Osoyoos band says no to Smart Meters

OSOYOOS, BC — The Osoyoos Indian band is saying “no” to Smart Meters — banning them from more than 700 homes and businesses on the band’s South Okanagan reserve.

Chief Clarence Louie says the band council has signed an order “prohibiting” FortisBC from installing the meters on the reserve.

Chief Louie says the “safety” of the microwave radiation emitted by the smart meters has not been verified by scientists.

The meters constantly monitor electrical use and wirelessly transmit billing information.

FortisBC has not responded to the band’s decision — but a statement on the Fortis website says Smart Meters emit smaller electromagnetic fields than laptops and microwaves.