BC Hydro and Corix Threaten Customers

The Green Party of BC is calling on the BC Liberal government to instruct BC Hydro and by extension Corix Utilities to stop using threats and intimidation related to the Smart Meter program. Members of the public are contacting BC Greens about both BC Hydro and Corix. People who oppose the installation of Smart Meters on their homes and businesses report the Corix installers telling them that if they refuse a Smart Meter:
•    Their power will be cut off,
•    BC Hydro will take legal action against them,
•    They will be fined,
•    They should buy solar panels because they will be cut off the grid,
•    They will be charged a fee to have their meter read,
•    They will be charged a higher rate for power.

Some report feeling scared and being threatened by installers when they refuse to allow the Smart Meter to be installed. People also say they have been treated rudely when they phone BC Hydro.

“Some BC Hydro representatives seem to be quite belligerent when people phone Hydro about their opposition to the Smart Meter program,” says Jane Sterk, leader of the Green Party of BC. “I realize that front line workers must be bearing the brunt of the opposition to the Smart Meter program and may be feeling frustrated but treating people with disrespect is unacceptable.”

“BC Hydro needs to ensure that employees answering the phone and the contracted installers at Corix understand that above all, they owe a duty to treat all BC Hydro customers with respect, even those who disagree with the program.”

Everywhere Smart Meters have been installed there has been public opposition so the response in BC should have been anticipated. Other jurisdictions are starting to accommodate those who oppose the program.

This week, PG&E in California, which like BC Hydro refused to consider opt out or wired in options, quietly began reinstalling analog meters for customers who have experienced adverse health impacts when a wireless Smart Meter was installed. As well, several jurisdictions that have installed Smart Meters are now reporting the program is more expensive and less effective than promised and negatively impacts low income families.

BC Hydro needs to develop a policy that respects people’s right to feel safe in their own home. We have heard conflicting public statements from BC Hydro executives that range from a Smart Meter will be installed no matter what to one senior representative who said BC Hydro will not install a Smart Meter if people don’t want one.

“This is not an issue that is going away. People will continue to demand options as they have in all jurisdictions where Smart Meters have been imposed without consumer choice. Above all, BC Hydro is supposed to be a utility offering a service to its customers. Belligerence and rudeness are not acceptable under any condition. It is time for BC Hydro to require its representatives to meet appropriate standards of customer service,” concludes Sterk.