Opt-out plan for Winnipeg smart meters not recommended by committee

A smart meter is seen in an undated image. (CTV News Winnipeg)

A city committee is advising council not to implement an opt-out program for the smart meter program coming to Winnipeg.

A report to be considered by the city’s water, waste and environment committee recommends not giving residents the option to refuse the advanced metering system – also called smart meters – to maximize the benefits of the technology.

According to the public service, cities where the meters have been installed, like Regina, Barrie and Sudbury, have either phased out the opt-out programs or not offered them at all, saying the cost of maintaining two different metering systems is too high.

“Where opt-out programs still exist, participation rates are typically low,” the report said, noting fewer than one per cent of homes are opting out.

The report adds an opt-out program would cost anywhere from $235,000 to $252,000 annually to maintain the current system and cover the costs of a full-time meter reader required to service it.

Instead, the public service recommended an outreach campaign to address customer concerns.

It noted the option to install antennas outside the home or elsewhere on their property would be offered at the customer expense.

Pushback to water meter technology

In 2023, the city approved a $135 million plan to replace aging water meters with the smart meters, which send radiofrequency signals to the city about water usage. The city said it can improve accuracy of billing and detect leaks earlier.

There was public opposition to the plan at the time, with privacy and health concerns expressed in committee meetings.

The report said the meters are approved by Health Canada and there are no health risks from radiofrequency exposure.

The committee will discuss the recommendation when it meets on June 27.