development from that which has been triggered by development policy. First of all, developed countries have basically expropriated the atmosphere of the world community. But one must say clearly that we redistribute de facto the world's wealth by climate policy. Obviously, the owners of coal and oil will not be enthusiastic about this. One has to free oneself from the illusion that international climate policy is environmental policy. This has almost nothing to do with environmental policy anymore, with problems such as deforestation or the ozone hole. Nevertheless, the environment is suffering from climate change - especially in the global south. It will be a lot to do with adaptation. But that just goes far beyond traditional development policy: We will see in Africa with climate change a decline in agricultural yields. But this can be avoided if the efficiency of production is increased - and especially if the African agricultural trade is embedded in the global economy. But for that we need to see that successful climate policy requires other global trade and financial policies. The great misunderstanding of the UN summit in Rio in 1992 is repeated in the climate policy: the developed countries talk about environment, the developing countries about development. It is even more complicated. In the 1980s, our local environmental problems were luxury problems for the developing countries. If you already fed and own a car, you can get concerned about acid rain. For China, the problem was how to get 600 million Chinese people in the middle class. Whether there was a coal power plant or whether the labour standards in the coal mines were low was second priority - as it was here in the 19th Century. But the world has become smaller. Now something new happens: it is no longer just our luxury, our environment. Developing countries have realized that causes of climate change lie in the north and the consequences in the south. And in developed countries, we have realized that for a climate protection target of two degrees neither purely technical solutions nor life style change will be sufficient. The people here in Europe have the grotesque idea that shopping in the bio food store or electric cars will solve the problem. This is arrogant because the ecological footprint of our lifestyle has increased in the last 30 years, despite the eco-movement. You say that for successful climate policy a high degree of international cooperation is necessary. However this cooperation is not present. I share the scepticism. But do we have an alternative? Currently, there are three ideas how to avoid the difficult cooperation: We try unsafe experiments such as geoengineering, focus on the development of clean and safe energy, or one trusts in regional and local solutions. However, there is no indication that any of these ideas solves the problem. We must want the cooperation, just as you work together for the regulation of financial markets. But unlike the financial crisis, in climate policy a country benefits if it does not join in. The financial crisis was an emergency operation - in the face of danger we behave more cooperatively. Such a thing will not happen in climate policy, because it will always remain questionable whether a specific event like a flood is a climate phenomenon. But there is always the risk that individual rationality leads to collective stupidity. Therefore, one cannot solve the climate problem alone, but it has to be linked to other problems. There must be penalties and incentives: global CO 2-tariffs and technology transfer. 113 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  In your new book you talk much about ethics. Do ethics play a role in climate negotiations? Ethics always play a role when it comes to power. China and Latin America, for example, always emphasize the historical responsibility of developed countries for climate change. This responsibility is not to deny, but it is also a strategic argument for these countries. I would accept the responsibility for the period since 1995 because we know since then, what is causing the greenhouse effect. To extend the responsibility to the industrial revolution is not ethically justified. Could we use the ethics in order to break the gridlock? The book contains a parable: A group of hikers, who represent the world community, walks through a desert. The industrialized nations drink half of the water and then say generously: “Let us share the rest." The others reply: “This is not possible; you have already drunk half of the water. Let us talk first about your historical responsibility." I think if we are arguing about the water supply because we cannot agree on the ethical principles, then we will die of thirst. What we need to look for is an oasis that is the noncarbon global economy. It's about the common departure for this oasis. (Copyright 2010, NZZ Translator Philipp Mueller Ottmar Edenhofer was appointed as joint chair of Working Group 3 at the Twenty-Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The deputy director and chief economist of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Professor of the Economics of Climate Change at the Berlin Institute of Technology will be co-chairing the Working Group “Mitigation of Climate Change” with Ramón Pichs Madruga from Cuba and Youba Sokona from Mali.)

Plans for Control, Surveillance and the Collection of Data Not a New Idea – Implementation of 1932 “Technocracy”
As was revealed by Rob States, the MIT scientist who speaks on the video “The Dark Side of Smart Meters,” there is much money to be made by the collecting of data in the 24-hour surveillance that Smart Meters will make possible for each home connected to the grid. But that is not the only reason for surveillance. In the following article, we find out that the plan for Smart Meters and a Smart Grid is not new. It goes back in time to 1932, even before the book 1984 was written by George Orwell, who was warning us of a time when such a system would be in place, where Big Brother could keep tabs of your every move inside your own home. Again, we find out that this has nothing to do with the environment either. They were just planning to use the mantra of “save the planet,” “save the scarce resources,” “stop climate change – whatever it is cold or hot,” as a way to limit and control resources, the wealth they bring, and limit and control us and our property in the process. It is based on a very old idea that originated back in the 1930s under FDR, called technocracy. The plan was to “monitor and control both delivery and consumption of energy and other resources such as water and gas.” Thanks to a well-informed researcher and writer named Patrick Wood for the following information. He was one of our speakers for an Eagle Forum conference several years ago. He recently moved to Washington State from Idaho. He publishes an excellent website called August Review, which mainly deals with topics revealing globalist’s goals for the USA and the world. (http://www.augustreview.com/issues/technocracy/smartgrid:the_implementation_of_technocracy ?_20100222156/#) Yes, there is such a group of very powerful elitists who like the idea of a 24-hour non-stop surveillance system over all people and their use of energy. They and their plans have existed for 114   

 

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a long time. This article gives a very good explanation of the background of the smart grid and how it would work.

Smart Grid: The Implementation of Technocracy?
by Patrick Wood, Editor, March 2, 2010 Introduction: According to the United Nations Governing Council of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), "our dominant economic model may thus be termed a 'brown economy." UNEP's clearly stated goal is to overturn the "brown economy" and replace it with a "green economy": "A green economy implies the decoupling of resource use and environmental impacts from economic growth... These investments, both public and private, provide the mechanism for the reconfiguration of businesses, infrastructure and institutions, and for the adoption of sustainable consumption and production processes." (p. 2) Sustainable Consumption? Reconfiguring businesses, infrastructure and institutions? What do these words mean? They do not mean merely reshuffling the existing order, but rather replacing it with a completely new economic system, one that has never before been seen or used in the history of the world. This paper will demonstrate that the current crisis of capitalism is being used to implement a radical new economic system that will completely supplant it. This is not some new idea created in the bowels of the United Nations: It is a revitalized implementation of Technocracy that was thoroughly repudiated by the American public in 1933, in the middle of the Great Depression. The Technocrats have resurfaced, and they do not intend to fail a second time. Whether or not they succeed this time will depend upon the intended servants of Technocracy, the citizens of the world. Indeed, the dark horse of the New World Order is not Communism, Socialism or Fascism. It is Technocracy. Background: Founded by Howard Scott and M. King Hubbert in 1932 during the Great Depression, Technocracy proposed a radical new solution for the world's economic ills. In 1932, Harry A. Porter wrote in Roosevelt and Technocracy: "Just as the Reformation established Religious Freedom, just as the Declaration of Independence brought about our Political Freedom, Technocracy promises Economic Freedom." [Foreward, iii] Porter's plan included abandoning the gold standard, suspending the stock exchanges and nationalizing railroads and public utilities. Freedom notwithstanding, Porter then called for President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt to be sworn in as Dictator rather than President so that he could overturn the existing economic system in favor of Technocracy: "Drastic as these changes from the present order of things may be, they will serve their purpose if only to pave the way for the Economic Revolution - and Technocracy." (p. 63) If Technocracy had truly been extinguished before the onset of WWII, we would not be concerned about it today. However, when Zbigniew Brzezinski wrote Between Two Ages: America's Role in the Technetronic Era in 1968, it was essentially a NeoTechnocratic treatise calling for a fourth and final stage of world history, or the Technetronic Era. When David Rockefeller picked Brzezinski to co-found the Trilateral Commission in 1973, it was with the specific goal to create a "New International Economic Order." Without some knowledge of historic Technocracy, exactly what the Trilateral 115   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  Commission ultimately had in mind with such a goal could not possibly have been understood. Today, it is necessary to rethink these issues in order to determine a) if this radical movement is still operating, b) what are their goals and c) how do they plan to achieve their goals. In Carbon Currency: A New Beginning for Technocracy?, the subject of historic Technocracy was introduced in the context of creating a new economic system based on energy accounting rather than price accounting. An energy-based accounting system uses "energy certificates," or Carbon Currency, instead of dollars or other fiat currencies. Periodic and equal allocations of available energy are made to citizens, but they must be used within the defined time period before they reach an expiration date. Furthermore, the ability to own private property and accumulate wealth would be deemed unnecessary. The pressing and unanswered question is how would such a Technocratic system actually be implemented? This paper will now address the strategy, tactical requirements and progress of establishing an energy-based Technate in North America. ["Technate" is the term used to describe the geographic region operated according to Technocracy. Thus, a North American Technate would include Canada, Mexico and the U.S. and they would all be under common control.] Requirements: The Technocracy Study Course, written by Howard Scott and M. King Hubbert in 1932, established a detailed framework for Technocracy in terms of energy production, distribution and usage. According to Scott and Hubbert, the distribution of energy resources must be monitored and measured in order for the system to work -- and this is the key: monitoring and measuring. They wrote that the system must do the following things: "Register on a continuous 24 hour-per-day basis the total net conversion of energy. "By means of the registration of energy converted and consumed, make possible a balanced load. "Provide a continuous inventory of all production and consumption "Provide a specific registration of the type, kind, etc., of all goods and services, where produced and where used "Provide specific registration of the consumption of each individual, plus a record and description of the individual." [Scott, Howard et al, Technocracy Study Source, p. 232] In 1932, such technology did not exist. Time was on the Technocrat's side, however, because this technology does exist today, and it is being rapidly implemented to do exactly what Scott and Hubbert specified: Namely, to exhaustively monitor, measure and control every kilowatt of energy delivered to consumers and businesses on a systemwide basis. It's called: Smart Grid. What is Smart Grid? Smart Grid is a broad technical term that encompasses the generation, distribution and consumption of electrical power, with an inclusion for gas and water as well. America's aging power grid is increasingly fragile and inefficient. Smart Grid is an initiative that seeks to completely redesign the power grid using advanced digital technology, including the installation of new, digital meters on every home and business in the U.S. These digital meters provide around-the-clock monitoring of a consumer's energy consumption using continuous 2-way communication between the utility and the consumer's property. Furthermore, meters will be able to communicate with electrical devices within the residence to gather consumption data and to control certain devices directly without consumer intervention. 116 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  According to a U.S. Department of Energy publication: "The Department of Energy has been charged with orchestrating the wholesale modernization of our nation's electrical grid... Heading this effort is the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. In concert with its cutting edge research and energy policy programs, the office’s newly formed, multi-agency Smart Grid Task Force is responsible for coordinating standards development, guiding research and development projects, and reconciling the agendas of a wide range of stakeholders." (See The Smart Grid: An Introduction) This is a relatively new initiative, but it is racing forward at breakneck speed. The Office of Electricity Delivery was created in 2003 under President George W. Bush, and elevated in stature in 2007 by creating the position of Assistant Secretary of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability to head it. It is not clearly stated who "charged" the Department of Energy to this task, but since the Secretary of Energy answers directly to the President, it is assumed that it was a directive from the President. There certainly was no Congressional directive or mandate. Implementation: On October 27, 2009, the Obama administration unveiled its Smart Grid plan by awarding $3.4 billion to 100 Smart Grid projects. According to the Department of Energy's press release, these awards will result in the installation of: • • • • • more than 850 sensors called 'Phasor Measurement Units" to monitor the power grid nationwide 200,000 smart transformers 700 automated substations (about 5 percent of the nation's total) 1,000,000 in-home displays 345,000 load control devices in homes

This is the "kick-start" of Smart Grid in the U.S. On January 8, 2010, President Obama unveiled an additional $2.3 billion Federal funding program for the "energy manufacturing sector" as part of the $787 billion American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Funding had already been awarded to 183 projects in 43 states, pending Obama's announcement. One such project in the northwest is headed by Battelle Memorial Institute, covering five states and targeting 60,000 customers. The project was actually developed by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency underneath the Department of Energy. Since it is pointedly illegal for a federal agency to apply for federal funds, BPA passed the project off to Battelle, a non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO), which was promptly awarded $178 million. It is interesting to note that BPA takes credit for originating the Smart Grid concept in the early 1990's, which it termed "Energy Web." You can see from BPA's graphic depiction that it is comprehensive in scope from production to consumption.

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According to Battelle's August 27, 2009 press release: The project will involve more than 60,000 metered customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Using smart grid technologies, the project will engage system assets exceeding 112 megawatts, the equivalent of power to serve 86,000 households. 'The proposed demonstration will study smart grid benefits at unprecedented geographic breadth across five states, spanning the electrical system from generation to end-use, and containing many key functions of the future smart grid,' said Mike Davis, a Battelle vice president. 'The intended impact of this project will span well beyond traditional utility service territory boundaries, helping to enable a future grid that meets pressing local, regional and national needs.' Battelle and BPA intend to work closely together and there is an obvious blurring as to who is really in control of the project's management during the test period. In a "For Internal Use Only" document written in August 2009, BPA offers talking points to its partners. It states that "Smart Grid technology includes everything from interactive appliances in homes to smart meters, substation automation and sensors on transmission lines." [Emphasis added]
Network of Things: As the WorldWide is to the internet, Network of Things (NOT) is to appliances. This brand new technology creates a wireless network between a broad range of inanimate objects from shoes to refrigerators. This concept is "shovel ready" for Smart Grid implementation because appliances, meters and substations are all inanimate items that technocrats would have communicating with each other

For instance, in 2008 the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed this small circuit board called a "Grid Friendly Appliance Controller." According to a Department of Energy brochure, 118   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  The GFA Controller developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a small circuit board built into household appliances that reduces stress on the power grid by continually monitoring fluctuations in available power. During times of high demand, appliances equipped with the controller automatically shut down for a short period of time, resulting in a cumulative reduction that can maintain stability on the grid. According to PNNL's website: The controller is essentially a simple computer chip that can be installed in regular household appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and water heaters. The chip senses when there is a disruption in the grid and turns the appliances off for a few seconds or minutes to allow the grid to stabilize. The controllers also can be programmed to delay the restart of the appliances. The delay allows the appliances to be turned on one at a time rather than all at once to ease power restoration following an outage. You can see how automatic actions are intended to be triggered by direct interaction between objects, without human intervention. The rules will be written by programmers under the direction of technocrats who understand the system, and then downloaded to the controllers as necessary. Thus, changes to the rules can be made on the fly, at any time and without the homeowner's knowledge. PNNL is not a private enterprise, however. It is "owned" by the U.S. Department of Energy and operated by Battelle Memorial Institute! All of this technology will be enabled with Wi-Fi circuitry that is identical to the WiFi-enabled network modems and routers commonly used in homes and businesses throughout the world. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance that refers to wireless network systems used in devices from personal computers to mobile phones, connecting them together and/or to the Internet. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, "the need for Smart Grid solutions is being driven by the emergence of distributed power generation and management/monitoring of consumption." In their white paper, Wi-Fi for the Smart Grid, they list the specific requirements for interoperability posted by the Department of Energy: Provide two-way communication among grid users, e.g. regional market operators, utilities, service providers and consumers; Allow power system operators to monitor their own systems as well as neighboring systems that affect them so as to facilitate more reliable energy distribution and delivery; Coordinate the integration into the power system of emerging technologies such as renewable resources, demand response resources, electricity storage facilities and electric transportation systems; Ensure the cyber security of the grid. Thus, the bi-directional and real time Smart Grid communications network will depend on Wi-Fi from end to end. This is easily understood from the two figures included in the Wi-Fi Alliance white paper:

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

While the consumer is pacified with the promise of lower utility costs, it is the utility company who will enforce the policies set at the regional, national and global 120   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  regulators. Thus, if a neighboring system has a shortage of electricity, your thermostat might automatically be turned down to compensate; if you have exceeded your monthly daytime quota of electricity, energy-consuming tasks like washing and drying clothes, could be limited to overnight hours. Smart Grid and the utility's control extend beyond electricity. Notice in Figure 1 that there is a Wi-Fi linkage to gas and water meters as well! Consumer Blowback? Wall Street Journal reported "What Utilities Have Learned From Smart-Meter Tests..." on February 22, 2010, and revealed several important early aspects of smart grid implementation. A principal goal is to enable utilities to restructure rate plans. A principal goal is to force consumer behavior to change. Some utility executives anticipate and fear a consumer rebellion. Nevertheless, the big carrot for utility companies to go along with the government's Smart Grid is to balance electrical demand, cut back on new power generation facilities and enhance their profit picture. Before the dust settles on Smart Grid, both consumers and utilities may learn some sharp lessons about government intervention: When the government shows up on your doorstep and offers to help you save money, everyone knows that is an oxymoron. Government does not function to help people or companies to save money or to be more efficient; rather, it functions to maintain and increase its own power and control over its citizens. The UNEP report reveals that "15 percent of the fiscal stimulus funds committed for 2009-2010, which exceed $3.1 trillion, can be regarded as green in nature... most green components are oriented towards energy efficiency and renewable energies in a variety of sectors." The Smart Grid Going Global: A Business Week article, "How Italy Beat the World to a Smarter Grid," stated on November 16, 2009 that "After several false starts, 2010 finally could be the year when smart meters go global." Indeed, it is: Italy has already implemented Smart Grid technology in 85 percent of its homes nationwide. Earth2tech.com reports that Smart Grid will generate $200 billion of global investment in the next few years. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has laid out a global roadmap to insure interoperability of Smart Grid systems between nations. Global companies are rushing to gain their share of the global Smart Grid market: IBM, Siemens, GE, Cisco, Panasonic, Kyocera, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, etc. China is spending $7.32 billion to build out Smart Grid in Asia. Other countries with Smart Grid pilot projects already launched include Germany, France, England, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, South Africa and a host of others. Regional organizations such as SMARTGRIDS Africa have been set up to promote Smart Grid in smaller countries. Thus, the global rush is on. In every case, Smart Grid is being accelerated by government stimulus spending. The global vendors are merely lining up their money buckets to be filled up with taxpayer funds. As is the case in the U.S., there was little, if any, preexisting or latent demand for Smart Grid technology. Demand has been artificially created by the respective governments of each country. Conclusion: Smart Grid meets 100 percent of the Technocracy's original requirements. In other words, it will monitor and control both delivery and consumption of energy and other green resources such as water and gas. 121 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  The Smart Grid initiative was developed and funded by government agencies and NGO's. It was the Energy Department's Bonneville Power Authority that invented the concept in the 1990's. It was the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory that invented the Grid Friendly Appliance Controller. It was the Federal Administration that showered billions of dollars over the private sector to jump-start the nationwide initiative to implement Smart Grid in every community. If the Federal government had not been the initial and persistent driver, would Smart Grid exist at all? It is highly doubtful. Following the same pattern as the U.S., many other industrialized nations are implementing Smart Grid at the same time, using their own stimulus money. This synchronized implementation is certainly by design, and as such, it implies that there must be a designer. Who might be providing such top-down coordination on a global basis must be saved for another paper. One thing is certain: The technology being purchased world-wide all originated in the United States and is being marketed by the same global corporations as mentioned above. Lastly, there is an assumption throughout Smart Grid literature that the Federal Administration will have full visibility of all data within the Smart Grid, even down to the individual household. They will also be in a position to set national, regional and local distribution and consumption policies, such as your "fair share" of available energy, gas and water. International standards created for Smart Grid will also enable the U.S. Smart Grid to be connected seamlessly with Canada and Mexico, thus providing a comprehensive North American energy management and distribution system. Is Smart Grid destined to be a global phenomenon? Yes. Is it designed to support a new global Technocratic, resource-based economic system? Yes. Technocracy must be seen for what it is: An attempt to impose a totalitarian, scientific dictatorship. In 1933, it called for the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as dictator in order to "pave the way for economic revolution." Fortunately at the time, they failed in their attempted coup. If today's Smart Grid is successfully completed, it will enable the conversion of our existing economic system into something far different and far worse. This is why the American people repudiated Technocracy in 1933, and this is exactly why we (and citizens around the world) should thoroughly repudiate it today. [Editor's note: Read an international review of this article on The Daily Bell of Appenzell, Switzerland.] Resources: Scott & Hubbert, Technocracy Study Course, Technocracy, Inc., 1934 Background paper for the ministerial consultations, Governing Council of the United Nations Environmental Programme, December 14, 2009 The Smart Grid: An Introduction, U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, web site 2010 Strategic Plan, Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability The Networked Grid 100: Movers and Shakers of the Smart Grid Meloan, Steve, "Toward a Global 'Internet of Things'", Oracle Software, November 11, 2003 Wi-Fi for the Smart Grid, Wi-Fi Alliance, 2009 Obama Announces $3.4 Billion Investment to Spur Transition to Smart Energy Grid, Department of Energy Press Release Note: In preparing for this report, the editor would like to give special thanks to Dr. Martin Erdmann, Carl Teichrib and Dr. Michael Coffman, for their encouragement, testing of ideas and additional supporting research. 122 

 

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Control of Water: Patrick Wood adds this paragraph about water in reply to a reader’s comment: Water wars are coming! In Idaho, the Feds are going after state-wide water registration of every private well. In most cases, local officials know where the wells exist, but the Feds do not. The Clean Water Restoration Act of 2009 (S.787) changed the definition of surface water under Fed control to include ALL water on the surface of the ground, including playas, swamps, ponds (even on private property), rainwater, etc. Now, they are going after all the subterranean water. IF the Feds gain such control, they will have an absolute choke-point to control every citizen by providing or denying water, without which man can only live about three+ days. They will tell us that water is scarce and must be rationed, that it is being "destroyed" at an alarming rate; when the fact is that there is not one net drop of water lost or created ever since the creation of the world.  

5) - Global Controls – Implementing UN Agenda 21
As has been mentioned in several places in this booklet, the Smart Meter and Smart Grid Programs are designed for the entire world -- all part of a global plan of control, limiting the use of energy and resources, the redistribution of wealth, and population control created by the Biodiversity UN conference in 1992, called Agenda 21, or Sustainable Development. A clever draft letter entitled “Declaration of Intent” was written October 16, 2010 and addressed to the Senior Director of Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It was written by a group of constitutional researchers who sign their name under one name as “Dennis the Menace of Sebastopol.” The letter clearly shows the link of the SmartMeter Program to Agenda 21 of the UN. I will quote from part of the letter: “DECLARATION OF INTENT” October 16, 2010 “…Smart Dynamics (Smart-Growth Technologies) metering infrastructure, by the use of remote energy management service relay switches via monitoring systems such as Oracle and Google’s PowerMeter software and other TED devices are being used to control and monitor all human action and activity under the thrust of “Local Governments for Sustainability” via the “International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives” (ICLEI) and “The Nature Conservancy.” As you know, PG&E, as a model for all utilities in the USA, was at the 1992 Agenda 21 Earth Summit Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as an original supporter of an international draconian scheme for the control and ultimate reduction of human population. According to your spokesman Paul Moreno “Smart meters are the future foundation for the smart grid.” Public Works Director Milenka Bates adds “I’d like to take it to the next level, as we do more water conservation, so people can view their actual water usage.” Your objectives are clear: U.N. “Management of Human Settlements”. Further, I do not consent to participate in a scheme to violate my privacy and gather data for information, assessment and transformation for TIA systems, INTERPOL, NGOs, (unconstitutional agencies) corporations, entities or persons. As you know said data sharing, along with erratic and inaccurate billing statements and the proven health dangers associated with your device will depreciate my property value exponentially. For perfect clarity: All persons, officers, agents, employees, etc. of PG&E lawful notice of NO TRESPASSING at my address. Right to pass is by permission to read the current meter only. Installation of a SmartMeter™ at this location is strictly 123   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  forbidden. All activity at this location is under 24 hour CCTV surveillance. Conduct yourself accordingly.” (TITLE 18 U.S.C. § 241, 242, TITLE 42 U.S.C. §§ 1982, 1983, 1985 AND 1986”)

The Three E’s of Agenda 21 – Sustainable Development
What is the ultimate purpose for Agenda 21, otherwise known as Sustainable Development? In case it is not totally clear what the agenda is, those behind it are so kind to lump it all in to three E’s for us to better understand it: Equity, economy, and ecology. What is the meaning behind these? 1. Equity - means that we are to have social equity or social justice: “Individuals must give up selfish wants for the needs of the common good, or the community. How does that differ from communism? It doesn’t. What is the number one plank of the Communist Manifesto? The abolition of private property. So to have social equity, no one should own any private property or any private businesses. Instead every worker/person will be a “direct capital owner.” Our children in the public schools are already being set up for this. As a substitute teacher I have heard often students tell me how greedy and selfish the owners of property are. I have students tell me that “mother earth is not for sale. No one should try to own any part of mother earth.” Private land ownership contributes to social injustice: The following are the words spoken by UN leaders at various conferences about ownership of private property: “Land cannot be treated as an ordinary asset, controlled by individuals and subject to the pressures and inefficiencies of the market. Private land ownership is also a principle instrument of accumulation and concentration of wealth, therefore, contributes to social injustice.” (UN Habitat I Conference, 1976.) Activities that are not Sustainable: We are also told that certain lifestyles and activities that go along with the ownership of property or businesses are not going to be allowed when the three E’s are totally implemented: “Ski runs, grazing of livestock, plowing of soil, building fences, industry, single family homes, paved and tarred roads, logging activities, dams and reservoirs, power line construction, and economic systems that fail to set proper values on the environment.” (UN Biodiversity Assessment Report, 1992). Maurice Strong was the Secretary General of the UN’s Rio Earth Summit in 1992, where the Biodiversity Treaty was passed that implemented Agenda 21 and Sustainable Development. He added the following to the list of non-sustainable activities: Current lifestyles and consumption patterns of the affluent middle class – involving high meat intake, use of fossil fuels, appliances, home and work air conditioning, and suburban housing are not sustainable. The Smart Meters and Smart Grid could certainly help bring to pass these UN goals and curtail such “unsustainable lifestyles.” When all is working as planned, your appliances with RF chips in them, will be controlled and shut down at the whim of the meter, your air conditioning will be turned off. You will be forced out of your suburban home because of “rezoning” or some silly environmental regulation. The ultimate goal is for us all to be forced into the cities and stacked and packed in crowded sustainable, low cost, high-rise housing, with no garages for cars, so we 124   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

will be forced to use public transportation, buses, short rail trains, or walk. Why? People can be more easily surveyed and controlled when they are all bunched together. No Borders: The social equity policy also states that all borders should be done away with to allow the free “migration” of those from other nations in the USA, so that everyone can share in our wealth and social programs. “Borders are unjust.” 2. Economy - means redistribution of wealth: Agenda 21’s overriding economic policy is based on the premise that “the wealth of the world was made at the expense of the poor;” therefore, if the conditions of the poor are to improve, the wealth of the rich must be taken away. It could never be that the wealthy got to their present condition by improving the state of the poor along with them, by hiring them and giving them jobs. No, they could never admit that. Instead, the UN globalists and others who go along with them and implement their treaties are destroying the free enterprise causing millions of jobs to leave our nation, the closing of our manufacturing plants; textile industries; mining companies, logging and forestry companies, etc. Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Another Term for Fascism: The only way that some businesses, especially large corporations, have figured out that they are going to survive against Agenda 21’s economic policy is by forming partnerships with the government in forming PPPs. I believe many of the mega corporations were part of the plan from the beginning as were some of the mega banks. They wanted to drive out the competition they were getting from smaller businesses. Some of these corporations, including PG&E were actively lobbying for more regulatory legislation (such as California’s AB 32, our own version of Cap and Trade) so that smaller businesses could no longer compete and would be forced to fold or leave the state or nation to exist. PPPs Destroy the Checks and Balances on Big Government: Government/big business “back scratching” is a dangerous practice for a free society, because it destroys one of the checks on government power that should be coming from economic power. If the two are combined, control of such massive power is gone and can only lead to tyranny. One of the best examples of this is what happened to Italy during the first half of the 20th Century under Mussolini’s Fascism. 3. Ecology - the environment – including animals and plants – must come first before man and his needs and desires. Humans are nothing special – just “one strand in the nature of things.” Humans are considered just another form of “biological resources.” Sustainable policy is to oversee any issue in which man interacts with nature – which is, of course, literally everything. Because the environment must always come first, there must be great restrictions on private property ownership and control. The “elitists” behind Agenda 21 who no longer think of themselves as humans say that “humans defile nature.” Under Agenda 21 - Sustainable Development, there can be no concern for individual rights. We must all sacrifice for the common good and the sake of the environment. The UN Commission on Global Governance said in its 1995 report: “Human activity…combined with unprecedented increases in human numbers…are impinging on the planet’s basic life support system. Action must be taken now to control the human activities that produce these risks.” Of course, the elitists – those making these outlandish statements and passing the draconian UN treaties and regulations to control our lives -- are exempt themselves. They are not human; they are “nature’s Gods and protectors.” They are above humanity and could not possibly be causing any harm to the environment – with their huge jets, their limos, their multiple expensive homes, with their enormous use of energy and electricity and their lavish lifestyles. It is only the lowly middle class that are doing all the harm to the environment and must be stopped! What hypocrisy! This kind of reminds one of the statement in the book Animal Farm by George Orwell, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Under Agenda 21, there can be no industrialized civilizations: The following is another quote from Maurice Strong, one of the green “Gods,” a millionaire himself, who owns an earth125   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

worshiping center in the mountains of Colorado: “Isn’t the only hope for the planet that the industrialized civilizations collapse? Isn’t it our responsibility to bring that about?” Under Agenda 21, there can be no national governments, only world government. “The environmental crisis is too great.” “The only way to solve it is with global world government!” Again quoting from Maurice Strong: “A shift is necessary toward lifestyles less geared to environmentally-damaging consumption patterns. The shift will require a vast strengthening of the multilateral system, including the United Nations.” (Much of the above information came from Tom DeWeese, The DeWeese Report, August 2009, “Sustainable Development: the Root of All of Our Problems.”)

Agenda 21 and Population Control
Just google or use any search engine “Agenda 21 and population control,” and an amazing amount of information pops up. Those behind Agenda 21 are not even trying to hide the fact that one of their objectives is population control. Yes, they believe the world is overpopulated, which greatly increases the amount of CO2. Essentially they are saying that “Humans are the cause of too many emissions coming out of our own bodies. If there were fewer of us, we could save the planet.” CO2 emissions is being taught in our public schools as a reason to decrease populations. Through the many years of indoctrination in our public schools and universities, true science has become corrupted and perverted. CO2 is and always has been something healthy. It helps plants and trees and all things green to grow. Plants take in CO2 and give out oxygen, which people need to breathe so we can grow and we can exist. However, now because of the BS (bad science) and myth of global warming, CO2 which only exists as .02 percent in the atmosphere has been labeled by the EPA as a pollutant. And any factory, car, animal including humans who dare to emit CO2 are now labeled polluters and must be done away with. Read some of the wacky, perverted statements about human emissions made at the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, December 14, 2009: (http://www.patriotactionnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/copenhagen-population-control.) Zhao Baige, vice-minister of National Population and Family Planning Commission of China (NPFPC) said at the conference: Dealing with climate change is not simply an issue of CO2 emission reduction but a comprehensive challenge involving political, economic, social, cultural and ecological issues, and the population concern fits right into the picture," said Zhao, who is a member of the Chinese government delegation. Many studies link population growth with emissions and the effect of climate change. Calculations of the contribution of population growth to emissions growth globally produce a consistent finding that most of past population growth has been responsible for between 40 per cent and 60 percent of emissions growth," so stated by the 2009 State of World Population, released earlier by the UN Population Fund. China’s enforced abortions and “one-child per family” population program has been greatly criticized over the years, but Zhao praised the program. “It has made a great historic contribution to the well-being of society. As a result of the family planning policy, China has seen 400 million fewer births, which has resulted in 18 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions a year.” Isn’t it amazing how she comes up with such statistics? How does anyone know the average amount of CO2 that a person breaths out in one day, let alone a life time? Has any human had to go around wearing a mask over his face like they have tried to do with cattle to test the amount of 126   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

CO2 they were giving out? I certainly hope not. Where do these number come from? That is never cited. They basically make them up as they go along - the bigger - the better! The article goes on to give more fantastic, made up numbers about reducing population - to control CO2 emissions: The UN report projected that if the global population would remain 8 billion by the year 2050 instead of a little more than 9 billion according to medium-growth scenario, "it might result in 1 billion to 2 billion fewer tons of carbon emissions.” Meanwhile, she [Zhao] said studies have also shown that family planning programs are more efficient in helping cut emissions, citing research by Thomas Wire of London School of Economics that states: "Each $7 spent on basic family planning would reduce CO2 emissions by more than one ton" whereas it would cost $13 for reduced deforestation, $24 to use wind technology, $51 for solar power, $93 for introducing hybrid cars and $131 electric vehicles. She admitted that China's population program is not without consequences, as the country is entering the aging society fast and facing the problem of gender imbalance. "I'm not saying that what we have done is 100 percent right, but I'm sure we are going in the right direction and now 1.3 billion people have benefited," she said. Some 85 percent of the Chinese women in reproductive age use contraceptives, the highest rate in the world. This has been achieved largely through education and improvement of people's lives, she said. (She neglected to mention the forced abortions, demanded by law on any woman who would dare to have a second child.) The article ends with the very revealing words – “sustainable development of population.” As has been stated, sustainable development is just another term for Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is what is behind population control. This holistic approach that integrates policy on population and development, a strategy promoting sustainable development of population, resources and environment should serve as a model for integrating population programs into the framework of climate change adaptation, she added. Since the Smart Meter, Smart Grid Program is part of Agenda 21, and the above information lets us know that population control is one of the objectives of Agenda 21, does that help to explain why the government agents do not seem to be too alarmed that the RF radiation coming out of the meters, is changing the DNA, causing clumping of blood platelets and is slowly causing cancer? Could that have been one of the objectives all along? The following information leads us to believe that is exactly the case.

RF Radiation Part of an Insidious Military Plan for Human Experimentation and Control with Modern Technology
A 2006 Freedom of Information Act request found that certain military documents have been labeled “declassified,” and thus the request was granted and the information was sent to the man asking for them, Mr. Donald Friedman of Napa, California. Deborah Tavares verified the legitimacy of the document by calling the phone number on the cover letter. She was told by a Ms. Phyllis Birckhead of the Department of US Army Intelligence and Security Command that the information was indeed accurate and was now declassified. The document in its entirety can be found at the website www.refusesmartmeters.com. It is 18 pages long and entitled “Bioeffects of Selected Non-Lethal Weapons.” It reveals a deeper, darker 127   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

agenda for the use of radio frequency (RF), electro-magnetic frequency (EMF); microwaves and laser devices by the US military. The document states that the military knew many years ago that all of the above waves have “possible adverse effects on human health.” They were preparing to use them as “weapons” (against whom, we do not know. Could it be against their own people?) (pg. 1) The following are just some of the many health effects listed depending on how high the rate of frequency, how close the person is to the exposure and the weight of the person: There could be possible cancer; reproduction curtailed (lowered sperm count); smaller body weight; decreased motor activity; aggressive behavior decreased or aggressive behavior could be increased; deficit in memory (pp. 1-2) • Microwave Heating: Heating beamed on humans that would “mimic a fever (40 –41 degrees C or 104—105.8 F). It “only takes 15-30 minutes of heat:” What health effects could there be? Less aggressive, but may be irritable; may disrupt working memory; may cause disorientation, delirium, convulsions; can cause permanent damage to brain; or even death. (pp. 2-6) Microwave Hearing: Sounds are created within the brain that only that person can hear such as buzzing, ticking, hissing, knocking sounds. This is “caused by short pulses of RF energy” (just exactly how the smart meters operate). What effect would this have on a person? They would be distracted; they would feel “psychologically devastated—to suddenly hear voices within their head.” The brain neurons and spinal motor nerves could be disrupted, causing loss of muscle coordination, muscle spasms, loss of voluntary control, and loss of consciousness. Laser or High Photic - Pulsed Electric Fields: The report states that the effects of using pulsed laser could be similar to epileptic seizures. It tells of an incident December 16, 1997, on Japanese television, where hundreds of viewers were treated to “photic seizure induction” by watching a pulsed cartoon which resulted in seizures, but never fear—“their recovery time was more rapid than observed in epileptic seizures.” The report goes on to say “The targeted individuals could be incapacitated very quickly...The subjects would have varying degrees of voluntary control depending on the chosen degree of incapacitation.” As unbelievable as all the above information sounds, it appears that the government has been experimenting on “subjects” for quite some time through the use of RF, EMF, microwaves, and lasers. Could the use of the RF in smart meters be one more form of that experimentation? There are many of us who believe that is the case. (From the Eagle Forum of California Newsletter, The Sentinel, Spring 2011, pp. 6-7)





Just before I was going to print out the most recent, up-dated version of this book, I received the following article and was given permission by the author, Marty Oakley, to include it. It traces the history of the federal energy bills, that there is no federal mandate, but there is definitely a tax involved, which we, the consumers get to pay. Her article gives more evidence of the “big brother” aspect behind the smart meters. I thought it was a perfect summation to my book.

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

SMART METERS: No Federal Mandate
August 15, 2011 by Marti Oakley “This Standard would also allow utilities to recover from ratepayers any capital, operating expenditures, or other costs of the smart grid investment, including a reasonable rate-ofreturn.” THERE IS NO FEDERAL SECURITY MANDATE FOR SMART METERS, according to George W. Arnold, the national coordinator for smart-grid interoperability at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce is said not to be involved in regulations but is only tasked with promoting standards among industries. While both the 2005 and 2007 faux energy bills were codified into public laws, NO part of them creates a federal law pertaining to individual consumers or dictating that the public must be forced to comply with provisions of SMART Grid. Contrary to the bleating of manufacturers and utility talking heads, who claim there is no “opt out,” the fact is you, the consumer, must be offered the meter, or request a meter and “OPT IN.” No one can be forced to comply with an unrevealed contract between private corporations, and to which you were never a party and had no knowledge of. Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008: An Energy Tax Package was under development in Congress for several years prior to 2008. In September 2008, the package was finally enacted into law via its inclusion in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. This tax package shifted tax liabilities from corporations who were already posting massive record profits, onto the public.
(The picture of Hitler was included in Marty Oakley’s article, but no comment was written. The following are my editorial comments:)

“Hitler did not yet have such advanced technology as our modern world does now. Still he had a system of spying, surveillance, data collection and control through national ID cards and numbers and a police system called the Gestapo, who would reward people for snitching on their neighbors. People who dared to speak out against the government would be gathered up and put in concentration camps or shot in the open streets. SmartMeters make spying, surveillance, data mining, snitching, control --all so much easier. The detrimental effects on health make it less difficult to “cull the herd” and thin down the population. SmartMeters are a dictator’s dream come true!” Section 1307 State Consideration of Smart Grid Energy 2007, Page 6: This Section amends PURPA (Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act) to create two additional PURPA Standards. (Note: Two new PURPA Standards are also created in Section 532.) These standards are in the form of requirements on parties such as utilities to undertake certain actions. The standards are not directly prescriptive on these parties, however; it is up to state utility regulatory commissions, or the bodies that govern other types of utilities, to decide that the standards should be actually adopted by utilities subject to their jurisdiction. 129   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

The only direct mandate with PURPA standards is for the state or other jurisdictional body TO CONSIDER whether the new Standard should be implemented and to demonstrate that it has undertaken such consideration. The first new Standard would require utilities—prior to undertaking investments in nonadvanced grid technologies— to demonstrate that they have considered investments in “qualified smart grid systems” based on a list of factors (on page 301) in the section that include total costs, cost-effectiveness, etc. This Standard would also allow utilities to recover from ratepayers any capital, operating expenditures, or other costs of the smart grid investment, including a reasonable rate-ofreturn. Furthermore, this Standard would allow utilities to recover remaining book value of any equipment rendered obsolete by the deployment of such smart grid systems. There is no description or list relative to what “qualified smart grid systems” would be. (end Page 6 ) (all emphasis, mine) This is a tax bill. “Ratepayers” are actually taxpayers. This is a new TAX forcing the public to finance SMART METERS/GRID at the rate of 100% of costs plus a profit margin written into it. We are being forced to finance a system sold as energy conservation, efficiency, carbon reduction, and at the same time being subjected to unwarranted surveillance, data mining, and extreme health hazards not to mention the invasion of our homes and businesses. Taxes for this system are applied to your energy bill under several categories and not one part of this bill or the SMART GRID system will reduce consumption or make energy sources more secure or efficient. The Energy bills of 2005 and 2007 were Energy TAX bills and had nothing to do with conservation, security or efficiency. Reading through the 2005-2007 tax provisions is a laundry list of non-related tax breaks, subsidies, tax credits and other loopholes for gas and oil cartels and other so-called energy producing corporations. All taxes for financing this loss of revenue will be applied to and paid by ….you, the general public. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) Through PURPA, two standards were established: “The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) contains two sections (secs. 532 and 1307), that also add additional “States-must-consider” standards to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).” The “states must consider” does not mean the states must comply as there is no law to force compliance of the states. “DOE itself is NOT involved in the implementation of PURPA–States (or local governing boards) are–and so DOE is not in a position to offer guidance or advice on these new PURPA provisions.” **This is where the Department of Energy excused itself because it has no lawful authority. How they got in YOUR state Demand Response and SMART METERING Policy Actions since the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A summary for State Officials. This summary is the guide document instructing state officials on how to implement this business plan in their respective states. Follow the Money! In late October 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the recipients of the $3.4 billion in stimulus grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Award selections were announced for 100 smart grid projects that are intended to lead to the rollout of approximately 18 million smart meters, 1 million in-home energy management displays, and 170,000 smart thermostats, as well as numerous advanced transformers and load management devices. The award selections were organized by category: 1) Advanced Metering Infrastructure; 2) Customer Systems; 3) Electric Distribution Systems; 4) Electric Transmission Systems; 5) Equipment Manufacturing; and 6) Integrated and/or Crosscutting Systems. In its announcement, 130   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

the DOE said the $3.4 billion represented the largest amount of ARRA funding ever made in a single day. But smart-grid projects that are competing for the $800 million in federal grants under the stimulus program would have to meet strict cybersecurity guidelines. The standards institute and other groups are working on a set of recommendations for state utility boards and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (This is in addition to the 3.4 Billion the DoE handed out under the stimulus package and does not include the staggering number of other quickly devised “grant” programs which were nothing more than federal subsidizing of private corporations identified as “stakeholders” in this assault on the public, amounting to billions more.) ABSOLUTlY no testing was ever done on the SMART METERS to substantiate the claims by government and manufacturers that the meters are safe. Independent testing however, exposes the danger of these meters to the overall public health. ‘Smart’ meter radiation is a Class 2B carcinogen according to the World Health Organization (pdf) (from http://stopsmartmeters.org/ ) And this is just the tip of the SMART METER iceberg. No one knows what the affects of meshed systems will have on communities and neighborhoods as they are bombarded with massive amounts of radio frequency radiation thousands of times a day. So how did they do it? It is an assault on the senses that as the country foundered on the edge of near total economic collapse due to the corruption on Wall Street and in banking, that our congresses and presidents for the last ten years used this crisis to finance a massive assault on the public meant to further cement a police state while pandering to corporations to enrich them and by extension and as a repayment of favors owed, enriched themselves. Congress flooded the Department of Energy and the Commerce Department with billions of dollars loaded into the Economic Stabilization Act 2008 and the Stimulus 2009 package to buy access to individual states. Considering the abhorrent state of our economy, you might be wondering where these billions came from. First came the “economic stabilization act of 2008, then the “stimulus” package of 2009 where billions and billions were funneled to federal corporate agencies. Then came a meeting with the ”council of governors” to determine how to access the states, flood them with cash during severe economic distress that they allowed to happen, and gain access inside the geographical boundaries of the states. Of course, the “council of governors” jumped right on the wagon and every governor in every state followed them with their hands out for the free cash…..that came from borrowing against the full faith and credit of the United States (Inc) which turns out to be ….you, the taxpayer. This allowed the DoE and various other unlawfully created corporate federal agencies to disperse massive wads of cash to those “stakeholders” they cherish so much. In short, the public is being forced to subsidize the capital investment and expansion of privately owned utilities in addition to being forced to pay a second time as these same parasitic corporations recoup these same investments that were funded by the stimulus package to begin with. Reading through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the subsequent EISA 2007 energy bill, it is absolutely clear that what did pass pertaining to SMART Metering pertained only to Federal buildings and [federal] housing. This is in adherence to the Constitution which gives the federal government power only over needful buildings, insular possessions and territories. In every other instance the word “voluntary” precedes any item. The SMART GRID system is nothing more than a system of accelerated energy costs with accompanying tax increases. The system cannot and does not deliver more efficient use of energy and isn’t meant to. The intent of the GRID and the meters is to pin energy rates to the ever fluctuating markets enabling the energy provider to charge the highest rate possible in any given period of time. Higher rates mean higher taxes. This isn’t about energy conservation or any of the other nonsense put out as propaganda to foist these deadly meters upon an unsuspecting public: This is simply a business plan meant to unlawfully spy on private citizens while extorting the public for corporate profits. 131   

 

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And if you get sick from these meters blasting you 24 hours a day with radio frequency radiation………tough crunchies. There’s money to be made. ______________________________ Notice of refusal of SMART Meter http://www.w4ar.com/Smart_Meter_refusal_Letter.pdf http://stopsmartmeters.org/ ‘Smart’ meter radiation is a Class 2B carcinogen according to the World Health Organization (pdf), at least 100x the exposure from a cell phone, say UC Nuclear experts. Equivalent to living within 500 feet of a major cell tower, according to independent EMF expert Cindy Sage. Thousands are reporting adverse health effects to the PUC, and yet installations continue as if nothing is wrong. USC Title 15 Commerce and Trade: Not revised, codified and enacted into positive law. http://www.llsdc.org/attachments/wysiwyg/544/usc-pos-law-titles.pdf Regardless, Title 15 Commerce and Trade is non-positive Code & Title, simply meaning that there is no underlying Constitutional authority for the federal government to enter into these areas and therefore, these “codes” cannot be codified into public law and carry no force of law except as it applies to the District of Columbia, insular possessions and territories. These are the ONLY places the federal government has absolute authority. Commerce and trade cannot be codified into public law as there is no underlying Constitutional authority for the federal government to enter into commerce or trade other than as a contracting party or, in the treaty process. The government may enter into trade disputes between the states as an arbitrator when there is a state-to-state dispute although, depending upon the political leanings of SCOTUS at any given time, the twisting and contorting of this provision can change dramatically. The federal government has no authority to unlawfully cede to or, empower any federal agency with powers and authority the federal government does not possess and never did. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) http://www.ferc.gov/legal/fed-sta/ene-pol-act.asp http://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/indus-act/smartgrid.asphttp://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/indusact/smartgrid/eisa.pdf Federal metering requirements (Applies ONLY to federal buildings and [federal] housing) and include NO specific guidance of what to measure (i.e., kW, KVA, PF, Voltage, etc.) PURPA Section 532 http://www.seiec.com/Purpa%20II%20integrated%20resource%20planning.html Estimated Budget Effects Of The Revenue Provisions Contained In Titles I. And XV. Of H.R. 6, The “Clean Renewable Energy And Conservation Tax Act Of 2007,” As Passed By The House Of Representatives On December 6, 2007 http://www.jct.gov/publications.html?func=startdown&id=1352 Tax provisions written into both the 2005 and 2007 bills: http://jct.gov/publications.html?func=startdown&id=1353 Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/financialsvcs_dem/press092808.shtml Department of Energy funding from Stimulus package http://www.kema.com/services/consulting/utility-future/smart-grid/follow-the-money-stimulusfunding-begins-to-flow-into-smart-grid-section.aspx Federal funding for metering federal buildings and federal housing http://www.govenergy.com/2009/pdfs/presentations/Energy101-Session05/Energy101-Session05Chvala_William.pdf An Energy Tax Package: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/financialsvcs_dem/press092808.shtml Federal Meeting Requirements http://www.govenergy.com/2009/pdfs/presentations/Energy101Session05/Energy101-Session05-Chvala_William.pdf

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Demand Response and SMART METERING Policy Actions since the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A summary for State Officials: http://www.scribd.com/doc/43043654/US-Smart-MetersRegulations-Policy-Makers-Guide What are “advanced meters?http://www.govenergy.com/2009/pdfs/presentations/Energy101Session05/Energy101-Session05-Chvala_William.pdf, National Institutes of Standards and Technology; http://www.nist.gov/smartgrid/; US-S Smart Meters Regulations Policy Makers Guide http://www.scribd.com/doc/43043654/US-Smart-Meters-Regulations-Policy-Makers-Guide CONTACT: Marti Oakley 1-320-281-0585 (The following was taken from the Eagle Forum of California Sentinel, Summer, 8/27/11 If the picture of Hitler seems a little too much in regards to the SmartMeter, read this:)

Southern California Edison (SCE) Uses Full Power and Muscle to Force Deployment of “SS” Smart Meters on Customers: by Deborah Tavares
Deborah and Lou Tavares, along with their tenants are the latest victims of government corporate tyranny, under UN Agenda 21-Smart Grid, by the smart meter enforcement upon them. On August 23, 2011, in Covina, CA, SCE instructed their field technician to use bolt cutters to remove “anti-vandalism” locks on the one remaining analog meter on the Tavares’ property. The installer used forceful strong-armed behavior as directed by a phone call to the SCE office. He was instructed to cut off the lock on the Tavares' meter cabinet door. The SCE installer threatened that the nearby parked car would get scratched, (which had been parked there to deliberately block his way), as he continued to cut off locks and personal property belonging to Tavares. The tenant, fearing that harm to her person and property was about to come, called 911; but the police were annoyed by the call and would not respond. SCE is not yet carrying guns, but the threats against the Tavares' tenants were no less threatening. This is strongly reminiscent of Nazi tactics used by the Gestapo back in the 1930-40s, when freedom of choice was being replaced with dictatorial law. The fear that some sort of Nazi-like tyranny is coming has spread across the country. The electrical companies working with ICLEI have tried to create the illusion that the smart meters are mandatory, that any choice to opt out is not permitted and that the Constitution is no longer valid. But that is not true. UN Agenda 21, the global government legislation which has been jammed down the throats of all Americans, is being sold as "sustainable development." The real name for the agenda being forced upon us should be labeled “Atrocity 21,” and the meters should be labeled “SS” meters. All utility companies across the nation, and the world, are installing thousands of wireless smart meters upon all of us, the people, each and every day. The utility companies and the CPUC (California Public Utility Company) are running rampant over customers. The people are being ignored even though smart meters are making them sick and invading their privacy. This tyranny must be opposed; it is inhumane. Utility customers must stop any further installation of smart meters and understand the source of this insanity. It is directed by the UN Agenda 21—the "Absolute Abolition of All Freedom for All People for All Time." (For more information—www.refusesmartmeters.com or www.nosmartmeters.net)

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What Can Property Owners do – What Anonymous Did?
After doing everything they can possibly do to get the CPUC and the utilities to honor their request to remove the SmartMeters and restore the analog meter, (including submitting medical doctors’ notes about serious health effects), various property owners are starting to take a stand for their personal property rights and are removing the smart meters themselves (or hiring an electrician) and replacing the analog meters. Are the property owners not within the rights of the law to do that? Presently the utility companies do not know how to handle such situations, especially when the property owner returns or sends the SmartMeter back to the utility company. They cannot be accused of theft in such cases. However, the utility company should certainly be guilty of theft or vandalism. They removed the analog meters that had come with the home when it was purchased by the property owner. In most cases the meters were removed with no permission or knowledge of the owners and the analog meters were not returned, probably destroyed or dismantled for parts. The following is a write up and picture of such an incident where the property owners removed the SmartMeters and replaced them with analog meters. The owner left a Guy Faux mask inside the steel gate (that he had installed to prevent any further vandalism.) (Guy Faux was a British political leader who became famous for standing up against parliament. His face has become synonymous with “rebellion” against tyranny and the mask is being used by many who are involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement.) The write up is suggesting that those with smart meters do the same – “occupy your homes” and remove what is invasive and harming you. Remove the smart meters yourselves or hire an electrician to do it for you and replace them with analog meters. Analog meters are still available to be purchased at reasonable prices. Industry tested and time proven "safe" analog meters were reinstalled to protect the residents from further harm. Anonymous built steel cages to prevent vandalism and keep intruders and thieves out. Refuse and remove smart murder meters and "OCCUPY" your homes for Freedom! Shown here the hero gives the utility company a final message...

Anonymous patriot gives thumbs up as the dangerous "bio-hazard" smart murder meters are pulled down on 11/11/11 at 11AM from Southern California units.

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Appendix and Bibliography Charts Showing Microwave (Thermal) and Smart Meter (Non-thermal) Emission Tests
The FCC has ruled that the smart meters are safe, that “the RF emissions are only 1/6,000th of the Federal health standard at a distance of 10 feet and far below the RF emissions of many commonly used devices.” (as quoted from the CPUC at their hearing December 2, 2010) However, according to Norbert Hankin of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in a report of 2002, the FCC health standards are only for “thermal” exposure. The nonthermal exposure has never been tested. The smart meters give off nonthermal radiation, which is actually much higher and far above what would be considered safe according to FCC health standards. “The FCC’s current exposure guidelines, as well as those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), are thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, nonthermal exposure situations. They are believed to protect against injury that . . . result(s) in tissue heating or electric shock and burn. . . The FCC’s exposure guideline is considered protective of effects arising from a thermal mechanism. . . the generalization by many that the guidelines protect human beings from harm by any and all mechanisms is not justified.”

 

Norbert Hankin, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2002 http://www.emrpolicy.org/litigation/case_law/docs/noi_epa_response.pdf 

The tests are in microwatts        One watt = 1,000,000 microwatts
Appendix 1

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MICROWAVES BELOW U.S. & CANADA’S REGULATORY LIMIT (This shows the affect on people, animals, trees,
plants; This is thermal heat that is caused by cordless phones, cell phones and cellular towers.) • • • • • • • • • • (microW/cm2) Reported Biological Effects References 0.0000000000001 Altered genetic structure in E. Coli Belyaev 1996 0.0000000001 Threshold of human sensitivity Kositsky 2001 0.000000001 Altered EEG in human subjects Bise 1978 0.0000000027 Growth stimulation in Vicius fabus Brauer 1950 0.00000001 Effects on immune system in mice Bundyuk 1994 0.00000002 Stimulation of ovulation in chickens Kondra 1970 0.000005 Effect on cell growth in yeast Grundler 1992 0.00001 Conditioned “avoidance” reflex in rats Kositsky 2001 0.000027 Premature aging of pine needles Selga 1996 100 Yards / metres from Cell Phone 135   

  • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  0.002 Sleep disorders, abnormal blood pressure, nervousness, weakness, fatigue, limb and joint pain, digestive problems, fewer schoolchildren promoted Altpeter 1995, 1997 0.0027 Growth inhibition in Vicius fabus Brauer 1950 0.0027 to 0.065 Smaller tree growth rings Balodis 1996 0.007 50 Feet from a Cordless Phone 0.01 Human sensation Kolbun 1987 0.016 1 Mile (1.6Km) from a Cellular Tower 0.06 Altered EEG, disturbed carbohydrate metabolism, enlarged adrenals, altered adrenal hormone levels, structural changes in liver, spleen, testes, and brain in white rats and rabbits Dumanskij 1974 0.06 Slowing of the heart, change in EEG in rabbits Serkyuk, reported in McRee 1980 0.05 10 Feet /3 meters from a Wireless Computer 0.1 Increase in melatonin in cows Stark 1997 0.1 to 1.8 Decreased life span, impaired reproduction, structural and developmental abnormalities in duckweed plants Magone 1996 0.13 Decreased cell growth (human epithelial amnion cells) Kwee 1997 0.168 Irreversible sterility in mice Magras 1997 0.2 to 8.0 Childhood leukemia near transmitters Hocking 1996 0.3 Impaired motor function, reaction time, memory and attention of school children, and altered sex ratio of children (fewer boys) Kolodynski 1996 0.6 Change in calcium ion efflux from brain tissue Dutta 1986 0.6 Cardiac arrhythmias and sometimes cardiac arrest (frogs) Frey 1968 0–4 Altered white blood cell activity in schoolchildren Chiang 1989 1.0 Headache, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, chest pain, difficulty breathing, indigestion (humans—occupational exposure) Simonenko1998 1.0 Stimulation of white cells in guinea pigs Shandala 1978 2.5 Breakdown of blood-brain barrier (used a digital cell phone to radiate) Salford 1997 5.0 Leukemia, skin melanoma and bladder cancer near TV and FM transmitter Dolk 1997 2.0 (lower “Microwave hearing” - clicking, buzzing, chirping, hissing, or high-pitched threshold note tones known) Frey 1963, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1988, Justeson 1979, Olsen 1980, Wieske 1963, Lin 1978 5.0 Biochemical and histological changes in liver, heart, kidney, and brain tissue Belokrinitskiy l982 10.0 Damaged mitochondria, nucleus of cells in hippocampus of brain Belokrinitskiy 1982a 10.0 Impaired memory and visual reaction time in people living near transmitters Chiang 1989 10.0 Decreased size of litter, increased number of stillborns in mice Il’Chevich (reported in McRee 1980) 10.0 Redistribution of metals in the lungs, brain, heart, liver, kidney, muscles, spleen, bones, skin, blood Shutenko 1981 1000.0 United States FCC Exposure Limit, Safety Code 6 Canada limit

Meg Sears, Medical Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities, Canadian Human

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Examples of RF Fields Commonly Found in the Everyday Environment in Relation to SmartMeter™ System Operation
(As one can see from the following chart, non-thermal emissions are much higher in power density and more harmful than thermal emissions)
RF Source Power Density (μW/cm2) 8.8

Immediately adjacent to a SmartMeter™ device (1 foot)

Immediately adjacent (1 foot) to a SmartMeter™ access point if elevated to height of transmitter

24

Adjacent to 25 foot high SmartMeter™ access point at ground level

0.03

Installed microwave oven- FDA allowable at 5 cm from door [FDA, 2009]

5,000

Typical RF field in kitchen with operating microwave oven [1 meter] [Mantiply, et al. (1997)]

10

Cell phones (at head) [Mantiply, et al. (1997)]

30 – 10,000

Cell phone base stations at ground level (maximum) [WHO (2006)]

1-12

Walkie-Talkies (at head) [Mantiply, et al. (1997)]

500 – 42,000

Wi-Fi wireless routers, laptop computers, cyber cafes, etc., maximum (~1 meter for laptops, 2-5 meters for access points) [Foster (2007)] Median exposure to FM radio and TV broadcast station signals [Tell and Mantiply (1980)]

10-20

0.005

From Summary Discussion of RF Fields and the PG&E SmartMeter™ System 137   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle  (2005 Report and 2008 Supplemental Report); Richard A. Tell

International Radiofrequency / Microwave Exposure Standards
(Not all countries have the same safety standards; some are much tougher than the U.S.) Exposure Level Country New South Wales, Australia (microW/cm2) 0.001

Salzburg, Austria (pulsed transmissions)

0.1

Russia / Bulgaria / Hungary / Switzerland

2 – 10

Belgium

3

China

7 – 10

Italy / Toronto

10

Auckland, New Zealand

50

Australia

200

New Zealand / Japan / Germany / U.S. / Canada

200 – 1000

United Kingdom

1,000 – 10,000

Arthur Firstenberg, September 2001

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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Report
A Comprehensive – 200 Page Study of the Itron Smart Meter done in 2010
Much of this data refutes the assertions by PG&E - so this appears to be a lack of due diligence (on their part). You can download the report free (public domain) via the Direct URL below. http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001021126 ____________________________ Gabor Mezei, MD, Ph.D. Electric Power Research Institute 3420 Hillview Avenue Palo Alto, California 94304 (650) 855-8908

An Investigation of Radiofrequency Fields Associated with the Itron Smart Meter Product ID 1021126, Sector Name: Environment, Date Published, 12/22/2010, File Size: 10.79 MB, File Type: Adobe PDF (pdf)
Abstract: Smart meters represent one component of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Although data to and from smart meters may be transmitted through wired connections, many smart meters make use of miniature, low power radio transceivers to wirelessly communicate with the electric utility and with the Home Area Network (HAN) that provides home owners with the ability to interact with electrical appliances and systems within the home. Deployment of smart meters has raised concerns by members of the public about possible adverse health effects that could be related to exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) emissions of the meters. As part of ongoing efforts to address public concerns on this issue, this report documents the collection of information on RF exposure related to the operation of two particular models of Smart Meters produced by Itron Inc. Objective: This report is focused on the RF aspects of smart meters and in particular, the strength of the transmitted RF fields that may be produced by the meters from a human exposure perspective. The greatest difficulty in arriving in determining realistic time-averaged exposure from smart meters is associated with determining transmitter duty cycles since the meters only emit RF radiation for very brief periods at intervals that are not necessarily periodic. Approach: The project team conducted laboratory and field measurements of the RF emissions of Itron smart meters. One objective was to determine realistic estimates of the operational duty cycle of meter transmitters. The team also investigated the effectiveness of metal meshes and stucco walls in shielding smart meters. Results: The smart meters studied in this report are currently being deployed by two electric utilities in California. The meters are part of wireless mesh networks consisting of approximately 500 to 750 “end point meters”; for each of these networks, one meter is configured as a collector point referred to as a “cell relay” by Itron. The cell relay collects data from the various end point meters and conveys these data onto the cellular wireless wide area network (WWAN) for communication back to the electric utility company’s data management system. Mesh network 139   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

communication among the many meters is provided by a 900 MHz band transceiver RF LAN (local area network). A HAN feature is supported by a 2.4 GHz transceiver. Data collection was carried out in a laboratory setting and at residences and in neighborhoods in southern California and Colville, Washington, supplemented with theoretical modeling studies. The results indicate that RF fields from the investigated smart meters are well below the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the general public. For instance, at one foot, the time-averaged RF field from an end point meter would be expected to not exceed 0.8% of the MPE) established by the (FCC). For the cell relay, the RF field would not exceed 0.2% of the MPE. Even at very close distances, such as one foot directly in front of the meter, with an unrealistic assumption that the transmitters operate at 100% duty cycle, the resulting exposure is less than the FCC MPE. When viewed in the context of a more typical, realistic exposure distance of 10 feet, the RF fields are much smaller, about 0.008% for the end point meter and about 0.002% of MPE for the cell relay. For occupants of a home equipped with a Smart Meter, interior RF fields would be expected to be at least ten times less intense simply due to the directional properties of the meter. When the attenuation afforded by a stucco home’s construction is included, a realistic value of the interior RF field would be about 0.023% of the MPE for an end point meter and about 0.065% for a cell relay. Regardless of duty cycle values for end point and cell relay meters, typical exposures that result from the operation of smart meters are very low and comply with scientifically based human exposure limits by a wide margin. Application, Value and Use: This report documents an investigation of the characteristics of RF fields associated with Itron Smart Meters. The project was undertaken to improve understanding of public exposure to the RF emissions produced by smart meters and to respond to public concerns about potential health effects. EPRI Perspective: Measuring electric energy consumption with so-called smart meters in residential and commercial environments is becoming more commonplace as part of the development of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in the electric utility industry. With the deployment of smart meters, public concern was raised about potential health effects associated with RF emissions from smart meters EPRI is responding to these concerns with research efforts to provide objective information on RF emissions related to smart meters. Program: 2010 Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Health Assessment and Radio-Frequency Safety. Keywords: Smart Meters, Radiofrequency emissions, EMF health assessment, Environmental Issues, RF Safety. Note: EPRI Customer Assistance Center, (800) 313-3774 email:askepri.com EPRI 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304 © Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. 2001- 2011 All rights reserved

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Medical Waivers to Keep Smart Meters from your Homes
How to File a Medical Waiver NOW Written on September 4, 2010 in Action Alert New Mexicans are stunned to be told they must submit to wireless gas meters being attached to 350,000 homes despite the documented concerns of researchers, medical doctors, and residents. The meters transmit pulses of microwave energy every 15 seconds, around the clock, reverberating with your house wiring, and even repeating the signals from neighboring meters in what’s called a ‘mesh network’. As one Los Alamos scientist says, “This turns whole communities into a lowpower microwave oven.” Proven to cause a host of health problems, security issues, damaging customers’ other electronics— and sued for giving inaccurately high readings—‘smart meters’ are being halted by towns and cities across the US by the passing of moratoria and ordinances. As a native New Mexican, I am horrified that our beautiful environment is now to be filled with a proven cause of diseases that will harm the whole population, especially those most vulnerable— our children, the elderly, and the disabled. And, an out-of-state gas company is forcing us to submit to these meters being put on our homes! Meters are currently read by 75 employees at the cost of $3 million—Purchased from Japan, the ‘smart meters’ will cost $30 million and, of course, NMGC is applying for a rate hike so we can cover this unnecessary expenditure! What about investing $30 million to develop local energy businesses? But most importantly, our families must have a medical ‘opt out’ or waiver plan for those with children, medical implants, and prior medical conditions that doctors know will be dangerously affected by these wireless meters. Felicia N. Trujillo, ND, GCFP, Health Education HOW TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR YOUR MEDICAL WAIVER To file your Application for a Medical Waiver, due to illness, medical implants, seniors, or children in your home send only by email to NM PRC Consumer Relations (see below for copy and paste text): your name, your address, NMGC Account Number, and phone number, To: [email protected] You do not need to list your medical diagnosis. Please send a separate email for each person in your family. John Hooper requests that there be only one such email or letter to him per household. So if multiple people are served by the same meter, combine the information into a single letter or email. Please keep a copy on file. Copy and paste the following into an email. You must email this form immediately to the email address given: [email protected]. 141   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

TO: John Hooper, Consumer Relations Division, [email protected] RE: Wireless Meters Medical Waiver Due to my medical condition, medical implants, children living in my household, or that I have been negatively affected by electromagnetic radiation emitted by some electrical devices, I have been advised that I/we cannot risk further impairment by exposure to microwaves from the installation of a wireless meter device. We are aware that numerous communities in the United States have reached an agreement with local gas and electric companies so that no wireless meters are installed at the businesses or residences to accommodate the health requirements of their customers. We also will provide a sign that will be affixed to our gas meters, stating that we have applied for this medical waiver, and requesting that wireless meters not be installed. With that accommodation, we wish to express our appreciation of this medical waiver, which enables us to continue purchasing natural gas from the New Mexico Gas Company. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the number and address listed below. Name: Address: New Mexico Gas Company Customer Number: Home phone: Work phone:

Petition Opposing New Towers, and SmartMeters
Written by neurokinetics on November 27, 2010 in Petitions Whereas all Santa Feans have an interest in protecting the historic areas of their City, in protecting local businesses, and in protecting all of Santa Fe's real estate value. All Santa Feans have an interest in protecting the Santa Fe populace from preventable medical conditions, as well as protecting animal and plant life in the area from unnecessary harm. THUS, we as Santa Fe residents do oppose all new cell towers planned by Clearwire, Azulstar, TewaCom, CNSP, and other companies. We oppose all wireless meters imposed upon customers of the New Mexico Gas Company, and we strongly oppose the future installation of SmartMeters proposed by PNM. We strongly oppose hundreds of new short cell towers all over town, called Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) being installed by Extenet Systems, by NewPath Networks, NextG Networks. WE THE PETITIONERS SIGNED BELOW STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE PLACEMENT OF A CELL TOWER AT FORT MARCY PARK, as it offends the aesthetics of a historic Santa Fe site, thus lowering real estate values in a historic area, and interfering with businesses in the surrounding area. Such placement is also ruled out by the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, AFL-CIO, Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine Position, titled: The Health Effects from Radio Frequency/Microwave (RF/MW) Radiation in Fire Department Facilities from Base Stations for Antennas and Towers for the Conduction of Cell Phone Transmissions, which states that no cell towers shall be built near Fire Stations. 142   

 

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WE THE PETITIONERS SIGNED BELOW STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE PLACEMENT OF MICROWAVE BROADCAST ANTENNAS AT ST. JOHN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, as the general knowledge of the antennas and their radiation, which the surrounding community intends to monitor with round-the-clock measurement, will make sales of nearby property difficult, thus lowering real estate values and interfering with businesses in the surrounding area. WE THE PETITIONERS SIGNED BELOW STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE PLACEMENT OF A CELL TOWER AT BAILLIO’S, at 3294 Cerrillos Road, as it will make sales of nearby property difficult, thus lowering real estate values in the Bellamah Neighborhood, and interfering with businesses, including The Natural Grocers, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and many other businesses in the surrounding area. This proposed cell tower will also unfairly expose homes allotted for lower income and disabled buyers to the greatest amount of electromagnetic radiation. WE THE PETITIONERS SIGNED BELOW STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE PLACEMENT OF A CELL TOWER IN THE SOLANA CENTER PARKING LOT, as it will present an offense to the Ancient City’s aesthetics, thus lowering real estate values, and interfering with business in the shopping center and surrounding schools. As concrete evidence presented in peer-reviewed research worldwide has shown that children are the most vulnerable to such electromagnetic radiation exposure, I object that this tower endangers Santa Fean children attending four different schools within its range. Since facts from scientific and technical expertise and peer-reviewed journal sources are admissible under the Daubert Rule as evidence that must be considered, the following quotes are submitted and must be considered by Santa Fe City Council: “[E]ndpoints that have been reported to be associated with... RF* include: childhood leukemia, adult brain tumors, childhood brain tumors, genotoxic effects (DNA damage and micronucleation), neurological effects and neurodegenerative disease, immune system disregulation, allergic and inflammatory responses, breast cancer in men and women, miscarriage and some cardiovascular effects...” - David Carpenter, MD, Director, Environmental Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Albany State University, NY (* "RF" is the acronym for radiofrequency radiation, which includes centimeter microwave radiation as the most potent band of frequencies for biologic effects.)  Name_____________________________________Address ______________________________ City_______________________________State_________________E-mail ________________ Comments______________________________________________________________________

The Power that ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) has Over the Utilities and the CPUC. The following letter was turned in after I spoke before the CPUC, Dec. 1 2011. My friend Jennifer Delaney and I shared parts of this letter in the one minute that we were each “allotted” to speak. The letter is exposing the power that ICLEI has over the utilities and the CPUC – through their “Green Communities” (GC) program. 143   

 

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Eagle Forum of California
Orlean Koehle, State President PO Box 5335, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 [email protected] (707) 539-8393 www.eagleforumofcalifornia.com 
Dear CPUC Commissioners: December 1, 2011

We would like to make you aware of what is written in an important California Code (Section 11121-21): “It is the public policy of this state that public agencies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business … The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” (Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act) You are a public agency, created by we the people. You and your various utility companies, PG&E, Southern California Edison, etc. are supposed to be serving us, not being our Lord and master telling us what we can do and cannot do with our own property, removing our analog meters and forcing smart meters on us, without our permission or even knowledge. Instead of serving us, you have become the servants (or slaves) of a powerful international organization that is dictating to you and you, in turn, force those dictates upon us. It is also our utility rates that get to pay for your affiliation with this powerful group, which is probably costing millions of dollars. And what is that group? It is called ICLEI, which stands for International Council on Local Environmental Initiative. Now they try to disguise their international connections and call themselves “Local Governments for Sustainability.” It is a United Nations NGO (non-governmental organization. So in other words, whoever is a member of ICLEI is now coming under the mandates of the UN. This is also contrary to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits states or local governments from entering into any agreement with a foreign power. (Article 1, Section 10) We urge you to drop your membership with ICLEI and the stranglehold that they hold upon you and also upon us, we the people, who are supposed to be your sovereigns, the ones whom you are to serve. The mandate that ICLEI is pushing upon all of its members is called UN Agenda 21, created in 1992 in Rio and signed onto by 179 heads of state. It is a comprehensive blueprint to control every aspect of how man interacts with the environment. That includes state and local governments, the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our mode of transportation, and, of course, the energy we use. ICLEI is pushing Agenda 21 on their member utility companies through what they call “The Green Communities (GC) program” which according to them is “designed to provide data, tools, and training to local government customers to enable them to better understand and manage their 144   

 

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municipal and community-wide energy usage in order to develop and implement climate action plans.” However, ICLEI does not just make suggestions to their member organizations; they are more like mandates. The Mandates of ICLEI upon utilities through their Green Communities (GC) Program to “implement climate action plans”: 1. Whom they are to work and contract with; 2. What goals they will have; 3. Standardized energy data collection; 4. Additional possible demands; 5. The ultimate goal – 100% compliance by the year 2020. 1. Who they will work and contract with: PG&E is told they will contract with seven different NGOs and government organizations to provide the GC Program services and products. They are told who the government agencies will be: “PG&E will contract with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), the Great Valley Center (GVC), the Sierra Business Council (SBC), and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) to provide GHG inventory and climate action plan development assistance and resources to foster benchmarking.” 2. Their goals are determined for them: “Major program activities fall into three subprograms… a. Statewide Assistance for Local Governments (Statewide Program); b. Climate Planning Assistance for Local Governments (Climate Program); and c. Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program (FLR Program)” 3. Standardized energy use data collection “for climate planning purposes:” “PG&E has collaborated with ICLEI to develop standardized reports to provide local governments aggregated non-customer specific data on the GHG emissions associated with their electricity and natural gas use at the municipal level and at the community-wide scale.” 4. Other possible demands: “include integrated audits, coordination and alignment of emergent residential retrofit programs, or green building support.” “The program may also provide additional services, subject to funding availability and future contract negotiations.” 5. The ultimate goal: “This program supports the Strategic Plan’s goal for 50% of governments to adopt energy/sustainability/ climate action plans by 2015 and 100% by 2020. Doesn’t all this sound like a little too much big brother dictating to you what you should be doing or not doing – all under the excuse of climate action planning? Who has ever been able to plan what the climate is going to be like anyway? Weather is very unpredictable. What a shaky house of cards to be basing all of this planning on! We urge you to drop your affiliation with ICLEI! Sincerely: Jennifer Delaney and Orlean Koehle Sources: http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/environment/whatyoucando/greencommunities/  http://www.icleiusa.org/news/green‐communities‐program‐with‐iclei‐and‐pg‐e‐concludes‐ successful‐first‐round 
January 22, 2010 Advice 3082-G/3598-E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company ID U 39 M) Public Utilities Commission of the State of California Subject: Green Communities Program Advice Letter Pursuant to D.09-09-047 Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) hereby submits its Green Communities (GC) Program Advice Letter for its 2010-2012 Energy Efficiency (EE) Portfolio in compliance with Decision (D.) 09-09-047, Ordering Paragraph (OP) 20 and other directives of the Decision.

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“Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters” Forty Plus Talking Points Against Them
By Orlean Koehle I compiled the following talking points from the information in my book. They can be used for presenting information to your elected officials. I hope they can assist you in your battle against them. (References and/ or page numbers from my book are given at the end of each point.) 1. Numerous Health issues: Due to the fact that the Smart Meter is emitting dirty electricity and powerful, pulsed RF radiation coming into the home every 3-6 seconds, (much more powerful than the radiation of cell phones) it is greatly affecting people’s health. People are complaining of headaches, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, earaches, nose bleeding, heart palpitations, brain fog, and general feeling of weakness. The RF also interferes with medical devices such as pace makers. Smart meter radiation is a Class 2B carcinogen according to the World Health Organization (pdf) (http://stopsmartmeters.org/), that alters DNA and blood cells. No one knows what the effects of meshed systems will have on communities and neighborhoods as they are bombarded with massive amounts of radio frequency radiation thousands of times a day. (pp.11-44) 2. No Scientific Testing: Smart Meters have never been properly tested or studied. The EIR Environmental Impact Study was waived. The Smart Meters were granted a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) exemption with no explanation, and there are no safety standards for chronic long term RF exposures that these meters emit. The FCC safety standards are for only short term exposures, 6 - 30 minutes long and for “thermal” exposure, not for nonthermal radiation. Most of the FCC data for wireless devices is outdated – going back to 1996, when cell phones were just starting. Nothing has been tested for smart meter radiation itself. (pp. 2,4,134) (However, as you will read on page 5, there were secret military tests performed.) 3. Smart Meters are not UL Certified, which is required under the state electrical code for all electrical appliances and equipment within the home. Active Product certifications can be verified by going to www.UL.com, click on “on-line certifications directory.” The lack of certification was confirmed by Karl E. Moeller, Senior Customer Service Engineer II, HVAC, Appliances, and Lighting, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 1285 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747 (see http://bit.ly/fWUqA7). (p. 45) 4. Risk of Hacking: A computerized RF system of control over all the electrical power and appliances in one’s home, including personal computers, could be penetrated by hackers, just as so many other supposed “fool-proof” systems have been. Private information and privacy rights would be at risk. Meters could be reprogrammed. Someone would know when the family was not home, a great time to break in. (pp. 47-48) 5. Risk of Fires: Many fires in new wireless meters have been reported or fires that the meters have caused. A whistle-blower from Wellington Energy, PG&E’s installation contractor, alleged serious breaches in safety procedures by installers, who are temp workers - not trained professionals as required by the Federal Communications Commission. Reports of fires, shorts, and electrocutions are also being reported in other countries where ‘Smart’ Meters are being installed, such as Australia. (http://bit.ly/fWUqA7) (pp. 46-47) 6. Risk of Appliance Burnouts: Some meters are faulty and allow 300-440 volts in on a home’s 220 and 110 lines, causing burn outs in appliances, meltdowns of hair dryers, kitchen appliances, and a number of high-end electronics getting zapped. (Cleburne County, Al, http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=1280) 7. Mega Meters located on every 500 homes: They serve as mini-cell phone towers, collecting the data from 500 homes. Some are connected to a telephone line, with which it sends its data to the utility company. Other medusas are wireless. One can imagine how much radiation is emitted coming from a mega meter. 8. Smart Meters Often Have Higher Rates: Many people are complaining that their costs have doubled or tripled since the smart meters were installed on their homes. As of March 2010, six 146   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

hundred complaints had been received by PG&E in Northern California because of higher faulty rates. (p. 5-7) (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/San-Francisco-Moves-To-Stop-SmartMeters96618524.html) 9. Problems in Accuracy – 43,000 cases in Northern California: April 26, 2011, Helen Burt, PG&E's senior vice president of customer relations, after intense interrogation finally admitted before the state Senate Select Committee on the Smart Grid that 9,000 of their Smart Meters had not communicated energy usage back to PG&E; more than 11,300 Smart Meters simply failed to work and another 23,000 Smart Meters were installed improperly. (ABC Channel 7 TV news, KGO “7 on Your Side,” S.F., 5/26/11) (p. 6) 10. Smart Meters are Heating Up and Charging Higher Costs: On May 3, 2011, it was reported that some Smart Meters err in calculations when the temperature outside is over 100 degrees, causing a higher billing for their customers. (SF Chronicle, 6/3/2011,“PG&E Finds Some Smart Meters Erred When too Hot,” (http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/) (p. 7) 11. The Department of Energy’s Stated Purpose of the Smart Grid is to reduce carbon emissions and green house gases. Why? CO2 is piped into green houses to make the plants grow. CO2 is what has produced a green planet over the life time of the earth. It is not a pollutant. Since global warming is being so thoroughly discredited, the mantra is now “climate change, and promoting clean, green, renewable energy.” 12. The Smart Meter Program is really about “Changing Our Behavior”: The system does not deliver more efficient use of energy and isn’t meant to. Those behind the Smart Meter Program proudly admit that the program is really about “changing our behavior.” The program is about “rationing” energy and controlling our lives, using the excuse of saving green house gases and preserving energy resources. (p. 114) 13. Smart Meters are Surveillance Devices that are Violating Federal and State Wiretapping Laws: They are recording and storing data of private and personal activities and behaviors without the consent of the people who are being monitored. Such data could be recorded as medical conditions, sexual activities, physical location of people in the home, vacancy patterns, personal habits, illegal activities such as growing marijuana (Jerry Day -You Tube Video, www.inforwars.com; Smart Meters are Surveillance Devices,”) 14. Smart Meters are not Mandatory: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 does not mandate Smart Meters: It only mandates utilities to “offer” them and to install them “upon customer request.” (a) Adoption of Standards.--Section 111(d) of the Public Utility; Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (15) Interconnection.--Each electric utility shall make available, upon request, interconnection service to any electric consumer that the electric utility serves. (Section 1252, pp. 370-374) (p. 8) 15. The Law Says Procedures are to be Just: The Energy Act of 2005 also states: “All such agreements and procedures shall be just and reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or preferential.'' [Page 119 STAT. 971] Many people would say that forcing a smart meter on their home without any permission or prior knowledge was not being treated with justice or with reason. For those who have low incomes and their utility rates have skyrocketed, so much so that they have been forced to leave their homes, they would say this was “discriminatory and preferential.” 16. States Rights Over Federal Law The Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution leaves to the states whatever is not mentioned in the Constitution. “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively and to the people.” The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) contains two sections (secs. 532 and 1307) that also add additional “States-must-consider” standards to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).” The “states must consider” does not mean the states must comply. (pp. 128-132) 17. Much Money Used to Entice the States to Take the Big Carrot: Billions of dollars loaded into the Economic Stabilization Act 2008, $3.4 billion, and $4.5 billion of the Stimulus 2009 package are buying access to individual states and swaying the governors of the states to go along. 147   

 

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This allowed the Department of Energy to disperse the money to the “stakeholders” to implement the Smart Grid system. (pp. 130-131) On October 27, 2009, the Obama administration unveiled its Smart Grid plan by awarding $3.4 billion to 100 Smart Grid projects. According to the Department of Energy's press release, these awards will result in the installation of: more than 850 sensors called 'Phasor Measurement Units" to monitor the power grid nationwide; 200,000 smart transformers; 700 automated substations (about 5 percent of the nation's total); 1,000,000 in-home displays; and 345,000 load control devices in homes. Another $4.5 billion is earmarked. 18. “The Costs of the Smart Grid Investments to be “Recovered from Ratepayers”: This PURPA Standard allows utilities to recover from ratepayers any capital, operating expenditures, or other costs of the smart grid investment, including a reasonable rate-of-return. It allows utilities to recover remaining book value of any equipment rendered obsolete by the deployment of such smart grid systems. (Page 6 ) (p. 130) 19. The Public is Being Fleeced with a New Fancy Tax Bill. “The SMART GRID system is nothing more than a system of accelerated energy costs with accompanying tax increases: “Ratepayers” are actually taxpayers. This is a new TAX forcing the public to finance SMART METERS/GRID at the rate of 100% of costs plus a profit margin written into it. … Not one part of the SMART GRID system will reduce consumption or make energy sources more secure or efficient.” . This isn’t about energy conservation or any of the other nonsense put out as propaganda to foist these deadly meters upon an unsuspecting public: This is simply a business plan meant to unlawfully spy on private citizens while extorting the public for corporate profits.” Marty Oakley, “Smart Meters, No Federal Mandate,” 8/15/11 (http://www.activistpost.com/2011/08/smart-meters-no-federal-mandate.html (pp. 129-131) 20. The Smart Meters Violate the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…” When you have a Smart Meter constantly snooping into your home 24 hours a day, keeping data on what you are doing, what part of the house you are in, where the electricity is being used, what appliances you are using and when, that is an invasion of privacy. You are no longer secure in your own home. (p. 9) 21. Smart Meters Violate the 14th Amendment: …“No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the USA, nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without the due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Most people feel the analog meter that was on their home when they bought their property belongs to them. When utility companies take it off without any permission or consent and “deploy” a smart meter in its place, this is denying their rights of liberty and property without due process of law. Forcing citizens who object to a smart meter to have to pay a monthly fee to opt out of the Smart Meter program (one of the proposals of utility companies) would be “abridging privileges” and not granting “equal protection” under the law. Residents who allow the installation of the smart meter (mainly because they do not know that it was installed or are totally uninformed of its harmful effects) will be treated as the privileged ones and will not have to pay any additional charges. Those who refuse, will be forced to pay the additional charges to opt out. That is a violation of not being treated equally under the law. (p. 9) 22. Violation of the California Constitution: Article One – Declaration of Rights: “All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are “enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.” Forcing a Smart Meter on every Californian is a violation of our basic rights of: 1) “enjoying and defending life and liberty:” 2) “enjoying possessing and protecting our own property:” 3) “pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. (pp. 9-10) 23. California Code Protects the Rights of Citizens against Powerful Agencies: California Code, Section 11120-21: “It is the public policy of this state that public agencies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business … The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the 148   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” (Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act) 24. Smart Meters and Smart Grids are an International UN Plan for Global Control of Energy: As one does more research, we find out this is not just a state plan or a federal plan. This is an international plan and is going on across the globe. In fact in Europe they are much farther along than the rest of the world. 25. The United Nations is Promoting Smart Meters and the Smart Grid through Agenda 21, which was devised back in 1992 at a conference held in June in Rio de Janeiro called UN Agenda 21 or Sustainable Development, which was signed onto by heads of state of 179 nations, including U.S. President Bush Sr. 26. Agenda 21 is an all encompassing comprehensive plan that seeks to control every aspect in which humans interact with the environment. “Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment.” (http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21/) Energy use is definitely one of the ways that humans have an impact on their environment, thus the UN seeks to control it globally. 27. ICLEI - how Agenda 21 is being implemented locally: ICLEI stands for International Council on Local Environmental Initiative. However, they have recently changed what the name stands for to Local Government for Sustainability.” Once a city or county become members in this UN NGO (non-governmental organization) they have to start following UN mandates and live by the ICLEI charter, which just happens to be the UN “Earth Charter,” an earth worshiping set of new rules, that seek to lower populations, place nature as more important than mankind, create a world governance, and a new spirituality. Over 600 cities in the USA belong to ICLEI; 150 in California alone. Under the excuse of saving energy and other “green” policies, ICLEI is supportive of smart meters and seeks to lower energy emissions to the 1990 levels in accordance to the Kyota protocol, which the U.S. never signed on to. (pp. 142-143) (http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/environment/whatyoucando/greencommunities/ http://www.icleiusa.org/news/green-communities-program-with-iclei-and-pg-e-concludessuccessful-first-round) 28. The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) is also behind the Smart Gird. It is asking for a new economic order based on energy. It calls for “changing our world into a “Green Economy” and “decoupling” and “reconfiguring” our present businesses, infrastructure and institutions to more “sustainable” consumption: "A green economy implies the decoupling of resource use and environmental impacts from economic growth... These investments, both public and private, provide the mechanism for the reconfiguration of businesses, infrastructure and institutions, and for the adoption of sustainable consumption and production processes." “They do not mean merely reshuffling the existing order, but rather replacing it with a completely new economic system, one that has never before been seen or used in the history of the world.” Patrick Wood, www.AugustReview.com. 29. The Smart Grid Plan Came from a Book Called Technocracy, written back in 1932 by Howard Scott and M. King Hubbert, was calling for an economic revolution and a new international economic order based on energy accounting rather than price accounting. An energy-based accounting system uses "energy certificates," or Carbon Currency, instead of dollars or other fiat currencies. 30. Provisions of the Technocracy Study Course Match what The Smart Grid Provides Today - Namely, to exhaustively monitor, measure and control every kilowatt of energy delivered to consumers and businesses on a system-wide basis: The distribution of energy resources must be monitored and measured for the system to work. Register on a continuous 24 hour-per-day basis the total net conversion of energy. By means of the registration of energy converted and consumed, make possible a balanced load. 149   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

Provide a continuous inventory of all production and consumption . Provide a specific registration of the type, kind, etc., of all goods and services, where produced and where used. Provide specific registration of the consumption of each individual, plus a record and description of the individual." [Scott, Howard et al, Technocracy Study Source, p. 232] “In 1932, such technology did not exist… however, this technology does exist today, and it is being rapidly implemented to do exactly what Scott and Hubbert specified: It's called: Smart Grid.” (Patrick Wood, “Smart Grid: The Implementation of Technocracy,” www.augustreview.com) (pp. 114-123) 31. Smart Grid encompasses too much “Big Brother Monitoring and Control” over all generation, distribution and consumption of electrical power, with an inclusion for gas and water (starting 2012). These meters provide around-the-clock monitoring of a consumer's energy consumption using continuous 2-way communication between the utility and the consumer's property. Furthermore, meters will be able to communicate with electrical devices within the residence to gather consumption data and to control certain devices directly without consumer intervention. (p. 116) 32. Smart Meters Can Even Tell What Television Show or DVD you are Watching: (Sept. 19, 2011) German Researchers at the Munster University of Applied Science have discovered that it is possible to use electricity usage data coming from the smart meter to determine what program consumers are watching on a standard television set and even what films being watched on a DVD. The experiments were carried out as part of a state-funded DaPriM (Data Privacy Management) project. (www.h-online.com/security/news/it) 33. By 2012 RF Chips will be in all Appliances so the Smart Meter Can Speak to the Chips: If the smart meter thinks the appliance is being used at the peak time of day, it can turn it off. It can turn down the air conditioner in the summer time or the furnace in the winter time. 34. Smart Meter Neighborhood Mesh of Radiation Affects Everyone: Even if you do not have a smart meter, if your neighbors do, then you will be affected by the radiation neighborhood mesh and their data collection ability. The idea is to create a seamless flow of data between communication tiers that are called: Wide Area Network (WAN), which connects distribution devices and aggregates the Neighborhood Area Network (NAN), which connects meters and aggregates the Home Area Network (HAN), which connects in-home devices and Field Area Network (FAN) that connects mobile devises. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hdsupply-utilities-and-trilliant-announce-smart-grid-pilot-program-with-victoria-electriccooperative-125802178.html (pp. 116-121): 35. “Smart Grid meets 100 percent of the Technocracy's original requirements. In other words, it will monitor and control both delivery and consumption of energy and other green resources such as water and gas (coming 2012).” 36. The Federal Government can have full “Visibility of Individual Data” and “Set your Fair Share” (redistribution of wealth and social justice all tied into one): They will be in a position to set national, regional and local distribution and consumption policies, such as your ‘fair share’ of available energy, gas and water.” 37. A North American Energy Management and Distribution System will be created: International standards created for Smart Grid will also enable the U.S. Smart Grid to be connected seamlessly with Canada and Mexico, thus providing a comprehensive North American energy management and distribution system (part of the plan to create a North American Union similar to the European Union). 38. Smart Grid is Destined to be a Global Phenomenon. It is designed to support a new global Technocratic, resource-based economic system. Earth2tech.com reports that Smart Grid will generate $200 billion of global investment in the next few years. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has laid out a global roadmap to insure interoperability of Smart Grid systems between nations. 39. Global Companies Rushing to Gain a Share of the Global Smart Grid Market: IBM, Siemens, GE, Cisco, Panasonic, Kyocera, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, etc. China is spending $7.32 150   

 

Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 

billion for the Smart Grid in Asia. Countries with Smart Grid pilot projects already launched include Germany, France, England, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, South Africa and many others. Organizations such as SMARTGRIDS Africa have been set up to promote Smart Grid in smaller countries. 40. A New Economy Based on Carbon Currency is not that “Fat Fetched.” Prominent Publications and Speakers are already Speaking about it. Of course, all this could only take place if the continued fear tactics of “global warming” is promoted as true science: • 1995 – New Scientist, “Toward a Single Carbon Currency,” Judith Hannah: “My proposal is to set a global quota for fossil fuel combustion every year, and to share it equally between all the adults in the world.” • 2004 – Harvard International Review, “A New Currency,” “For those keen to slow global warming, the most effective actions are in the creation of strong national carbon currencies.” • 2006 – UK Environment Secretary David Miliband spoke to the Audit Commission and stated, “Imagine a county where carbon becomes a new currency. We carry bankcards that store both pounds and carbon points. When we buy electricity, gas, and fuel, we use our carbon points, as well as pounds. To help reduce carbon emissions, the Government would set limits on the amount of carbon that could be used.” • 2007 – New York Times, “When Carbon is Currency,” Hanna Fairfield, “To build a carbon market, its originators must create a currency of carbon credits that participants can trade.” • 2008 – PointCarbon, a global consultant, partnered with Bank of New York Mellon, published, “Towards a Common Carbon Currency: Exploring the prospects for integrated global carbon markets.” • 2009 – The UK Telegraph, “Everyone in Britain Could Be Given a Personal Carbon Allowance.”… People would be issued “a unique number which they could use when purchasing products that contribute to their carbon footprint, such as fuel, airline tickets, and electricity. Like with a bank account, a statement would be sent out each month to help people keep track of what they are using. It their carbon account hits zero, they would have to pay to get more credits.” • 2009 – Bloomberg “Carbon Capitalists,” “The banks are preparing to do with carbon what they’ve done before: design and market derivatives contracts that will help client companies hedge their price risk over the long term. They’re also ready to sell carbon-related financial products to outside investors.” • Carbon Credit Trading Already Exists: It was an invention of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and gained momentum in 2002 in the UK. It became international law in 2005 and is predicted to reach $3 trillion by 2020 or earlier. It is greatly promoted by Al Gore, who is on the board of directors or helped start eight different organizations that all benefit from carbon credit trading. Gore is like a stock broker. He gets a fee for every transaction of Carbon trading. (Could that explain why he is continually trying promote the myth of global warming by his highly erroneous film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” that has been or is being played in just about every school classroom across the globe?) (pp. 109-111) 41. Smart Meters/ Smart Grid are Part of the Agenda 21 Population Control Plan: As hard as this is to fathom, there is a population control agenda that is blatantly spoken of by the elite of the UN and others who support the UN policies. They believe the world is over populated and mankind himself produces too much CO2, so, therefore, if we are to curb greenhouse gas emissions, we must curb mankind -- decrease the population. Some want it decreased dramatically – by 85-95 %. (pp. 126-127) 42. Secret Military Testing of Wireless Technology: RF, EMF, microwaves, and laser were secretly tested on people so the military would know what their capabilities were to use them as weapons of war. The 18-page report, “Bioeffects of Selected Non-Lethal Weapons,” was released through a Freedom of Information Act request in 2006. The report states that the military knew many years ago that the above waves have “possible adverse effects on human health…targeted 151   

 

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individuals could be incapacitated very quickly”… with “varying degrees of voluntary control depending on the chosen degree of incapacitation.” (pp. 127-128) 43. The Smart Meter/ Smart Grid system will enable technocracy to succeed in its original goals - an attempt to impose a totalitarian, scientific dictatorship on the world. In 1933, it called for the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as dictator in order to "pave the way for economic revolution." Fortunately at the time, they failed in their attempted coup. In Conclusion, Patrick Wood writes: “If today's Smart Grid is successfully completed, it will enable the conversion of our existing economic system into something far different and far worse. This is why the American people repudiated Technocracy in 1933, and this is exactly why we (and citizens around the world) should thoroughly repudiate it today.

What Can we do to Fight Smart Meters and Smart Grid:
• • • Become aware – gain knowledge. Do your own research, so you are thoroughly aware of the rightness of your cause. Take a stand against the smart meters in your own area. If you don’t yet have a smart meter, put a sign on your old analog meter such as the one pictured here which is plastic and survives the rain, or write one yourself and cover it with plastic. Put a belt around your analog meter and bolt it with a lock to the side of your house as my husband and I have done. (The belt and lock can be ordered at www.refusesmartmeter.com.) Fence your property: We also have a fence around the part of the garage where the analog meter is with no gate to it and two dogs guarding it. Local Protests: Since the Smart Meters are being implemented on the local level, fight it locally. Go to your city council and board of supervisors and ask them to pass a moratorium against it. Cite the above mentioned laws, codes, and amendments that the utility company is violating if they install the meters without the customer’s permission and in most cases, even knowledge. Join with like minded groups: This is a non-partisan issue; join with anyone who believes in health and freedom. Or help organize a group to stand in front of your utility company with signs to gain their attention, or stand in front of where the trucks are parked that go out to “deploy” the meters. (They like to use the word deploy instead of install. Deploy is a military term.) Help Spread the word in your neighborhood: Pass out information to your neighbors to protect them as well and to protect all of you from the radiation mesh that will be created. Bring in speakers and have a town hall meeting and a panel discussion as was done in Santa Barbara April 28. Invite your city council members and other elected officials to participate or at least attend. Because of this panel and the public speaking out at several City Council meetings, Santa Barbara Council Members voted to pass a moratorium against the meters. http://www.independent.com/news/2011/apr/26/landmark-smart-meter-forum-santa-barbara-april28t/) Attend your state Public Utility Meetings and speak out and let your voices be heard. Write letters to the editor of your paper; write or call your state legislators; and even your congressmen. The more they hear from you the more they will know this is a serious problem. Speak out against ICLEI and the United Nations that are behind this plan seeking to transform our nation. Seek to get your city to no longer belong to ICLEI. Thirteen cities have succeeded in doing os. Run for Office yourself: Now that you know the truth about this serious issue, run for office; even if you are not elected, it gives you the opportunity to speak out at various places and for various groups to tell them the truth about these issues. Submit a Declaration of Intent (can be found at www.refusesmartmeter.com) and if there is no response file a lawsuit against your utility company: People did it in Portland, Maine, and won. It has set a precedent for other cities and states. (http://www.skeltontaintorabbott.net/news/85/77/Skelton-Taintor-Abbott-Wins-Land mark-SmartMeter-Case.html) My book suggests a class action or small claim’s court law suit. (pp. 96-100) 152   





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Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters  by Orlean Koehle 



Don’t give in and ask to be put on the delay list. Delaying your demise should not be an option. That is like saying I am asking to be put on the last to be harmed list. Ask to be put on the never, never list. Hire an electrician and have him remove your smart meter and restore your analog meter. So far people who have done this have gotten along fine. Their utility company is not sure what to do, so they are not doing anything. Maybe some fine or penalty will be coming, but people can then say, “The analog meter was my property to begin with. I paid for it when I bought my home. The utility company who took it away without permission is guilty of theft and should be fined for so doing.” Don’t give up. It may seem like a daunting task and a losing battle. But, there has been great progress made and if more and more Americans wake up and continue to fight this, we can have more victories. Whatever sacrifice and time it takes, freedom is worth it! Websites Against Smart Meter/Smart Grid: www.nosmartmeters.net; www.eon3.net. http://stopsmartmeters.wordpress.com/; www.refusesmartmeter.com; http://emfsafetynetwork.org; http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/10/consumer-uprising-against-california.html; www.electricalpollution.com/smartmeters.html; www.whyfry.org; www.AugustReview.com. http://www.activistpost.com/2011/08/smart-meters-no-federal-mandate.html; www.infowars.com

Conclusion:
It is hoped that after the reader has read this booklet that he/she will be motivated to take a strong stand against the “deployment” of the smart meters on his/her own property. It is not too late. If you already have a smart meter, don’t despair; join us in the battle anyway. With a small claim court law suit or class action law suit perhaps you can be victorious and the utility company will be forced to remove the meter and restore your old one. As you have seen from all the information in this book, there is a much grander design and plan than just our individual meters. It is a global smart grid plan of 24-hour a-day surveillance, control of your life and your use of energy, selling of data on how you use your energy, zapping us with radiation to put us in a weakened state and to use for population control. All this is to help usher in a socialist system of redistribution of wealth and energy, limited use of our own property and resources, establish regional unions, grids and controls, and then later oneworld economic and political control. Please join us in trying to stop that plan from being fully implemented!

Recommended Books, Pamphlets and Websites:
Anne Louise Gittleman, ZAPPED: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution, Harper Collins Publisher, 2010.
Orlean Koehle, By Stealth and Deception, USA Transformation and Its Parallel to the European Union, Xlibris Corporation, 2010. Rosa Koire, Behind the Green Mask: UN Agenda 21, The Post Sustainability Institute Press, 2011. 153   

 

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Henry Lamb, Sustainable Development or Sustainable Freedom, www.freedom21.org. Arthur B. Robinson, Editor, Access to Energy Newsletter, Oregon Institute for Science and Medicine, (http://www.oism.org/.) The Institute is responsible for the “Petition Project” that obtained the signatures of more than 31,000 American scientists opposed, on scientific grounds, to the hypothesis of "human-caused global warming" and to concomitant proposals for world-wide energy taxation and rationing. Michael Shaw, Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 www.freedomadvocates.org Brian Sussman, Climategate, A Veteran Meteroroligist Exposes the Global Warming Scam, WND Books, Washington D.C., 2010. Websites Against Smart Meter/Smart Grid: http://stopsmartmeters.wordpress.com/; www.refusesmartmeter.com www.nosmartmeters.org; http://emfsafetynetwork.org. www.eon3.net. http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/10/consumer-uprising-against-california.html. www.electricalpollution.com/smartmeters.html www.whyfry.org Websites about Agenda 21, Sustainable Development, Smart Growth, Smart Grid: Patrick Wood – www.August Review.com. Rosa Koire - www.DemocratsAgainstAgenda21.com; “We are engaged in educating ourselves, our peers, and our country about UN Agenda 21, ICLEI, Sustainable Development, Smart Growth, Form-Based Zoning, Green Energy Mandates, Carbon Offsets, Cap and Trade, Redevelopment and other programs that restrict our land rights and civil rights.” www.PostSustainablilityInstitute.org Michael Shaw - www.freedomadvocates.org. Henry Lamb - http://www.sovereignty.net/p/sd/agenda21rpt.htm; Tom Deweese – http://americanpolicy.org/. Kevin Eggers – www.exposeagenda21.com Niki Raapana.blogspot.com. “Living Outside the Dialectic” Michael Coffman - http://www.discerningtoday.org/dr__michael_coffman.htm. Heather Gass - www.theEastBayTeaParty.com; www.W4AR.com

Websites against Weather Modification: www.AgriculturalDefenseCoalition.org. and www.californiaskywatch.com

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About the Author Orlean Koehle State President, Eagle Forum of California
Orlean and her husband, Kurt Koehle, are the parents of five sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Koehle grew up on a farm in rural Idaho, attended Idaho Falls High School, and was selected to serve as Miss Idaho Falls. After her graduation from Brigham Young University, she later taught speech, drama, and journalism at a Junior High in Idaho Falls. She has been substitute teaching in Sonoma County for 16 years. Her husband is an administrator at Sonoma State University, and they live on acreage outside of Santa Rosa. Since 2002, Mrs. Koehle has been serving as the State President of Eagle Forum of California. Eagle Forum is the conservative, pro-family, pro-traditional values organization started by Phyllis Schlafly, back when she was fighting the Equal Rights Amendment. Orlean has also served as President of Concerned Citizens of Sonoma County, Parents Involved in Education, Vice President of Santa Rosa Republican Women Federated and Editor for their newsletter, and continues as President of Sonoma County Eagle Forum. She was recently reelected for her 4th term as a member of the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee. In 2006 she started an organization to protect rural property rights - Sonoma County Land Rights Coalition and served as its president. She was honored by the Pacific Justice Institute as the California State “2006 Faith and Community Award Recipient” for her many years in voluntary service in her community, county and state. Mrs. Koehle served as a counselor and speaker for more than twelve years for summer youth camps “Freedom Generation” in California and twice in Utah. Much of her information for her book By Stealth and Deception came from the great speakers and information that she received at the camps. She has been a guest speaker for various conservative groups throughout California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and for Eagle Forum conferences in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington D.C. She has been interviewed on television and talk radio programs. She is the author of several published books: Looking at Lincoln, A History and Guide to Lincoln, Nebraska; The Golden Rule School - Character Education; A Closer Look at the Real ID Act of 2005, and her latest book that was published in 2010 - By Stealth and Deception, USA Transformation and Its Parallel to the European Union. The book has been endorsed by National Eagle Forum President, Phyllis Schlafly; Dr. Jerome Corsi, author and writer for World Net Daily; and national radio host, Dr. Stan Monteith of Radio Liberty broadcasting from Santa Cruz, CA. More can be found at www.bystealthanddeception.com. She is now being asked often to speak about her book on smart meters, her latest research project, that can be found and read at www.nosmartmeters.net. She can be contacted at (707)539-8393, e-mail address [email protected].       155   

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