NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen voted 4-1 Monday night to send a letter to Maine’s Public Utilities Commission expressing concerns by some residents about Central Maine Power Co. installing “smart meters” without permission from homeowners.
CMP’s smart meters are wireless and use a radio frequency band to communicate information.
State Rep. Ellie Espling, R-New Gloucester, told the board that residents have voiced concerns that wireless capabilities can cause health issues and they want more say in the matter.
Selectman Joshua McHenry said his research failed to disclose anything harmful. Smart meters, he said, must meet federal guidelines.
“People feel they have sensitivity,” Rep. Espling said.
Selectmen agreed to send the letter PUC Chairman Jack Cashman.
“I put a sign on my meter not to install a smart meter,” board Chairman Steve Libby said.
“Lois Snowe-Mello and Ellie Espling can put in an emergency legislation after we see how this is going,” Libby said. He was Espling’s campaign manager last fall.
“I am strongly opposed to sending a letter,” Selectman Josh McHenry said. “Referencing to a health issue is misleading. I found no evidence of health issues. The meter is active less than a minute per day. The process had a public hearing in Augusta. I think it’s a state issue. It doesn’t make sense for the town to weigh in on this,” he said.
“CMP has changed how they provide service for individual homes in our town,” Libby said.
The letter states, “Many citizens in New Gloucester have expressed their concern about privacy, health issues, security and cost. Bypassing the consumers’ freedom of choice has diminished the rights of all citizens.”
In other business, the board approved a draft energy efficiency plan for the town.
Efficiency Maine awarded the town $36,225, which will be matched with a local share of $4,350 and $1,600 in residual planning grant funds, Town Planner Paul First said.
The plan details an estimated $8,959 in annual savings resulting from a full implementation of the plan at an estimated cost of $42,175.
The local share will be requested at the annual town meeting in May.
The plan calls for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with municipal buildings, municipal vehicles and municipal streetlights.
The grant will help provide opportunities to support energy alternatives, including wind and solar power, and provide public education.
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