The City Council Tuesday night unanimously approved an opt out program for residents who do not want to have an advanced wireless meter located at their homes to scan energy usage.
Some residents object to wireless meters, claiming they are fire hazards and can cause health problems. Residents who spoke during a public hearing Tuesday night said the meters are also a breach of privacy and a form of “espionage.”
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system is “another layer of electric smog,” said resident Doe Kelly.
Lynette McClain who spoke out for the new meters told the council the technology will help Longmont move toward 100% renewable energy. “The AMI system will improve meter accuracy and reduce data handling errors,” McClain said.
Council members passed the opt out program with no comment.
The city expects to begin rolling out the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system later this year which will replace at least 46,000 electric meters.
City staff members recommended switching to AMI meters which are read through a secure, utility wireless communications network that routes meter readings and other data between the customer’s meter and Longmont Power and Communications.
Staff members, in a report to the city council, state AMI is more efficient and environmentally friendly. The new meters will also make it easier to pinpoint power outages and give customers more information about their power usage during the month, the report states.
There will be a $125 opt out fee for those who want to keep their current electric meters and a monthly $15 fee for manual meter reading, a city staff report states.
