CAUTION to new residents

[Heartnsoul]

most residents of the Villages are not aware of something going on particularly in new sections. Seco (our electric co) is installing what they call smart meters on your homes.

There is some controversary over whether they are safe or not. Especially if you have any type of health issues (which quite a few seniors do) concerning the radiation they are giving off etc..

One site that might be helpful is SmartMeterDangers.org-Home (http://www.smartmeterdangers.org)
of course there are many more. This is not to scare you but to educate you if you have no knowledge of what Seco is doing. Not only are they installing them on new construction but they are now putting them on resales.

Please be aware. Do your own research and make an informed decision. You may have an option to "opt out" of this device. Hope you find this info helpful.

[graciegirl]

Here is something I just read that may be helpful.

How Dangerous Are Smart Meters? | Spark Energy Blog (http://www.sparkenergy.com/blog/2011/december/are-smart-meters-safe)

[Heartnsoul]

we are in process of looking for property to build our dream home now in the new area!! However if we cannot OPT out of the smart meter that will be a deal breaker for us. We are both "health advocates" and do not want to expose our selves to anymore radiation than is necessary. Not enough studies have been done on the smart meter and we feel that it is "our home" and if we choose NOT to have the meter that should be our decision and ours alone what we want and don't want on our home. Wonder if anyone else inquired into NOT having it installed??

[ilovetv]

A worthwhile read is linked below. The Public Utilities Commission of Florida probably has to approve publications for consumers, like this:

http://www.secoenergy.com/pdfs/EnergyDocs/smart_meter_facts.pdf

As always, everyone should read from many sources, not just one.

[Heartnsoul]

yes each consumer should do their own research. I agree and this website is SECO's??

[graciegirl]

Heartnsoul,

From what I have read due to your headsup post, it appears that this technology is being used on new homes all over the country and for replacement of old meters.

I can't find any valid information on real health danger but if you are worried about it, you may need to look at resales here if this is where you want to live.

Or Call SECO and ask THEM If you can opt out of a smart meter on your new home. There are several numbers on this web site.


SECO Energy - one of the Nation's largest electric distribution cooperatives located in Central Florida (http://www.secoenergy.com/)

[Nipper]

Here is an article that was in the Orlando Sentinel regarding The Villages Smart meters.

Villages residents fear 'smart' meters invade privacy (http://discussions.orlandosentinel.com/20/orlnews/os-smart-meters-privcy-protest-20130125/10)

[memason]

Here is an article that was in the Orlando Sentinel regarding The Villages Smart meters.

Villages residents fear 'smart' meters invade privacy (http://discussions.orlandosentinel.com/20/orlnews/os-smart-meters-privcy-protest-20130125/10)

Oh boy....the comments on that link are not very complementary to Villagers...

YIKES!

[Richard1366]

What invasion of privacy, it's just a method of quickly reading your electric meter from a car without having to walk over to the meter. You get more radiation being out in the sun for 5 minutes than you would get from this device.

[ilovetv]

From Florida Public Service Commission:

http://www.floridapsc.com/utilities/electricgas/smartmeter/09_20_2012/IOU.pdf#search=smart%20meters

[KayakerNC]

If you are worried you should probably disconnect both your wifi router AND the wireless function of ALL your laptop/tablets in order for the microwave emission to stop. Then toss out your cordless phones, cellphones and microwave ovens.
:crap2:
Vt. report finds no smart meter danger - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/vt-report-finds-no-smart-162408710.html)

[NotGolfer]

I keep reading on links here how Orlando's news doesn't give positive comments out about The Villages. We were just talking here about that and wondered why exactly that is. When one thinks about it...Villagers and their guests spend ALOT of money into their economy through flying into their airport, going to their attractions and even shopping in their stores, malls etc.
That is a bit off topic, I know.

I for one don't see a problem with the smart meters after reading some info on them. I don't see SECO or any other entity installing something that would be bad for the environment (also think of their workers) when there really are so many other issues we could be concerned about. Think formeldehyde (sp) in your furniture and building products...that has been a factor for years and years now. Much of our furniture has been outsourced to other countries...but that's a whole other topic I'm sure.

[Heartnsoul]

yes i am aware of formeldehyde in cabinets, carpets, etc... and also dont' use a cell except for emergencies since I try to remain as informed as possible on any health issues. Also watch the pesticides in foods, watch where they are being imported from , etc but that's another topic all together. I try to stay on top of it all but it can be overwhelming at times We can only do the best we can Just put info out there for those who may have similar concerns as myself