Recently in Michigan, DTE Energy has installed over two million Smart Meters, which are wireless boxes that can measure and report energy and electricity usage through radio frequency waves. The meters can be useful during power outages and harsh storms – the meters will alert officials of power losses and electricity will be restored faster.
However, Michigan residents are not happy with the new technology – residents feel they are being forced to use the meters and are concerned about privacy violations.
DTE Energy responded to comments and concerns of angry residents.
“All of our data is encrypted and we have very limited access to that data. We only transfer the data information,” Bob Sitkauskas from DTE Energy said.
Residents are also concerned with the radio frequency emitted from the meters and the health risks associated with these frequencies. “It’s actually less than WiFi or less than a cell phone in your ear. Definitely less than a microwave or even walkie-talkies. All of these meters have been tested and fully comply with any FCC limits or standard,” Sitkauskas added.
DTE Energy also noted that displeased customers will be allowed to opt-out of using the meters and that each meter has a disconnect switch inside.
