New digital smart meters are going in around Orlando, while some scientists warn that they may not be good for your health.
They point to past research on radiofrequency radiation. "It should be up to each individual if they want to be continuously exposed," said Harvard-educated Dr. David Carpenter.
Orlando Utilities Commission plans to install 150,000 electric meters this year, and 147,000 water meters over the next two years.
"For OUC it's an increase in efficiency in being able to read a meter remotely," explained spokeswoman Erika Hodges.
The meters have an easirer to read monitor, which lets you know how much electricity and water you use daily, allowing you to plan ahead. The utility eventually plans to have an app on their website that let's you learn more about your energy use.
But bowing to the health concerns raised around the country where other utilities are making the same moves, OUC is allowing customers to opt out.
After all the other OUC customers are converted over to digital meters, she said the utility will crunch some numbers and figure out what additional fee to charge the customers with old meters that will still require a meter reader to be physically present.
Hodges said that would "make whole" other customers with the modern smart meters in their homes and businesses. Learn more about the OUC program by clicking here.
There are a handful of websites on the "dangers" of smart meters. Here is one.