After a crowded public hearing, the Eugene Water and Electric Board voted to install smart meters only for customers who request it. A number of people spoke in opposition to the wireless meters citing health concerns. EWEB spokesman Joe Harwood says there is no risk.
Harwood: “I’m frankly speechless. I don’t know how to respond to people that think that radio waves are going to somehow cause a health effect. It’s patently ridiculous.”
The utility had proposed a full roll-out of smart meters and said it would have cost between $24 to $26-million dollars. EWEB expects to save money by reducing the number of meter readers over time. Customers who want a smart meter can contact EWEB. There is no cost.