To the editor:
For the past month Fortis BC Electric has been threatening to cut off my power as of August 12, 2015. Since December, 2014, I chose to opt out, for legitimate reasons, to not have a smart meter installed on my house. I wanted to retain the analog meter. Analog meters last for many, many years.
Power (electricity) into our homes and businesses is an essential service and truly should be a publicly-owned utility.
However, after appearing in person on August 4th with my letters stating my case with Fortis to MLA Steve Thomson's and Premier Christy Clarks offices to no avail, I appeared in person with all my info at the Fortis office on Springfield Road, August 10, 2015.
A meeting was arranged, so August 11, 2015 I met face to face with Mr. Mason. Mr. Warren was in Africa (so I was told). These two employees were the writers of the letters addressed to me, dated July 10th and July 28th.
August 12, 2015: Yes, either I had to go off grid (therefore a noisy generator) or to have a smart meter. That was the choice.
After much discussion at my house with Fortis employees, needless to say I have a 'radio off' meter. I truly felt like Erin Brockovich (a renowned consumer advocate who is trying to right the wrongs every day) standing up for my rights and freedom of choice. That is how I introduced myself. And at the same time wondering if our society has become a colony of Russia?
I very much resent the extra one-time charge of $88 then the $18 for each read of the meter in the future. I have told the Fortis employees why.
My father served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War 2 and we all should know what that was all about.
Carol Stein, Kelowna