‘Take Back Your Power’ Film Warns Viewers About Smart Grid Dangers

The Take Back Your Power documentary is billed as a journey of both “revelation and discovery” which questions both the risks and the benefits of smart grid technology and smart meters and is now available on live streaming. The documentary also touches upon the corporate practices which could possibly be used to intrude upon the privacy rights of citizens. The project was made possible at least in part by using crowd funding.

Take Back Your Power describes not just the security concerns often associated with a smart grid system, but the battle being waged by common citizens who do not want the new techno gadgets installed at their homes. The devices utilize wireless radios to communicate data about electrical usage — making them prime targets for cyber hackers. Thousands of utility workers could reportedly be laid-off since the real-time tracking devices eliminate the bulk of the need for meter readers.

Cost increase horror stories from homeowners forced to allow the installation of smart meters offer a startling look at the price hikes which could soon impact us all. British Columbia resident Susan McDonnell’s monthly utility bill was the focus of a CTV News report about the high costs of smart meters. McDonnell’s typical monthly power bill average about $60, until the smart grid system came to town. The power bill for her one-bedroom condo increased more than 1000 percent to $745 last December. CTV said it had “heard from dozens of viewers who say their hydro bills have doubled or tripled since their smart meter was installed.” Installation of the meters have prompted backlash worldwide.

Excerpt from the Take Back Your Power documentary website:

“Homeowners, experts, doctors, local governments, environmentalists, and health organizations around the world are saying ‘NO’ to smart meters, which are quietly being installed on every home and business worldwide – without disclosure of the risks and the violations of rights.”

Maine helicopter pilot and environmentalist Ed Friedman is one of the folks leading the charge against smart meters in the United States. Friedman believes that the smart grid devices not only prompt an invasion of privacy, but pose health risks as well. According to the Take Back Your Power documentary, smart meters may have a negative impact on human blood cells. The Maine environmentalist objects to the utility company or any governmental agencies being able to receive and transmit information from his home without his permission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek0JKuf99PU&list=UUBmSbCRd_Jj5NgV3xTwrkHA&feature=share&index=7

Former CIA Director David Petraeus once stated that web-connected gadgets, such as common appliances, will transform the art of spying. Petraeus also noted that spies will be able to monitor individuals without ever breaking into their home and planting a bug. He went on to state that remote control radio frequency identification devices, “energy harvesters,” sensor networks, and small embedded servers all connected to an Internet network will be all that is necessary for clandestine intelligence gathering.