PG&E SmartMeter exec tries to anonymously infiltrate activists, didn't realize name showed w email

[Liberal_in_LA]

PG&E SmartMeter exec tries to infiltrate activists

A Pacific Gas and Electric Co. executive in charge of the utility's SmartMeter program admitted Monday that he used a fake name in an effort to join an Internet discussion group of SmartMeter opponents.

William Devereaux, senior director of the $2.2 billion SmartMeter program, used the name "Ralph" when he sent an e-mail to the moderator of a discussion group for people trying to block deployment of the new, wireless electricity and gas meters. But his real name appeared next to his e-mail address. :silly:

The moderator recognized him immediately. Devereaux has often spoken publicly in defense of the meters, rejecting criticism that they may be inaccurate or that their radio-frequency emissions may be a potential health hazard.

"This shows that this guy PG&E has been putting forward to all the local governments, saying SmartMeters are safe and accurate, has had his credibility severely damaged," said Joshua Hart, with the group Stop Smart Meters. Hart's organization, and several others fighting PG&E over the meters, published Devereaux's e-mail Monday and called for an investigation by the California Legislature into the entire SmartMeter program


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/09/MNG61G940B.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz14ok2vvni

[AspenRose]

1. Dumbass!

[Ozymanithrax]

2. Stupid is as stupid does. n/t

[TheWraith]

3. This was stupid of him, but honestly, the opposition is pretty stupid themselves.

There's no reason a conventional meter would be more accurate than a radio one. And as for safety, this reminds me of the people who freak out about 500 watt cell phone towers near their homes, never realizing that they live just as close to a 100,000 watt radio station.

[immoderate]

4. I hope the activists have some reasons for their resistance.

Inaccurate? That has nothing to do with wireless. It's an electric meter! Make it accurate.

Radio waves? Not that shit again!

--imm

[Salviati]

6. Yeah, the stupid... it burns!

from both parties in this story

[immoderate]

7. The executive might have done better to announce himself.

I have heard that some people claim huge discrepancies when they are converted to smart meters. That can be settled without yelling.

PG&E has a spotty reputation. And I wouldn't be surprised if they have their thumb on the scale. So let's prove it.

--imm

[pacalo]

5. I'm a self-taught computer user & my common sense & observation skills told me

long ago that one's name can be seen whenever the e-mail address is submitted.

Most "Ralphs" use secondary yahoo-type accounts when they're seeking anonymity.