A smart meter is an improved electricity or gas meter that allows the energy utility and the home user to monitor energy usage in real-time. It will help reduce energy consumption. That is a good thing.

But not to some people as it turns out.

A paranoid anti-smart meter alliance has sprung up in Northern California. Comprised of Tea Party libertarians and left-wing health-alarmists, this loose movement has been successful at blocking installation of this benign technology in two California counties.

The Tea Baggers claim that these meters are an infringement on their privacy as now PG&E will be able to monitor their energy usage hourly (instead of monthly). I would suggest that these folks invest in some solar panels, a wind-turbine, some batteries, and go off the grid. The only real way for a true patriot to ensure his or her continued freedom from tyranny.

The health risk alarmist faction claims that smart meters pose an unknown risk to human health as they emit radio waves. A recent report that reviewed the literature on this subject came to the following conclusion:

“Wireless smart meters, when installed and properly maintained, result in much smaller levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure than many existing common household electronic devices, particularly cell phones and microwave ovens.”

It’s a shame that misguided fear is getting in the way of real solutions. Smart meters promise to reduce energy consumption, not only saving the consumer money, but potentially negating the need to build more electricity generating capacity.

Why the fear?