Are smart meters really dangerous to your health and security?
As more and more utility companies begin to implement “smart readers” instead of traditional analog meters, consumers have begun to question whether the supposed increased quality of service and reduced costs of smart meters are worth the possible health and security risks associated with them.
In my opinion, if you are comfortable using a cell phone, then the health risks associated with implementing smart meters are nothing new to you and you shouldn’t be concerned.
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From a security standpoint however, smart meters are somewhat intrusive and, as you will see below, can paint a perfect picture of almost all of your daily household activities.
An infographic (posted below) was recently published by HomeInsurance.org that intends to increase awareness of smart meters by delivering us both the positive and negative facts related to smart meters installed by security companies.
Benefits of Smart Meters:
- 70% of smart meter users have used information gained from the meters to lower their energy use.
- Able to resolve problems faster.
- Reduced operating costs.
- More reliable service available.
- More accurate billing.
- Money saved by not needing human meter readers.
Interesting Fact: In 2008, nearly 0 smart meters had been deployed. It is expected that, by 2015, over 60 million smart meters will be in use in the United States.
Health and Security Risks of Smart Meters:
- Smart meters can identify electrical devices in your home.
- Data can be intercepted to plan burglaries and thefts.
- Information can be used as evidence in court.
- Advertisers could potentially buy your data for market research.
- Smart readers can reveal all your household activities that involve electronics (television, computer usage, shower and kitchen usage, etc.)
- Some users have claimed that utility costs have actually increased.
- Smart readers emit radio waves similar to cell phones and many people consider such emissions a health risk.
