The Eureka Springs Independent was recently contacted by a reader who said she has electromagnetic frequency (EMF) sensitivity and was concerned about moving to the Ozarks and having electricity service from Carroll Electric Cooperative Corp. (CECC).
“Beyond cell towers, cell phones, wi-fi, etc., one of the major contributors to this radiation cesspool we now live in are the digital and wireless ‘smart meters’ by many names/brands being put on homes without residents’ knowledge, understanding and therefore, ‘informed consent’,” the reader wrote. “Because we have an ‘opt-out law’ here in Texas, I assumed it would be so there, but was willing to mount a fight for my property rights and civil rights if so needed because that’s what the law provides for.”
The writer said she had contacted CECC and was rebuffed in her request for an analog meter. However, Director of Corporate Communications Nancy Plagge said unlike many systems which claim “smart meter” qualities, CECC meters do not use radio frequencies (wireless) to communicate.
“All of our communication to and from the meter are transmitted on existing power lines by using a secure embedded digital signal,” Plagge said. “This allows for our systems to communicate with equipment during outages or for routine purposes. It’s a great and reliable system which helps the overall mission at the cooperative.”
CECC laboratory tests show the meters that are hardwired to the power line actually produce lower levels of EMFs than the mechanical meters used long ago.
“In interpreting these results, it is very important to understand virtually all household appliances (particularly things like computers or microwaves) produce EMFs,” Plagge said. “There are a lot of variables to an individual’s overall exposure to EMFs. EMFs strictly from utility meters are not detectable in testing from a distance of six feet.”
Plagge said that kind of begs the question of what the environment inside the home looks like and indicates individuals sensitive to EMF exposure should begin testing inside their homes.
“Just like performing energy efficiency audits, we are willing to help test inside and outside the home to the degree we are welcome to do so,” Plagge said. “The digital meters have been installed on all accounts. To glean the full benefits of this metering infrastructure, we are no longer installing analog meters.”
Sometimes testing can show unexpected levels of EMFs (also known as Electromagnetic Radiation or EMRs) from unlikely sources. As reported earlier, testing done at this reporter’s home showed very high levels of EMFs from four cordless phones. The consultant doing the testing said the cordless phones were like having a mini cell tower in the home.
Peter Main, a spokesman for Southwestern Electric Power Company, said SWEPCO does not have any smart meters on its system.