The modernizing of the energy grid in British Columbia through the installation of wireless smart meters is continuing despite some opposition around the province. BC Hydro told the Undercurrent this week that 585,000 out of 1.8 million installations have already been achieved.
There are approximately 2,170 locations on Bowen where the digital meters are to be installed and on the North Shore overall about 78,000, BC Hydro said. Cindy Vershoor, manager of public affairs at BC Hydro, said that they'll be getting to the North Shore and Bowen sometime in the "late winter or early spring" and the region may take up to four months to complete. The installation process takes about 10 minutes.
Vershoor is aware there are islanders with grave concerns and says customers who ask can go on a hold list and BC Hydro will open up a dialogue with them. She said that over 99 per cent of B.C. Hydro customers are accepting the smart meters.
Vershoor added that about 1,000 customers on the hold list had the smart meter installed after gaining more information and that people are becoming "more comfortable" with the meters. She did not say how many remain on the hold list. Customers have the option of moving their meter box further from their home but will have to do so at their own cost.
BC Hydro will be running ads for three months before smart meter installation and will meet with Islands Trust and first responders in smart meter information sessions.
Anyone with concerns, Vershoor, said, can contact BC Hydro by emailing [email protected].
