MORE OVERSIGHT NEEDED ON SMART METERS

A Richmond couple has provided another reason for BC Hydro to proceed
with caution.

The provincial Crown corporation is replacing all analog meters in
B.C. with digital smart meters, aiming to have 1.8 million smart
meters installed in homes and businesses throughout the province by
2013.

Richmond is one of the first communities to have meters replaced, and
already there's been cause for some concern. The latest story
demonstrates more oversight is needed for the smart meter replacement
project.

In this most recent episode, a Richmond couple had their power cut
based solely on the discretion of a smart meter installer. Apparently,
the contractor suspected a marijuana grow-op was inside their East
Richmond home based on sings of tampering. Without notification, power
was cut.

No grow-op was found inside, but it took three weeks before
electricity from BC Hydro began flowing again. The installation of a
smart meter at their home also happened to coincide with a number of
electronics malfunctioning inside the house.

A few weeks earlier, a Richmond man's complaint to BC Hydro fell on
deaf ears after his refrigerator failed immediately following the
installation of a smart meter.

Although these incidents represent a tiny fraction of meters being
replaced, Richmond is one of the first communities in B.C. to get the
replacement meters. In other words, more episodes like these could be
on the horizon.

Various voices have raised concerns about the replacement project.
From contractors not being licensed electricians to smart meters
collecting personal data, these are concerns that need attention.

Consumers have little place to turn to if their smart meter
installation goes sour. They can complain to Corix--BC Hydro's
contractor--and BC Hydro itself. But consumers should have a convenient
third party to turn to--one with regulator powers.

If that's the B.C. Utilities Commission--which is the regulator of BC
Hydro--it needs to make itself, and its processes, known to average
British Columbians.

Perhaps a board could be established to deal with complaints as they
arise, thus offering some level of consumer confidence in this process.

Taxpayers deserve that much from a Crown corporation.