Smart Meters May Not Be So Smart

Not Everyone Wants a Smart Meter

As the Baltimore Gas and Electric gears up to install smart meters into the homes of its customers throughout Baltimore some citizens, including Frank Storch, are questioning the wisdom of such a move.

“While it is beneficial for BGE’s bottom line, it is not for us or our families,” said Pikesville-area resident Frank Storch. “We pay the price by exposing ourselves to a serious health risk and by compromising our safety and privacy.”

In addition, the Maryland Public Service Commission is debating whether utility companies have the right to charge its customers even if they decide not to have a smart meter installed.

Frank Storch Alerting Public to Think Before Installing Smart Meters

Home owners can defer installation of the smart meter if they desire

In a recently published brochure from Frank Storch, he suggests that citizens defer the installation of smart meters until they become more informed about the issues.

Beginning in the fall BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) will begin replacing analog electric meters with what are called ‘smart meters.’ Many people, including Frank Storch, are requesting no-cost deferrals of the installation so that they can learn more about any dangers or inconveniences associated with the smart meters. They will then have the knowledge to make an informed choice about whether or not they want the installation performed by BGE.

The brochure suggests that Baltimore residents contact Mr. Jonathan Libber, president of Maryland Smart Meter Awareness (MSMA.)

Frank Storch and Smart Meters in Baltimore

Smart Meter may not be so smart

Frank Storch recently published a brochure to help residents in Baltimore County make an informed decision about whether to allow Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) to install smart meters into people’s homes.

Storch emphasizes that BGE is offering citizens the ability to request a deferral of the planned installation until a time when each family has done the necessary research to determine if they ultimately will accept a smart meter installed in their homes.

The brochure includes a message from Frank Storch, which reads, in part:

September 2013
Dear Fellow Community Members,
We are reaching out to you concerning a vital issue which could strongly impact all of our lives. As you may know, BGE is planning to install Smart Meters into all of our homes, businesses and schools. This could create serious health, safety, privacy and halachic issues. It is imperative for the community to join together to prevent this impending danger until more conclusive research has been completed.

The message continues by calling for a united campaign to say no to the installation of the Smart Meter devices, and warns that without any reaction from the public the meters will be installed automatically.