The Number One Surprise Story of #UBCM and #bcpoli – Smart Meter Moratorium
The week started with UBCM delegates overwhelmingly voting to use wireless handheld voting devices to cast their votes during resolution debates (for standing votes). The week ended with UBCM delegates voting in favour of a moratorium on smart meters until all their “major” problems could be addressed.
Perhaps a little ironic or hypocritical, depending on how pessimistic one is, because the “major” problems seem to centre around cost and exposure to wireless waves.
According to UBCM staff, the cost of each wireless voting device was approximately $50/per unit, which on a per unit basis costs more than the cost of each smart meter installed. The only difference being smart meters will be used all year, instead of one week a year by UBCM.
And this concern about wireless waves? Well according to BC Hydro, assuming one arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday and left on Friday, their exposure to wireless in hotels and the convention centre would be about 4,590 minutes. That means UBCM delegates have been exposed to more radio frequency than smart meters would transmit over 1,147 years – and that’s assuming you are standing next to your smart meter the entire time.
Further, the resolution was moved by the City of Colwood, which has Free WiFi available at its city hall!
Frankly, most observers didn’t think the resolution had a chance of passing, nor did it deserve much attention, but early on a small group of protesters pushed the issue into the limelight and with the passing of the resolution against, the story became our number one surprise story of the week.
The lesson to be learned is courtesy of Les Leyne of the Victoria Times Columnist: “The vote is a lesson in how a small group of passionately worried people can influence a larger group of politicians whose job is to try and accommodate all interests. Most people probably think smart meters are a good idea. But they're passive. The "No" side is a lot more active, and won the day.”
Tomorrow, a second opinion on UBCM and Thursday our Top 5 Receptions/Hospitality Suites of UBCM.
