A message about the not so smart Smart Meter

I guess the new SMART meters are capable of more than just keeping your electrical consumption.

If you're having trouble reading this message, please consult the online version. Survey of electricity meters near propane tanks Dear Customer: Hydro-Québec has agreed with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec to survey all of our customers’ outdoor electricity meters to ensure compliance with standards governing the minimum distance between a stationary propane tank and an electricity meter. The standards require a clearance of three metres for a Hydro-Québec next-generation meter with remote service interruption enabled. The standards apply only to permanent propane tanks connected to buildings, not mobile barbecue tanks. Although no incidents involving propane tanks have been brought to our attention, we have decided to proceed this way because you don’t have to inform us when you install a stationary propane tank. We are conducting this survey to obtain the most up-to-date information possible. If you don’t have a next-generation meter, this check will be done when one is installed. Along with this survey, we are conducting precise scientific tests, as agreed with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, regarding the necessary clearance between a stationary propane tank and a meter. Until your installation has been checked and found to be up to code, the remote service interruption feature will be deactivated. This is a feature that can be used to turn the power on or off at a customer’s request or to cut off power to a customer in collections. All the meter’s other functions, such as remote meter reading, will remain active. The meters will continue to transmit actual electricity use data. There is no impact or risk to our customers. Only outdoor meters will be inspected, so you will not be disturbed. If you have a stationary propane tank and think it might be less than three metres away from your electricity meter, please call us at 1 877 234-6548, access code 8444, Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You can also visit our Web site: www.hydroquebec.com/residential. Hydro-Québec customer services Hydro-Québec 75, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal (Québec) Canada H2Z 1A4 www.hydroquebec.com Thanks Sandra