By Alexis Rico (Grant County Beat Intern)

A public input session was held on June 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Grant County Administrative Building to get opinions on the smart meters that PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) is looking to install in the grant county area. All the public input given at this session will go towards court case #15-00-312-UT. Both parties on the issues were inspired and shared good points for and against the smart meters being installed in Grant County.

A main concern for many of the people was the health issues a smart meter could cause. Some were deeply moved by the shared concerns of health that seemed to expand over the county. The concern is if there is radiation that will be given off these meters that will affect the health of the people around them, especially children. There are not any studies that prove the meters are completely safe. People want more information on what will happen to people and animals around these meters. Many people in the community, like Elysia Drew and Rachel Bighley, do not want to add on to the health concerns they are already facing in their lives. They also do not want to find out all of the health problems years from now, when it is too late.

Another issue that was brought up was the issue of money. Many of the people in the county do not feel that it is just to be charged $47 dollars a month if they choose not to have a smart meter installed. This could add hundreds of dollars onto the living costs for people in the county. Which many cannot afford. This monthly charge raised the question as to what the financial motives are for PNM.

Many people at the session brought up the idea of using cleaner energy that would come from the sun and the wind. The people believe PNM should use their budget for ways of using solar and wind electricity instead of the smart meters. In this way, it will also benefit the environment as well.

On the other hand, Scott Terry and Jeremiah Garcia were the only two people at the session in support of the installation of smart meters. Both agreed it would be good for the state, businesses, and customers. Terry respects the commission and that they do the proper research about everything going on in the state and county. Garcia believes that PNM is transparent and efficient.

GǣIt is sad people oppose PNM,Gǥ Garcia stated. He also made a comment about news articles on the smart meters are influencing peopleG