Edmond Residents Start Petition Against Smart Meter System

Lisa Monahan, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- A group of concerned citizens from Edmond are asking Edmond Electric to avoid a Smart Meter System.

The Smart Meter System is the newest technology available for electric companies. The system is designed to track a customer's use of electricity without sending a utility worker to review each meter.

Edmond Electric believes the system could help with overall cost and energy efficiency. Not everyone supports the move.

Don Powers is an attorney in Edmond who believes the Smart Meter System is not a smart idea.

"Every time we go up a level in technology we have to give up some of our privacy," Powers said.

Powers and 100 residents have already signed the petition. Many are voicing their concerns like Powers.

The petitioners believe the Smart Meters are hazardous to a person's health. It can be easily hacked, and transmit personal information to the company.

Glenn Fisher, the utility director for Edmond Electric said some of the concerns are not warranted.

"The information we get from the Smart Meters is the exact same information we get right now," Fisher said.

Fisher said it is a more efficient way to collect the information and there is no guarantee Edmond will switch to this system.

A feasibility study is expected to be complete in late October. At that time, Edmond Electric will present the finding to the Edmond City Council and listen to concerns from residents.