Smart Meter Fires Report – Sharon Noble interviewed by Walter McGinnis – (36min)
BC Hydro Response to BCUC Request for Comment on Ms. Noble’s Correspondence re Smart Meter Fires Report – October 20, 2017
A couple of weeks ago, I received comments on my fire report from BC Hydro and Len Garis:
My response back:
From: Sharon Noble
Sent:November 7, 2017
To: ‘Commission Secretary BCUC:EX’ <Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com>
Cc:bchydroregulatorygroup@bchydro.com
Subject: BC Hydro Response to BCUC Request for Comment on Ms. Noble’s Correspondence
Dear Mr. Wruck,
The comments provided by Mr. James and Mr. Garis are consistent with those made in response to my charges over the last 4 years. They evade and mislead. None of the critical issues that I raised in this comprehensive fire report are addressed:
1) The expert information given by independent professional engineers regarding design flaws is ignored.
2) One source and one source only is used by Mr. Garis, and that source is incomplete and erroneous in many regards.
3) Mr. Garis failed to corroborate the information in the only source he used, failing to review the raw data which was readily available to him.
4) Regulations and laws are being violated:
i) Meters are being removed from homes prior to the inspection. BC Hydro states otherwise and ignores the evidence provided by BCSA, the media and by witnesses.
ii) Fire reports are not being completed in all situations where property is damaged.
iii) Many electrical fires are not being inspected by the BC Safety Authority or the inspectors at the 9 jurisdictions.
iv) Insurance reports are not available to victims or the general public.
5) Loopholes in regulations exist which allow dangerous devices and practices to put lives and property at risk.
6) There is no tracking of fires, no coordination among/between agencies, and no central authority with responsibility for oversight.
7) The public is being given false, incorrect information.
According to evidence that I obtained directly and provided in my fire report, Mr. James has been misled with regard to procedures that BC Hydro follows. It is imperative that he read the complete report, review the evidence, and consider that BC Hydro has allowed him to provide erroneous and irrelevant comments.
Mr. Wruck, I am still waiting for a response from the BCUC regarding the charges I made regarding the Commission’s failure to protect the customers of BC Hydro, which is required under the BC Utilities Commission Act. I look forward to receiving it at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
Sharon Noble
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(click on photos to enlarge)
The comments from BC Hydro and Len Garis are the only ones I’ve received to date. Nothing at all from Premier Horgan, Energy Minister Mungall, Transportation Minister Trevena, or any of the MLAs to whom I sent the report. It truly seems that no one wants to acknowledge that there is a problem. I realize that everyone is busy but I don’t think that is the reason no one is responding. I think they fear they will have to do something that they do not want to do. They must be in support of this expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary program now that they have the power to do something — even if the smeters might burn a few homes down and put lives at risk.
I hope you will ask them. You might ask why the ITRON meters can’t be recalled and replaced with the wired meters like Idaho has, if they won’t support getting safe, dependable, long-lived analogs which would mean putting meter readers back to work.
________________________________________________________________________
Fire Report – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/ – for the complete report, spreadsheet, documentation, and addenda.
Press Release – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/press-release-bcuc-smart-meter-fires-september-21-2017/
Additional important information & links re smart meter fires:
Reports Connecting Microwave Radiation to Alzheimer’s & Genetic Damage. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – November 15, 2017
(audio 23:25) Reports Connecting Microwave Radiation to Alzheimer’s & Genetic Damage. Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – Nov. 15, 2017 by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – November 15, 2017:
(BC NDP Continues to Ignore Smart Meter Fires Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
&
(podcast 23:02) – http://www.howestreet.com/2017/11/15/reports-connecting-microwave-radiation-to-alzheimers-and-genetic-damage/
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See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)
The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
GLOBAL EXPANSION OF THE WIRELESS: The 5G Dive into the great unknown
Dr Dariusz Leszczynski gives a great presentation of what 5G communications is and why we should be afraid.
Could BC Gov be Sued for Ignoring Smart Meter Fire Report? Sharon Noble – October 17, 2017 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard
(audio 21:55) Could BC Gov be Sued for Ignoring Smart Meter Fire Report? Sharon Noble – October 17, 2017 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – October 17, 2017:
(North Korea very capable of destroying our power grid
Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
&
(podcast 21:34) – http://www.howestreet.com/2017/10/17/could-bc-gov-be-sued-smart-meter-fire-report/
See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)
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The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
Smart Meter Fire Safety Report Ignored by BC Government & Media. Sharon Noble – October 6, 2017 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard
(audio 29:42) Smart Meter Fire Safety Report Ignored by BC Government & Media. Sharon Noble – October 6, 2017 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – YouTube – October 06, 2017:
(Why doesn’t your MLA care about the threat smart meters pose to your life? Sharon Noble is Director of The Coalition to Stop Smart Meters BC Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)
&
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The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews with Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
UBCM Votes Yes to Having a Say in Microcell Placement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALT SPRING, September 28 – At the UBCM this morning, the province’s local governments voted to support a resolution on giving them a say when microcells are placed within 100 meters of homes, schools and hospitals in their communities.
Enjoy this 1-minute animation on the Resolution:
Why This Resolution Matters
Despite a substantial body of evidence showing wireless technology is harmful to humans and the environment, Innovation Canada allows microcells to be placed on lampposts and utility poles by our homes without our consent or often knowledge.
Aesthetics, property value, liability, industry control-for-profit over the public right of way, cyber-security, public safety, health, and well-being – there are many reasons why local governments are concerned about microcells.
The Resolution That Was Passed:
MOTION of Grand Forks City Council:
WHEREAS public consultation on the placement of cell towers is mandated; and
WHEREAS new technology is moving away from these large towers to microtransmitters which do not require local government or public consultation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AKBLG request the UBCM petition relevant provincial and federal governments to mandate consultation with the land use authorities and the public regarding microcell transmitter siting within 100 meters of residences, schools and hospitals.
What’s a Microcell?
Microcells are small cellular transmitters that broadcast wireless radiation 24 -7. Anywhere from 3 to 10 of them are being placed on one residential street. Wireless radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well reproductive and neurological problems – like disturbed sleep. It is conservatively defined as a 2b carcinogen, which means it is in the same category as DDT.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Industry is coming up with some sneaky ways of designing – or is that hiding – small cell transmitters. But that doesn’t mean their effects will not be felt.
The wireless industry would like us to believe the jury’s still out on whether wireless radiation has harmful health impacts. However, thousands of peer-reviewed studies show evidence of harm. Over 180 scientists and physicians just sent out a plea for a halt to the rollout of 5G transmitters in Europe. To protect their health, California firefighters won an exemption from having small cells placed on their fire halls. The question is, don’t the rest of us deserve this same protection?
Safe Connectivity is an Option
Connectivity does not have to be primarily EMF-based and does not have to continue to escalate the amount of this scientifically deemed hazardous substance to which we are all exposed.
Direct fiber optic connections, G-Fast technology which connects fiber optic cables to existing copper wires, strategically placed low-EMF emitting public transmitters like those piloted in Paris, France – why are telecoms choosing to put the well-being of all of us, including wildlife and plants at risk, when safe options are available?
Relevant EMF-Related Resources
A short fact sheet on microcells:
An article on small cells & local authority:
An environmental perspective:
A great overview of wireless technology and health:
UBCM: Local Control over Pot but not Radiation?
UBCM: Local Control over Pot but not Radiation?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Oona McOuat
250-537-2088
Give me a Minute & I’ll Give you News
SALT SPRING, September 25 – The big story out of the UBCM so far this week is the BC government’s announcement that they are seeking public and municipal input on the legalization of marijuana. But there is another burning issue on the conference agenda that deserves your attention – Resolution B100 on the lack of public and local government input on the placement of microcells within 100 meters of homes, schools, and hospitals.
Please take a minute to watch this easy to digest animated short on the vote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzUBK2AFyLI&feature=youtu.be
Follow the lead of California’s major media who recently made a similar statewide vote on small cell placement on their streets a major news story (http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/31/california-bill-to-ease-permits-for-cellular-antennas-could-impact-health/).
Grand Forks councillor Beverley Tripp will be giving a presentation on Resolution B100 and microcells at 9:30am on Tuesday at the UBCM’s Small Talk Forum.
Recognize that connectivity does not have to be primarily EMF-based and does not have to continue to escalate the amount of this scientifically deemed hazardous substance to which we are all exposed. (To see why over 180 European scientists and physicians have just announced they are opposed to mass microcell placement in preparation for 5G deployment click here (https://tinyurl.com/ycx5ngnx)
Direct fiber optic connections, G-Fast technology which connects fiber optic cables to existing copper wires, strategically placed low-EMF emitting public transmitters like those piloted in Paris, France (http://www.lexnet.fr/fileadmin/user/communication/LEXNET-Press_Release_1.pdf) – why are we permitting telecoms to choose to put the well being of all of us, including wildlife and plants at risk, when safe options are available?
For more facts click here: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Microcell-Flyer-for-UBCM-revised.pdf
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Getting Buzzed in the Bedroom?
Municipalities Vote on Small Cells & the Right to Choose
SALT SPRING, September 16 – At the September 25-29 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, local governments will be voting on a resolution aimed at giving them a say in microcell placement in their communities.
Despite a substantial body of evidence (https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Over-60-Studies-from-2015-Apr.2016-Reporting-Bioeffects-below-Safety-Code-6-by-C4ST-Apr.18-2016.pdf) showing wireless technology is harmful to humans and the environment, Innovation Canada is allowing microcells to be placed on neighbourhood lampposts and utility poles, and yes – even by our bedrooms – without our consent or often knowledge.
Aesthetics, property value, industry control-for-profit over the public right of way, cyber-security, safety, health, and well-being – there are many reasons for local governments and all of us to be concerned about microcells.
The Resolution:
MOTION of Grand Forks City Council:
WHEREAS public consultation on the placement of cell towers is mandated; and
WHEREAS new technology is moving away from these large towers to microtransmitters which do not require local government or public consultation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AKBLG request the UBCM petition relevant provincial and federal governments to mandate consultation with the land use authorities and the public regarding microcell transmitter siting within 100 meters of residences, schools and hospitals.
What’s all the Fuss About? (And what’s a microcell?)
Microcells are small cellular transmitters that broadcast wireless radiation 24 -7. Anywhere from 3 to 10 of them are being placed on one residential street. Wireless radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well reproductive and neurological problems – like disturbed sleep. It is conservatively defined as a 2b carcinogen, which means it is in the same category as DDT.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Industry is coming up with some sneaky ways of designing (http://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/american-tower-philips-lighting-team-up-to-hide-small-cells-inside-street-lights) – or is that hiding – small cell transmitters. But that doesn’t mean their effects will not be felt.
The wireless industry would like us to believe the jury’s still out on whether wireless radiation has harmful health impacts. But thousands of peer-reviewed studies show evidence of harm. Over 180 scientists and physicians just sent out a plea for a halt to the rollout of 5G transmitters in Europe (http://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/9390/2017-09-13/scientists-35-countries-rap-proposed-calif-5g-radiation-rollout.html). To protect their health, California firefighters won an exemption from having small cells placed on their fire halls. It seems then, that the “smart” choice would be to adopt the precautionary principal for all, and not allow microcells to become permanent fixtures in our communities and our lives.
What’s the Game Plan?
The end game is no landlines and “smart” everything for all of us, and big bucks through data mining for the telecoms. Don’t be fooled into thinking these technologies are green. The “Cloud” is a huge energy guzzler, while tech production and waste is anything but eco-friendly.
There are safe ways of sharing high-speed data, like using wired fiber optic connections. New paradigms in non-harm inducing connectivity are waiting to be discovered, but industry must be urged by consumers and regulators to develop and promote them.
In the News
While concerns about the effects of wireless technologies and the need for more protective EMF exposure guidelines have made recent headlines in Brussels (http://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/9390/2017-09-13/scientists-35-countries-rap-proposed-calif-5g-radiation-rollout.html), Massachusetts (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/SD1462.Html), Paris, France (https://www.goodplanet.info/actualite/2017/03/02/paris-va-reduire-de-30-lexposition-aux-ondes-electromagnetiques/), Romania (https://ehtrust.org/recommendations-consumers-protection-association-romania-cell-phones-wireless/) and more, government and media here at home remain eerily silent on what may very well be the most pressing health issue of our time.
This summer, 300 California cities have voiced strong opposition to a California microcell placement bill, SB 649. This bill would essentially create the same situation there that we have here – telecoms being given free rein to use the public right of way for profit, disturbing the sanctity of our streets, and maybe even preventing us from getting that proverbial good night’s sleep.
Relevant EMF-Related Resources
A short fact sheet on microcells:
https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Microcell-Flyer-for-UBCM-revised.pdf
A fun, animated short on small cells:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/NMRaNaDjA8/fi-d58fa059-680d-42ab-afac-8c77118e62b9/fv-5cb41ae6-c3b2-4713-8509-391557bcd2cd/No%20On%20649!.mov
An article on small cells & local authority:
https://www.wired.com/2017/03/handcuffing-cities-to-help-telecom-giants/
An environmental perspective:
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2988266/wireless_pollution_out_of_control_as_corporate_race_for_5g_gears_up.html
A great overview of wireless technology and health:
http://manhattanneighbors.org/wireless-elephant/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Oona McOuat
Press Release – BCUC & Smart Meter Fires – September 21, 2017
PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release September 21, 2017
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FIRE
BCUC fails to protect smart meter customers
The BC Utilities Commission Act says the prime reason the BC Utilities Commission exists is to ensure BC citizens receive safe and secure service. Section 25 of the Act reads:
| If the commission, after a hearing held on its own motion or on complaint, finds that the service of a public utility is unreasonable, unsafe, inadequate or unreasonably discriminatory, the commission must (a) determine what is reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service, and (b) order the utility to provide it.http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96473_01 |
Sharon Noble, Director of Coalition To Stop Smart Meters, last week released a report based on three years of research into smart meter fires and failures. Noble charges that BCUC has failed to do its job. Even after BCUC received a formal complaint with evidence that public safety is being jeopardized, the Commission did nothing. BCUC neglected to order BC Hydro and FortisBC to provide “reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service”. The report asserts:
1) No agency is tracking fires;
2) Regulations and laws are being broken with impunity, e.g. meters are being removed from the fire scene, electrical inspections are not being done;
3) Reporting is haphazard at best;
4) The meter is combustible, poorly designed, with critical components uncertified by any agency to be safe;
5) BC Hydro did not perform its due diligence by having an independent electrical engineer inspect the meter for safety prior to signing the contract. Rather it accepted ITRON’s assurances;
6) Smart meters have burned, melted and caused homes to burn. BC Hydro and BCUC both deny this is happening.
Consumer Affairs recalls defective devices, such as cars and electrical appliances (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety.html). Consumer Affairs has no jurisdiction to recall defective smart meters because the meters are owned by the utility company, not by any of the consumers who are required to use them. Noble observes, “Who is watching out for us, ensuring that these devices mandated by law and installed on our homes without our permission are safe? No one.”
– 30 –
Contact information for media only:
Sharon Noble
dsnoble@shaw.ca
Next page: Image Files, Background Files
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All the pdf files are large, therefore accessing the links will not be a quick download. Your patience is appreciated.
1. The Report (2 pdfs)
The Report http://tinyurl.com/SMFireReport
Appendix W http://tinyurl.com/AppendixWSpreadsheet
2. Research documentation (2 pdfs*)
Includes reports received from the Fire Commissioner, the Attorney General’s Office (JAG), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (TRA), BC Safety Authority, BC Hydro, and victims.
The reports in these Volumes are in the same sequence as the summaries provided on the spreadsheet in Appendix W.
Volume I http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-I
Volume II http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-II
* The amount of documentation is extensive, therefore it is presented in two volumes:
Volume I holds reports for fires that occurred in municipality names beginning with A to M;
Volume II holds reports for municipality names beginning with N to W.
________________________________________________________________________
REPORT CONTENT
Credit: Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
COVER OF THE REPORT
Credit: Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
________________________________________________________________________
Fire Report – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/ – for the complete report, spreadsheet, documentation, and addenda
BC Hydro Answers & Sharon Noble’s Response Back:
BC Hydro Comments & Sharon Noble’s Response Back – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bc-hydro-response-to-bcuc-request-for-comment-on-ms-nobles-correspondence-re-smart-meter-fires-report-october-20-2017/
Additional important information & links re smart meter fires:
Mercola – The Health Effects of Microwave Radiation
Dr. Mercola in less than 4 minutes gives us a summary of the damage to our health from Microwave radiation (you know: cell towers, WiFi Routers, Baby Monitors and more)
