Published on August 18, 2015, the law on energy transition provides for the installation of 35 million new generation electricity meters by 2021. Their name? Linky counters. More practical (electrical readings are done remotely, consumption monitoring can take place on the internet or on smartphone, the replacement and the activation of the box are done in 24 hours …), the Linky meter is also highly controversial, in particular because of the consequences it could have on the health of the users.
Very recently, it was the Robin des Toits association – which works for health security with wireless technologies – which sounded the alarm: the new meters from ERDF (the distribution subsidiary of EDF) would propagate electromagnetic waves dangerous, especially for electrosensitive people.
A new meter (almost) impossible to refuse
These waves would be measurable up to 2.5 meters around the electrical installations. Electrosensitivity is a pathology recently recognized in France: because of the waves (wifi, bluetooth …), the person develops disabling symptoms: insomnia, headaches, joint disorders … But no figure specifies how many people suffer from this disorder in France.
Can we refuse a Linky meter at home? In theory, impossible: the installation of this new “smart” meter complies with the application of a European directive on upgrading from 2010. Moreover, the meter is not the property of the customer … but that of the local authority on which it depends. However, in practice, the law is not sufficiently explicit to prohibit refusals. And the fine initially planned for the refractories (1500 € anyway) was canceled … Soon a possible appeal? A case to follow.
