Lt. Governor David Dewhurst met with members of his staff and four Texas Public Utility Directors after a recent request from Texans Against Smart Meters (TASM). The meeting was called to address issues related to grassroots activists’ concerns about health and privacy issues related to the deployment of smart meters across the state.
The meeting addressed concerns about a 2012 PUC commissioned report by Alan Rivaldo, disputed health issues, “punishment tariffs” being requested by utility companies, opt outs and to request an independent study of the effects of smart meters.
Groups like TASM oppose smart meters for a variety of reasons. These include an alleged lack of proper testing and certification of the meters, potential health risks from higher powered RF radiation emitted by the meters, potential fire and other safety related issues and potential privacy related issues. Utility companies claim the smart meters enable them to provide better and more competitive service to their customers.
Smart meters were authorized in Texas by an act of the 2005 legislative session and have been a point of contention by consumer groups like TASM ever since the enactment of the law.
A statement published by the TASM cites the following accomplishments from the meeting:
Educate the Lt. Governor and the four PUC Executive Directors regarding most recent medical data regarding the negative health effects of smart meters and how it contradicts the Rivaldo report using:
Two-minute segment of the live blood analysis research shown in “Take Back Your Power” Documentary.
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine’s October, 2013 Report which recommends a moratorium on Smart Meters.
Testimony from several people regarding strange incidents since installation of smart meters, either on their home or all around them. Some other cases were shared, such as an urgent case of a person with a wound that will not heal since moving into a home fitted with a smart meter. Report and pictures will be presented on the upcoming follow-up visit with the Lt. Governor.
Educate the Lt. Governor and PUC Executive Directors regarding the Opt Out Program that Austin Energy rolled out to one million users in November, 2013.
It was recommended the state Opt Out Program fees NOT be passed on to consumers.
TASM stated they were appreciative of the Lt. Governor for his openness, transparency and genuine concern for the health and well-being of the people of Texas. Breitbart News witnessed as he intently listened to the facts and challenges that day, and I saw a genuine concern about getting to the bottom of the health issues.
Governor Dewhurst stated, “I do not want to keep having to revisit this issue of possible health issues. I have already called an interim charge to address this in 2012. I don’t know if these meters are causing these symptoms, but we need to find out.”
Following the meeting, the Lt. Governor’s office released an additional interim charge for the Texas Senate. In a statement issued by the Lt. Governor’s office, Dewhurst called on the Business & Commerce Committee to “monitor the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure to ensure minimization of utility customer costs. He also instructed the committee to analyze developments and make recommendations regarding the health effects and privacy implications of the advanced metering infrastructure.”
Lt. Governor Dewhurst is currently seeking re-election to his fourth term in the 2014 Texas Republican Primary which will be held on March 4th. Early voting begins this week across Texas.
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