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Smart meters a cash grab

Smart meters will increase the suffering of children and seniors on fixed incomes, one reader says.

To the Editor,

Upon learning that BC Hydro will be coming soon to Port Alberni to install smart meters, I have installed a “smart cage” over my analog meter to send a strong message to BC Hydro and the BC Liberal government.

These smart meters and the billion dollars of taxpayer money to install these devices are symbolic of just how far the energy company and our provincial government will go to fleece the public. Everyone’s utility bill will skyrocket once these contraptions are mounted.

Recently, Alberni Valley News published a story about a VIHA report which describes the poverty conditions of children in Port Alberni. Our Local Health Area (LHA) has some of the worst child poverty in British Columbia (which happens to be the worst province in Canada for child poverty).

Next winter will take its toll on low-income families unable to pay their hydro bill.

Right now in England, fuel poverty is predicted to increase to 43 per cent in the next couple of years. In other words, almost half of the people in England will have no heat during the winter.

I could think of a billion ways that a billion dollars could be better spent in this province. Our public schools, hospitals, ferry system and BC Hydro have deteriorated under the management of Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark.

Smart meters are a cash grab by BC Hydro and the B.C. government. Smart meters will increase the suffering of children and seniors on fixed income in this city. I can’t believe how most of our city councillors wouldn’t call for a moratorium.

Ellen Chambers,

Port Alberni