SMART-METER BENEFITS

Michael Smyth calls into question the accuracy of $154 million in
annual electricity theft due to marijuana grow-ops. The figure was
taken from a report I co-authored with Jordan Diplock.

But it isn't just about money. Indoor grow-ops present a threat to
public safety: they are more likely to catch fire than normal homes,
threatening the perpetrators, neighbours, first-responders and utility workers.

Whatever other benefits there might be, B.C. Hydro's smart meters
signal when they've been tampered with, which will help curb
electricity theft. When we reduce that, we all benefit.

Darryl Plecas,

University of the Fraser Valley