This letter is in response to the three previous letters printed in the Albert Lea Tribune. Each of these individuals expressed similar concerns around radiation and data privacy.

Let’s first cover the issue of radio frequency and the radiation risks. Currently, there have been studies done in recent years on the health effects of radio frequency (RF) on humans. These studies have focused on the thermal effects on humans, which have been studied extensively. The Federal Communications Commission has established guidelines to protect public health from known hazards associated with thermal impacts of RF. The RF emitted by a smart meter is only a very small fraction of the exposure level established as safe by the FCC guidelines. It is important to note that the transmitting radio operates a total of only one to two seconds per day.

A second issue raised in previous letters was that of data privacy. With our system as it is designed today, we transmit data that has no identifier to any residence other than the meter number. Once that data is uploaded to our system, it is then paired with specific account information for the respective location and linked by the meter number. That data is protected by various levels of security. We take data protection very seriously at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. We perform regular audits of our security systems. Those audits include simulating an attack on our systems, using the same tools as hackers would use, to ensure protection of sensitive data and information.

There are many utility and consumer benefits to installing a system like the one we are currently deploying. This system assists us during time of power outages. Specifically, a meter will send us a signal when the member is out of power. This is also useful in storm restoration as we know with great accuracy who is out of power. We also have the ability to know if everyone’s power has been restored without physically visiting each site. Additionally, with the data available from this system, we can use it to solve billing issues and have been able to pinpoint and help members solve energy-use problems. For example, recently we helped a member find a problem with their geothermal system due to unexpected usage during overnight hours.

Members can also benefit from the use of this technology in that it gives them an opportunity to monitor their energy usage by using our SmartHub program. It provides a wealth of information and comparisons members can use to understand and manage their electric usage. You can also view your bill and make payments using this program.

In the future, this metering system will allow the cooperative to design rate programs for members to save money based on when they use energy. These rate programs will allow for cheaper energy costs if consumption happens at off-peak times. It’s important to note that the cooperative would implement these programs on a voluntary basis for those who have the ability and interest in participating.

We are also keeping in touch with city leadership on this issue and will be working to address the concerns raised to date and in the future.

Jim Krueger                                                                                                  

president/CEO

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services