BATH

The City Council has defeated an ordinance that would have solidified  a moratorium on so-called “smart meters,” which allow Central Maine Power Co. to monitor power usage on an ongoing basis.

The 5-3 vote came during last Wednesday’s City Council meeting. It effectively terminates consecutive, 180-day moratoriums on mass installation of the CMP meters without the approval of customers.

“It’s dead,” said City Clerk Mary White. “It’s gone. There is no moratorium.”

Some people in the state have concerns regarding the effects smart meters can have on  medical devices, as well as the effect of radiofrequency and microwave radiation. Moreover, there are cyber safety concerns with respect to electronic devices within the home, resulting in potential invasion of privacy and the compromise of confidential and secure information.

Smart meters are even believed by some to pose a fire hazard.

But CMP likes them because they allow the company to monitor power use without using an employee.

CMP had contacted customers to determine whether they want the new meters or would rather pay to opt out of the program.

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