INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Independence City Council decided Monday night to table the idea of installing smart meters in homes across the city. The decision came after residents raised concerns about health and privacy risks, as well as costs.
"I can promise every resident the rates would go up," Jeff Dawson, who opposes the meters, said at the council meeting.
"I don't think anything is secure anymore," Brenda Perry said of the smart meters' cloud-based technology.
Mayor Eileen Weir pushed back votes on the ordinances to next year, assuring those in attendance at the meeting that all of their concerns would be investigated before then.
41 Action News reached out to the city for responses to some of the issues raised.
"The World Health Organization has concluded that no adverse health effects have been demonstrated to result from exposure to low-level radio frequency energy such as that produced by smart meters," Meg Lewis, the city's spokeswoman, wrote.
Lewis also addressed concerns over cost, telling us the "Advanced Metering Infrastructure" (AMI) project would not require a rate increase. She said the three utilities already have the funds to pay for the $29 million project over 10 years.
"It is estimated to save the city $40 million over 15 years, which could have a positive impact on rates," Meg Lewis, the city's spokesperson, said.
The smart meter ordinances will be up for a vote again on April 16, 2018.
