What Prevented Smart Meter Opt-outs in Pennsylvania?

by Catherine J. Frompovich

Back in the summer of 2014, something very calculated apparently happened in the Pennsylvania state legislature that ought to be investigated by the Commonwealth’s Attorney General [1] and the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission [2]. What happened was a crime against the democratic principles of governance, i.e., deliberately dis-allowing constituents, voters—and citizens in general—to exercise their right of redress and input regarding issues that affect them, their lives, and the safety of their possessions. The particular issue at hand was Opt-out provisions from Smart Meters, which was not originally written into PA Law 129 in 2008, but in committee ‘strong-armed’ into “sine die” by State Representative and Committee Chair, Robert W. Godshall.

Signs protesting PA State Representative Godshall’s ‘tied hands’ policy on Smart Meter Opt-out bills. Source

When Republican Godshall was running against Democrat Dottie Miller during the 2014 campaign, he’s on record in an interview as saying, “As chairman of the General Assembly’s Consumer Affairs Committee I presided over the effort to modernize utility operations and update rules and regulations that reflect today’s needs and cut utility costs. Energy rates in Pennsylvania had averaged well above the national average, but have now been brought in line, and more work still needs to be done.”

PA State Representative Robert W. Godshall

Apparently, that modernization included fast-tracking Smart Meters, plus preventing several bills (former HB 899, HB 902, and HB 906 in the previous legislative session) ever from moving along or out of committee for a vote! Interestingly, Godshall is supposed to have received $28,100 from utility companies that probably persuaded “money to talk” louder than voters voices and ordinary Pennsylvanians, who fear for their health and properties because of Smart Meter Radio Frequency non-ionizing radiation (microwaves) being pumped into their bodies and homes from Smart Meters with an ability to explode or ignite.

Could that be because he has received $28,100 in campaign contributions from electric utilities so far this year? [3]

Here’s a YouTube of Godshall talking about issues. Take note of what he says about utility bills after the 3 minute mark on the timeline: a small businesswoman’s electric bill was $900 a month for electricity, and all of a sudden she gets a bill for $2600. Doesn’t Godshall’s remark seem to confirm that Smart Meters increase electric bills? Does that sound like “cut utility costs”?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4_yRjZrH0k&feature=player_embedded#t=221

And then there’s this troubling question and aspect regarding the no opt-out status on PA Smart Meters: Was Godshall’s apparent ‘sitting’ on those opt-out bills influenced in any way by what may be termed “conflict(s) of interest” stemming from Godshall’s son, Grey, apparently being promoted from working as manager of PECO’s tree trimming program to “manager of the PECO (Philadelphia Electric Company) Smart Meter Program”? [3]

Will Representative Godshall either confirm or deny that his son Grey was promoted at any time to manager of PECO’s Smart Meter Program?

Another serious question, I think, that needs to rear its inquisitive head is, “Can malfeasance be involved? on Godshall’s part, especially since there were calls from the public for him to move those opt-out bills out of committee.” In a democratic republic, which the USA is supposed to be, no Napoleonic-type personality should be allowed to wield powerful control like Godshall does, especially since, in this current legislative session, PA Smart Meter PA House Bills 396, 393, 394, 395 probably will be impacted by Godshall’s ‘strong arm reach’ across the aisles and in committees again.

THAT politicking tactic cannot be allowed to happen, as the citizens of Pennsylvania need to be—and must be—heard regarding the forced RF radiation that is being sent into their brains, bodies, and homes.

A March 6, 2015 online article published by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications titled “Tumor promotion by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields below exposure limits for humans” indicates some very serious problems occurring in mice: “Numbers of tumors of the lungs and livers in exposed animals were significantly higher than in sham-exposed controls. In addition, lymphomas were also found to be significantly elevated by exposure.” [CJF emphasis added] (Source)

People have valid medical concerns about being exposed to microwaves! Currently, there are more than 34 members of the PA State House who are co-sponsors of various Smart Meter revision bills. Also, PA House members must not allow Godshall to pull another sine die legislative option or trick like he did last session!

In a Before It’s News article dated July 29 2014, the following information obviously needs to be thought through a little more thoroughly, I think:

There is an aura of impropriety here, and it seems that Chairman Godshall is putting the interests of PECO ahead of the citizens of Pennsylvania. Oh yes: if PECO installs 660,000 Smart Meters, the Federal Government will give them $200 million. That’s about half of the cost to install all the meters, even after we each pay out $300 for a Smart Meter. [CJF emphasis added] [Is that money talking again or politicking as usual?]

In one of my letters to PECO during my discussions about not permitting an SM on my house, I asked PECO to “please fully explain in writing the meaning of this: [PECO] is supported by a $200 million federal smart-grid grant. Under terms of the stimulus grant, PECO promised to install 600,000 smart meters by April, 2014. (Source) So, was THAT the reason behind enacting PA Act 129 with no opt-outs? I have not heard back one peep from PECO as a reply to that ‘delicate’ question. Interesting? As the old saying goes, “Follow the money!”

In the Philadelphia area, there have been numerous SM fires. However, this is what PECO contends:

No. The AMI meter that will be installed at your home is manufactured by Landis+Gyr. There are no Landis+Gyr meters that have experienced overheating issues. Some Sensus meters originally installed experienced overheating issues; however, PECO has replaced all Sensus meters with Landis+Gyr meters. The company no longer installs the Sensus meters and there have been no overheating issues reported with Landis+Gyr meters.

And yet, here’s information about Landis+Gyr SM fires:

Another Fire: Landis + Gyr Smart Meter Causes Apt. Blaze (posted July 7, 2014)
http://stopsmartmeters.org/2014/07/07/another-fire-landis-gyr-smart-meter-causes-apt-blaze/

Here’s a real-time video of that fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vn0-Xnp6ZOU#t=4

Here’s a photograph of three scorched Smart Meters in California.

Scorched SmartMeters on Glen Way in East Palo Alto. Photo by Craig Dremann.

But Pennsylvania Smart Meters Politics Are Not Unique

However, Pennsylvania politics regarding Smart Meters may not be unique. Shenanigans of all sorts have gone on in other states. California’s former Public Utility Commission’s president, Michael Peevey, found himself involved in quite an apparent legal mess while implementing Smart Meters in that state.

Peevey is under investigation. Here are some articles to help readers understand what really goes on in getting Smart Meters installed on your houses:

Utility’s commissioner’s private emails reveal conspiracy
http://www.takebackyourpower.net/news/2015/02/13/utility-commissioners-private-emails-reveal-conspiracy/

PG&E Suggested “Prozac” for Those Injured by Smart Meters– SCE Schemed Higher Fees to Force Smart Meters on the Poor
http://stopsmartmeters.org/2015/02/26/pge-suggested-prozac-for-those-injured-by-smart-meters-sce-schemed-higher-fees-to-force-smart-meters-on-the-poor/

Recently, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Peevey was forced to step down
https://www.tumblr.com/search/president%20michael%20peevey

Arizona: 19,000 APS customers refuse Smart Meters; state conducts health study; are Elster Smart Meters overheating and malfunctioning? (Sept. 2014)
http://smartmeterharm.org/2014/09/09/arizona-19000-aps-customers-refuse-smart-meters-state-conducts-health-study-are-elster-smart-meters-overheating-and-malfunctioning/

Resident Campaigns in Other States: AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, ME, MD, MI, NV, NM, OR, TX, VA, VT, WI
https://sites.google.com/site/nocelltowerinourneighborhood/home/wireless-smart-meter-concerns/resident-campaigns-in-other-states

All the above is cause for much concern by everyone regarding various issues such as term limits for elected officials so that they cannot establish ‘political fiefdoms’ along with a pressing need for a Citizen Watchdog office within every state capitol and at federal levels.

Smart Meters apparently are known for their “dirty electricity.” Even dirtier, are the politics that accompany them. Smart Meter bills/laws that do not provide equitable opt-outs must be challenged.

References:

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Attorney_General
[2] http://www.ethics.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/ethics/8995/the_ethics_act/539789
[3] http://beforeitsnews.com/health/2014/07/striving-to-install-microwave-poisoning-in-every-pennsylvania-home-rep-robert-godshall-stalls-smart-meter-opt-out-bills-while-son-grey-runs-phil-electric-peco-smart-meter-install-program-2544274.html

Resources:

Curmudgeon-Patriot
http://currmudgeon-patriot.blogspot.com/2014/02/rep-godshall-decries-smart-meters.html

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Smart Meter Q & A
http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/consumer_ed/pdf/13_Smart%20Meters.pdf

Catherine retired from researching and writing, but felt compelled to write this article. 

Catherine J Frompovich (website) is a retired natural nutritionist who earned advanced degrees in Nutrition and Holistic Health Sciences, Certification in Orthomolecular Theory and Practice plus Paralegal Studies. Her work has been published in national and airline magazines since the early 1980s. Catherine authored numerous books on health issues along with co-authoring papers and monographs with physicians, nurses, and holistic healthcare professionals. She has been a consumer healthcare researcher 35 years and counting.

Two of Catherine’s more recent books on Amazon.com are Our Chemical Lives And The Hijacking Of Our DNA, A Probe Into What’s Probably Making Us Sick (2009) and Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss, An Inspirational Guide Through the Grieving Process (2008)