BC Hydro outlines smart meter refusal cost

BC Hydro has revealedhow much money it will charge customerswho are refusing smart metersand it wont be cheap.

• Smart meter holdouts have other options but at a cost

The Crown corporation sent out letters to customers this week, saying customers can choose to have the smart meters installed but have the radio transmitter shut off for a one-time fee of $100. But those customers will still have to pay $20 a month for manual readings.

BC Hydro says those who don't confirm a choice by December 1 will automatically be charged a $35 monthly fee and left with their old meter.

But Jim Smith, president of the Stop Smart Meters Society, refuses to pay up.

"I am not going to pay extortion fees. It's that simple," he said.

"They've clearly just pulled these numbers out of thin air. There is no business case for them. This is the same strategy utility companies all over the world are trying to get away with."

The plan must still be reviewed by the B.C. Utilities Commission.

BC Hydro is already facing a proposed class action lawsuit from those opposed to smart meters. Opponents cite health concerns related to wireless radio transmissions.

• BC Hydro hit with smart meter class-action lawsuit

However, BC Hydro points out 96 per cent of customersmore than 1.6 million have accepted the new devices and won't be getting the letter in the mail.

Government estimates indicate there are about 60,000 smart meter holdouts.

The B.C. government says the provincial health officer, Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that smart meters pose no known health risks.