PUD to begin taking opt-out applications

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Qualifying PUD customers can request the installation of a non-radio frequency-transmitting electrical meter at their home. This issue has long been debated but now customers can fill out an application to have a free-of-charge installation of either an analog or digital meter.
A fee of $5 will be added to the monthly utility bills of those who choose to opt out of RF-transmitting meters to account for installation costs and the manual monthly readings.

Residents who are not property owners will be required to obtain the property owner’s signature on their opt-out application.

This option is becoming available to the public after a long community debate around the potential dangers of exposure to radio frequencies.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, there has been no significant link between low level radio frequencies that people experience day to day and negative health effects.

Currently all meters in Jefferson County use one-way communication to transmit their usage. They were outfitted with transmitters in the 1990s, said Will O’Donnell, PUD communications manager. They are read remotely once a month when a PUD employee drives by the property where the meter is located.

Non-RF-transmitting meters will require a PUD employee to physically walk up to a property’s meter once a month to check the usage.

Since the applications opened, there have been 15 submitted, O’Donnell said. Those who opt out will not have their new meters installed until the PUD is able to obtain them he said. They have been ordered but have not yet arrived.

Applications can be found on the PUD website and in-person at their office.