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Opt-out policy sought for wireless meters

A citizens’ group would like Summerland to adopt an opt-out policy for wireless meters.

A citizens’ group would like Summerland to adopt an opt-out policy for wireless meters.

Loretta Krauter, a representative of Summerland Citizens for Safe Technology, said Summerland remains the only municipality in B.C. without an opt-out policy for wireless meters.

“B.C. Hydro, Fortis B.C., Penticton, and Nelson all have an opt-out policy for their wireless meters. It’s time Summerland did too,” she said.

The group was formed in 2007 over concerns about microwave cellular towers in Summerland neighbourhoods and the installation of wireless water and electrical meters.

Recently, they hosted a talk by Dr. Malcolm Paterson, a renowned molecular oncologist, who reviewed scientific evidence for mounting concerns over the increasing use of wireless devices, the microwave radiation emitted, and its potential impact on human health.

Krauter said the talk was well received by more than 80 people who expressed a desire to be able to opt out of wireless meters.

Summerland Citizens for Safe Technology hope to work with the municipality to find a way to allow Summerlanders to opt-out of the current wireless meter  program. Their proposal will not cost the municipality any money as those who choose to opt-out will bear full costs, Krauter said.