ComEd is investing $1 billion across its system to replace traditional analog meters with Radio Frequency/Microwave transmitting digital meters, which are said to help empower residents to save money. ComEd will install four million Smart Meters on all homes and businesses in its service territory by the end of 2018.

Why should we be concerned?
The risks to your home and family from the Smart Meters far out-weigh any potential financial benefits.http://smartgridawareness.org/2016/02/16/consumers-suffer-financial-loss-with-smart-meters/ The consequences are: 1) the risk of fire in the home; 2) a privacy invasion from detailed data being collected: 3) a serious health threat from pulsed Radio Frequency/Microwave Radiation emissions 24/7; 4) providing an access point for a thief to hack into the Wireless Smart Meter, switch off the security alarm with the Connect/Disconnect switch in the Smart Meter and enter the premises. The detailed data being transmitted can tell a potential intruder when the home is unoccupied.

Note: This is the first time in history that a Class 2B Carcinogen (International Agency for Research on Cancer listing for RF/Microwave emissions from smart meters) has been mandated on all homes and businesses in a Utility Service Territory. There is no safe level of RF/Microwave radiation for children and nothing ComEd representatives tell you will change that fact.

Beware: Time-of-Use Pricing is set to follow installation and will penalize the most those who can afford it the least: the disabled, the elderly, the unemployed, stay-at-home moms and others who cannot alter their daytime use of electricity to off-peak hours.

What action should we take?
Become an informed citizen. You owe it to your family to find out more about the risks and consequences so you can make an informed decision on whether a delay is the right step for you. Learn the truth about Smart Meters by doing your own research. Study this website,www.smartgridawareness.org, ask questions, and attend the meetings listed below. It is best to call ComEd smart meter installation line (866) 368-8326 and request a delay before installation takes place.

Where is installation taking place?
About a dozen communities in Lake County already have smart meters, with installation beginning this year in Libertyville, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Lincolnshire, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Wildwood and Wauconda. ComEd gives a village board or city council advanced notice of installation. Then a postcard is sent out to homeowners in communities’ next-in-line for smart meter installation. Such was the situation in Highland Park, where Smart Meter installation is now under way.
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How is ComEd “selling” community leaders on Smart Meters?
ComEd’s Community Representative, Jim Dudek, notified the Village of Lake Bluff that ComEd’s original planned installation of 2018 would be moved up to a June 2016 deployment. To educate the Village Board on what that means and share with Village leaders information regarding smart meter technology, ComEd Vice President of AMI implementation, MIke McMahon, will make a presentation to the Village Board at its 7:00 p.m, February 22 meeting at Lake Bluff Village Hall, 40 East Center Avenue. In neighboring Lake Forest, ComEd’s Community Representative Mr. JIm Dudek is scheduled to appear before the Lake Forest City Council on Monday, May 16th to discuss the Smart Meter Roll-Out program.

Why should concerned citizens attend these meetings?
There is mounting evidence that RF-EMF radiation is carcinogenic. The fact that exposure to this nation’s population is increasing at an exponential rate means the potential consequences are catastrophic. Adding RF emissions from four million smart meters will blanket the State with pulsed Radio Frequency/Microwave Radiation 24/7, forever.

What can we do to protect our families and property?
Call the ComEd Smart Meter installation line (866) 368-8326 and request a DELAY if a Smart Meter has not already been installed. If one has been installed, call and have it replaced with a non-transmitting meter. Unfortunately, ComEd is penalizing those who want to delay Smart Meter installation with a monthly charge of $21.53 until 2018, when installation is mandated. It has been reported that ComEd is questioning those who call asking for an opt-out, as an opt-out is now referred to as a deferral.

What can we do to protect our neighbors and communities?
Contact the Governor who signed the law and members of the General Assembly who passed the law MANDATINGthat Smart Meters be installed on homes and businesses. Demand that the law be amended and ICC ruling be changed to offer a PERMANENT TRUE OPT-OUT!

It is important to attend Lake Bluff’s public board meeting on Monday, February 22 and the Lake Forest City Council meeting on Monday, May 16. You owe it to yourself and to your community to be informed and speak out.