Edison official will speak about wireless meters in Santa Paula

A representative from Southern California Edison will address the Santa Paula City Council Tuesday on the company's plans to install wireless electric meters in Santa Paula and elsewhere in Ventura County.

Communities that are scheduled to get the new meters include Oak View, Oxnard, Camarillo, Oxnard and parts of Fillmore and Moorpark.

The high-tech meters will serve as an anchor for the so-called smart electrical grid, providing consumers with more updated information on their energy consumption.

Edison plans to install about 183,000 smart meters in its Ventura district beginning next month.

The appearance of an Edison representative before the Santa Paula City Council comes as some have expressed concerns over the effects of the new meters on health and the environment.

Nina Remensperger of Santa Paula said she personally knows some who have suffered bad headaches as well as irregular heartbeats and insomnia after the new meters were installed in Northern California.

Remensperger recently asked that the Santa Paula City Council carefully study and consider any possible adverse effects brought by the new meters before it allow Edison to proceed with its installation.

She also urged the City Council to consider a moratorium.

Edison officials, however, stress the meters are safe. They say they are willing to meet with residents and address any concerns they may have about the meters.

Customers not wanting to have their old analog meters replaced with the new ones can postpone the installation by placing their name on a delay list.

To do so, call 800-810-2369. Spanish speakers can call 800-477-4455.

For more information on the meters, go to http://www.sce.com/info/smartconnect/facts/facts.htm

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. at 970 Ventura Street, Santa Paula.