To communicate the information necessary to join the Class Action Lawsuit against BC Hydro, the following handout is now ready for public distribution. Feel free to run it off and distribute as needed.

BC Hydro has taken the draconian step of cutting off power to a customer who refused to accept a wireless smart meter.

Last May, a Hydro customer had a wireless smart meter installed on her home despite her refusal. This person suffers from electro-sensitivity and, as a consequence of the radiofrequency radiation emitted by the wireless smart meter, her health began to deteriorate.

Despite pleading for months with Hydro to remove the wireless meter and to re-install the analog meter; they refused. Finally, with her health in jeopardy, she ordered a non- radiating analog meter from a company in the US that provides calibrated, tested meters to utility companies. With the supervision of a certified electrician the analog was installed, and the wireless smart meter was returned to Hydro.

When Hydro advised that the analog was not approved by Canadian agencies, the customer located a Canadian analog meter that met all the requirements and then asked Hydro to install it. Hydro refused, ignored her health condition and insisted that she must accept a wireless smart meter or they would cut her power.

On April 17, 2013, Hydro followed through with its threats and cut off its supply of power to her home.

Hydro's conduct constitutes a violation of our autonomy and our right to determine what potentially harmful emissions do or do not occur from within our own domestic environment; our right to be free from physical intrusion by the state.

Due to Hydro's actions over the last 2 years, culminating with its cessation of service to a customer for refusing to allow the installation of a wireless smart meter, the Citizens for Safe Technology Society and the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters are filing a class action lawsuit.

We invite participation in the action, subject to Court approval. Further information on the class action and criteria to join can be found at:

www.citizensforsafetechnology.org and www.stopsmartmetersbc.ca

Class Action Member REGISTRATION FORM

Notice of Class Action Lawsuit Against BC Hydro - Invitation for Participation

To be sent as indicated on the downloaded REGISTRATION FORM below:

1.    I am a member of Citizens for Safe Technology Society ("CSTS") or I hereby apply to become a member of
       CSTS.

2.     I have read the Notice of Class Action Lawsuit against BC Hydro Invitation for Participation issued by CSTS ("the Invitation"). 

3.     I wish to be included in the class on whose behalf the above-referenced litigation is to be brought, as described in the Invitation ("the Class").

4.     I endorse and authorize a representative plaintiff of the Class on the condition that he/she authorize CSTS to administer the class action and to retain and instruct counsel to bring the class action on behalf of the plaintiff and on behalf of all members of the class, including me. 

5.     I meet the criteria for inclusion in the Class.  In particular:

a.     I have indicated to BC Hydro in writing (by way of letter or signage) that I do not accept the installation / operation of a wireless smart meter at my home for reasons that include health concerns.

b.     I have circled below which of i, ii, iii, or iv has occurred:

                                  i.     Notwithstanding my written communication referred to above, BC Hydro proceeded to install and operate a wireless smart meter at my home. 

                                ii.     Notwithstanding my written communication referred to above, I have received information from BC Hydro setting out its intention to install a wireless smart meter at my home. 

                               iii.     BC Hydro has cut off its supply of power to my home as a consequence of my refusal to allow the installation of a wireless smart meter at my home. 

                               iv.     BC Hydro has indicated its intention to cut off its supply of power to my home as a consequence of my refusal to allow the installation of a wireless smart meter at my home.

c.      At all times during the above-referenced occurrences, I have been a customer of BC Hydro at a residence which I ordinarily occupy.

Further, we invite those individuals who meet the above-referenced class definition to make a suggested donation of $100 or more to finance the legal fees, together with a suggested donation of $50 for advertising, administration, website services and CSTS membership purposes for participation in this action. Suggested donation for participation being $150.

We need your correspondence with us to be in writing. Please complete this Class Action Registration Form by printing out the form, filling in each section carefully, and mailing it to the address below with your donation by cheque payable to the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters: . . . 

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ANNOUNCED to media
Notice of Class Action Lawsuit Against BC Hydro INVITATION FOR PARTICIPATION

BC Hydro is a crown utility, an arm of the provincial government that is reaching into the private space of our domestic environment and imposing choices on us that raise serious health concerns.

The World Health Organization/IARC has classified wireless radiofrequency radiation, such as that from BC Hydro's Smart Meters, as a class 2B possible human carcinogen. Regardless, BC Hydro continues to impose, at our residences, the operation of these devices on a 24/7 basis.

BC Hydro's conduct constitutes a violation of our autonomy and our right to determine what potentially harmful emissions do or do not occur from within our own domestic environment; our right to be free from physical intrusion by the state.

Active plans are in effect to advance this position before the Courts by way of a class action. We invite participation in the action, subject to Court approval, by individuals that meet all three of the following criteria: . . .

Class Action Member REGISTRATION FORM

If the Smart Meter issue has meaning for you, use this question, and any of the questions that follow it, to find out where your candidates stand on the issue.  The question will also register the importance of addressing this issue during and after election time.   

Do you support the following statement: YES or NO?

"In recognition of the democratic rights of the citizens of British Columbia, anyone wishing to keep or to reinstall an analog meter will be allowed to do so, at no cost, either initial or on-going."

"Take Back Your Power is an eye-opening documentary which investigates the "smart" meter program currently being implemented worldwide by most of the major utility companies.  The film has been screened in Toronto, California, Iowa and Texas, and was well-received by audiences there. 

British Columbian and other Canadian venues being sought and finalized. "Read On" for details.

"The "smart" meter battle continues to heat up in the golden state - and many other regions worldwide - as people become increasingly aware of an unprecedented range of issues including damage to public health, in-home privacy, grid and home hacking vulnerability, systemic issues causing billing increases, and corporate fraud. . . .

"REMOVE UNWANTED SMART METER"

Until recently, BC Hydro has said that "only 7% or 140,000 homes have refused" a BC Hydro smart meter. Now they are playing with the numbers of those who have "opted out", saying more and more have come on-side after being "informed."  

• Imagine how many would have refused these wireless transmitters if they had known they could? How many still would?  

INSTRUCTIONS on how to use the Smart Meter NO-FEE OPT OUT REGISTRATION NOTICE

The following Smart Meter No-Fee Opt Out Registration Notice can be used by all BC Hydro Account holders in BC, with or without a smart meter. 

It is for those citizens who believe we all have the right of autonomy in our own homes, the right to decide and choose for ourselves how we live and what risks we sustain within the sanctuary of our private residence. 

This Notice forms the request to the BC Liberals and BC Hydro to honour our right to live without harassment and in peace in our own homes, in accordance with our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as enshrined in the Canadian Constitution.

a)    Mail one completed Notice with signature to BC Hydro at the address provided in the Notice;
b)    Post one completed Notice with signature beside your meter (in a plastic protective covering or laminated);
c)    Keep one completed Notice in a safe place for your records.

 
2.    Next, copy the notice as printed on this page, and paste into the body of an e-mail addressed to BC Hydro, Corix, and the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters (e-mail addresses supplied in the Notice).

3.   Remove your personal account number from the original email, copy and paste it into another e-mail and send to the list below: 

premier@gov.bc.ca, hlth.minister@gov.bc.ca, rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca, perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca, 
john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca, 
adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca,  elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca, leader@greenparty.bc.ca

Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, premier@gov.bc.ca
Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid, hlth.minister@gov.bc.ca
Minister of Energy Rich Coleman rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca
BC Chief Medical Officer P.Kendall  perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca
NDP Energy Critic John Horgan  john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca
NDP Deputy Critic for Health douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca
NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth  mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca
NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca
Green Party Federal Leader E. May elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca
Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk leader@greenparty.bc.ca

Make sure you also copy your incumbent MLA and candidates in  your area, as well as your mayor and council. If you can, speak to your MLA candidates in person and request they support democratic rights for opt out choice as a party platform, and share your reasons why the Smart Grid should be stopped immediately.

4. If you cannot send by e-mail, please send regular mail to BC Hydro using the address provided in the Notice and also send a copy by mail to:

Coalition to Stop Smart Meters,
P.O. Box 28154,
West Shore RPO,
Victoria, BC V9B 6K8.

The Coalition needs to get this information to verify the numbers of people forced to take a smart meter against their will, any problems/concerns, and the numbers of people who continue to refuse a Smart Meter. All personal details will be kept confidential and will be used for no other purpose.

5. Many have recently had a visit from Corix when absent from their home. A door hanger was likely left for you requesting that you call Corix to make an appointment for meter installation. We suggest that you continue to correspond your refusal to BC Hydro in writing, using the Opt Out Registration Notice to BC Hydro as the reply to the Corix doorhanger.

6. If you have received a blank Opt Out Registration Notice at a meeting or from elsewhere in the community, make 4 copies after filling out the details and distribute as follows:

• mail one copy originally signed to BC Hydro
• mail one copy to the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
• post one copy beside your meter (place in plastic sleeve or laminate and make sure signature and details are filled in
• keep one copy in a safe place for your records

SMART METER NO-FEE OPT OUT REGISTRATION NOTICE
POSTED AT METER 

Sent by regular mail to:

Attention: Mr. Gary Murphy, Chief Project Officer

BC Hydro Smart Metering Program
6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby BC, V3N 4X8

Sent by e-mail to:

smartmeters@bchydro.com
info.utilities@corix.com

coordinator2@stopsmartmetersbc.ca

Date: _____________     Account No: _______________

Account Holder: __________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________

I am the holder of the above-referenced account for the stated address. This notice to BC Hydro is my Registration for a NO-FEE SMART METER OPT-OUT with regards to my account.

___  I choose the NO-FEE OPT OUT for legitimate reasons and will retain the analogue meter.

___  I choose the NO-FEE OPT OUT for legitimate reasons and require the Smart Meter placed on my home without my express informed consent to be replaced by an analogue meter.  

___ I choose the NO-FEE OPT OUT for legitimate reasons and despite my initial acceptance, I now require it to be removed and replaced by an analogue meter. 

My legitimate reasons include but are not limited to (note with XX): 

___ Health    ___ Fire Risk    ___ Privacy    ___ Security     ___ Safety      ___ Cost     ___ Environment

The following methods were used by Corix/ BC Hydro to install a smart meter on my home without my consent:

________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

I demand that my account be updated to accurately represent my legitimate requirement of a no-fee smart meter opt-out. 

Thank you.

Electronic Signature  _____________________________________________________

Please take the time to fill in and send this No-Fee Opt Out Registration Notice, and to ask your friends and colleagues to do the same.

WHY DO WE NEED ANOTHER FORM ? 

** Accurate Information - this form allows CST and the Coalition to collect new information and create a database of people forced to take smart meters despite refusals, and the types of tactics used against them. These people will be the first contacted with details of the Civil Class Action Lawsuit against BC Hydro and given the choice to participate.

** Political Pressure - keeps the Smart Meter fiasco front and centre at sensitive election time. It will show that the government and Hydro are misrepresenting the numbers of people who do not want smart meters.

** Stop the Grid - when the majority of citizens demand and receive no-fee opt out, those forcing the "Smart Grid" will have to be "re-educated" to come up with another solution that is truly designed to conserve energy and environment.

This Instruction sheet is meant to be printed on the back of the No-Fee Opt Out Form when distributed as a hand-out.  

Display Sign for Distribution Purposes

No-Fee Opt Out Notice Instructions for Handouts - February 2013

The Smart Meter No-Fee Opt Out Registration Notice can be used by all BC Hydro Account holders in BC, with or without a smart meter. It is for those citizens who believe we all have the right of autonomy in our own homes, the right to decide and choose for ourselves how we live and what risks we sustain within the sanctuary of our private residence. This Notice forms the request to the BC Government and BC Hydro to honour our right to live without harassment and in peace in our own homes, in accordance with our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. 

Here are instructions on how to use the Smart Meter No Fee Opt Out Registration Notice:

1.     If you have received a blank Opt Out Registration Notice at a meeting or from elsewhere in the community, make 3 copies after filling out the details and distribute as follows:

 
a.   Physically mail one copy originally signed to BC Hydro then scan and email to Hydro and Corix.

b.   Post one copy, filled in with all signatures and details, beside your meter (Place in plastic sleeve or laminate).

c.   Keep one copy in a safe place for your records.

d.   Scan and e-mail one copy to coordinator2@stopsmartmetersbc.ca

** If possible, refer to the Opt Out Registration Notice posted on the Citizens for Safe Technology website. Use http://www.citizensforsafetechnology.org/smart-meter-action-kit-in-communities-governments,73,0 to access and follow the instructions there.

2. Scan and e-mail a copy to people listed below.

Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid, hlth.minister@gov.bc.ca

Minister of Energy Rich Coleman rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca

BC Chief Medical Officer P.Kendall  perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca

NDP Energy Critic John Horgan  john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca

NDP Deputy Critic for Health douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca

NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth  mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca

NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca

Green Party Federal Leader E. May elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca

Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk leader@greenparty.bc.ca

Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark,  premier@gov.bc.ca

3.  Make sure you also copy your incumbent MLA and candidates in your area, as well as your mayor and council. If you can, speak to your MLA candidates in person and request they support democratic rights for opt out choice as a party platform, and share your reasons why the Smart Grid should be stopped immediately.

4. Many have recently had a visit from Corix when absent from their home. A door hanger was left, requesting a call to Corix to make an appointment for a meter exchange. We suggest you continue to correspond your refusal to BC Hydro in writing only. The Opt Out Registration Notice to BC Hydro can be used as this reply.

WHY DO WE NEED ANOTHER FORM? 

** Accurate Information - this form allows CST and the Coalition to collect new information and create a database of people forced to take smart meters despite refusals, and the types of tactics used against them. These people will be the first contacted with details of the Civil Class Action Lawsuit against BC Hydro and given the choice to participate.

** Political Pressure - keeps the Smart Meter fiasco front and centre at sensitive election time. It will show that the government and Hydro are misrepresenting the numbers of people who do not want smart meters.

** Stop the Grid - when the majority of citizens demand and receive no-fee opt out, those forcing the "Smart Grid" will have to be "re-educated" to come up with another solution that is truly designed to conserve energy and environment.