Health safety of smart meters debated at PUC meeting

Nancy Lavin Rhode Island Current

04/06/2023

Smart Energy Meter — RESIDENTS VOICED their concerns on the alleged adverse health and safety consequences of smart meters before the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission on April 4. Rhode Island Energy wants to spend $188 million over 11 years to replace 525,000 electric meters with devices that use two-way communication to monitor and transmit information about electricity usage in near-real time. / GETTY IMAGES PHOTO VIA THE RHODE ISLAND CURRENT

A “microwave-induced plague” is what one South Kingstown resident told utility regulators would happen if Rhode Island replaces its electric meters with those that use “smart” technology. Others warned of electrical fires, birds flying aimlessly after losing directional sense, brain fog and even cancer. It’s not the typical debate that unfolds before the R.I. Public…