Del. Glass: “The Testimony that I Heard Only Confirmed that Smart Meters are Dangerous, Intrusive, and Have a Tendency to Break and Overheat”

From Del. Glen Glass:

Dear Editor:

Yesterday the Maryland Public Service Commission convened to hear testimony from BG&E, PEPCO, and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Inc. regarding recent news of Smart Meters overheating and causing fires in Pennsylvania. I attended this public hearing but was denied an opportunity to speak for several minutes along with another former Delegate and other concerned citizens.

The testimony that I heard only confirmed that Smart Meters are dangerous, intrusive, and have a tendency to break and overheat. I understand that the Chairman had an agenda for the meeting but they should have allotted time for current and former State Representatives and advocacy groups to way in on this very important subject.

Even though my Bill, HB 878, did not pass last session, I continue to advocate for a moratorium on the installation of Smart Meters until more research has proven them to be safe. The PSC is currently allowing a temporary deferral for Maryland residents and businesses from having a Smart Meter installed. However, the Commission still has not decided how long this deferral will last, if it will be permanent, or when a decision will even be made. At this moment, you can still keep your analog meter and there is no fee to have a smart meter removed and replaced with an analog meter. To Opt-Out/Defer, all that is required is to send a certified letter to BGE or Pepco indicating you do not wish to have a smart meter installed in your home.

Delegate Glen Glass

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Maryland State Delegate Glen Glass, member of the Ways and Means Committee and Gaming Subcommittee, made the following statement regarding the Maryland PSC Hearing on Tuesday, August 29, 2012 which he attended.

“I’m very disappointed that the PSC would not allow current and former State Lawmakers as well as other concerned citizens to speak for several minutes on a very important issue that has affected thousands of Marylanders. The testimony from BG&E and PEPCO confirms that Smart Meters are dangerous, intrusive, and have a tendency to break and overheat. I call for a moratorium to be placed on Smart Meter installation due to these facts as well as reports that fires have been a result of these devices. At the very least, Marylanders should be allowed a permanent Opt-Out or removal at no cost from having a Smart Meter installed.”