Are Electronic Pulses Dangerous?

Transmitting Technology, a Possible Danger to Some

The electronic pulses that come from transmitting 

devices are  concerning to Patricia Burke and

Judith Alden. They are a part of the opposition to 

the use of smart meters now being installed in 

Worcester in a pilot program. There are now 

15, 000 smart meters that have been installed by 

National Grid in the City.

A smart meter is electronic and transmits data to National

Grid which uses them to analyze electric usage by 

individuals and on a macro- level.

During my talk with Ms. Burke she pointed out that there is 

a recognized condition of hyper sensitivity to electronic 

pulses that are found in electronic and transmitting 

devices. She said that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 

monitors the cases of this condition.  Ms. Burke also said 

that the CDC does not consider the pulses to be per se 

dangerous until they raise a person’s temperature above 

98.6 degrees Fahrenheit; she thought that the standard was 

not effectual should be changed.

Ms. Burke and Alden are opposed to all transmitting 

devices. They indicated that the natural gas utilities also 

have transmitting meter. They pointed out that some people 

are sensitive to smart phones, wi-fi, and telephone 

towers.  However smart meters are the priority.

A spokes person for National Grid, Danielle Williamson, 

responded that the smart meter transmissions were 

within the standards of the Federal Communication 

Commission, the CDC, and state regulations. She also said 

that the safety of its customers and workers are 

National Grid main concern.

More interestingly Ms. Williamson described the 

relationship between National Grid and the so called 

Sustainability Center at Clark University.  National Grid has 

leased space in the Center and hired student interns to talk 

about energy savings with customers. Included in the items 

discussed are smart meters and they are creating energy 

efficiency.

Ms. Burke take on this matter was that there are 

some environmentalists who do not see the harm caused by 

smart meters and are only concerned with the data 

collection for efficient energy use. National Grid has asked 

the State to allow government aid for the costs of the 

Sustainability Center. The Attorney General, Maura Healy, 

has written a report opposing State help with the 11 million 

dollar bill. Ms. Burke felt that this cost would be passed on 

to customers.

Ms. Burke and Alden belong to Halt Massachusetts Smart 

Meters. There is another group in opposition to smart 

meters is Worcester Opts Out, run by John Provost.

I remember when National Grid came to our house to install 

the smart meter. The installer did not say why he was 

changing the meter. I thought that it was a routine 

maintenance similar to the natural gas company swapping 

meters every 7 years. I knew something was different when 

National Grid started to send us letters saying we were 

using more electricity than our neighbors.

After talking with Ms. Burke and Alden, I am wondering 

how these impulses are affecting my family and me. They 

said we can ask the electric company to install a different 

type of meter, but I won’t be able to get the analog meter 

again. 

One of the things I would like to have changed is National 

Grid sending letters comparing my electric usage to my 

neighbors, a waste of paper and another guilting.