Wise up to ‘smart’ meters

EDITOR,
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. claims the “smart” meters that they plan to install in Scotts Valley in July are safe and accurate. However, reports of faulty meters and questions about health impacts continue to surface.
The World Health Organization says that electromagnetic radiation is a “possible carcinogen.” It’s one thing to be able to choose whether to take a risk by installing Wi-Fi or using cell phones voluntarily. It is quite another to force anyone who uses gas and electricity to endure this radiation with no right to opt out.
These meters will save the company millions by allowing it to lay off meter readers, most of whom will join the unemployment rolls even as PG&E’s profits soar. It’s no surprise that they would roll out these meters without thorough public outreach and adequate investigation into their safety. 
The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors just voted to implement a moratorium on the installation of smart meters in the city. It’s time Scotts Valley, and other cities that are at risk of becoming PG&E’s guinea pigs, do the same.
Joshua Hart, Scotts Valley