B.C. municipalities will decide today whether to call for a moratorium on so-called smart meters, which opponents say could endanger their health, invade their privacy and increase their bills.
The meters use wireless signals to broadcast information on residents' power consumption back to BC Hydro.
Delegates at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Vancouver will vote on a resolution today.
However, BC Hydro and the provincial government say the outcome won't matter, and the $930-million program will continue regardless of what the municipalities have to say.
Greg Reimer, an executive vice-president at BC Hydro, says the Crown corporation is nonetheless sensitive to the controversy and is attempting to arm consumers with the facts.
Reimer says BC Hydro is hopeful that if people learn more about smart meters, they'll realize the devices are safe and will benefit the province.
Several communities have passed their own motions against smart meters.
Smart meter opponent Sharon Noble of Colwood, B.C., says she's convinced the devices are dangerous and simply doesn't believe BC Hydro.
