Linky Dirty Electricity, the challenge of the next generation meter

If at the beginning the Linky meter was received with great suspicion, its development receives a positive balance. Indeed, on September 29, 2021, the Energy Regulatory Commission hailed its success. The meter is an interesting device for energy suppliers on the one hand. On the other hand, it is also interesting for individuals if it allows them to understand and better control their consumption.

By 31 December 2021, 90% of French consumers connected to the Enedis network will be equipped with a connected meter. At the same time, the deployment of the solution is less than it was originally intended. However, so that the cost of the solution does not pass on to the bills of individuals, they must have the opportunity to save money during the winter period. An opportunity all the more important in the face of the increase in energy prices in the territory. Tracking tools are then available for this purpose such as the Coach Conso application. An application that allows you to have an overview of your energy consumption in order to adopt good practices.

So if we remember that at its deployment everywhere in France, complaints against Linky meters multiplied to denounce its forced installation of the meter, the lack of transparency in the face of the collection, the use of data, and against the risk on health that the meter generates with the electromagnetic waves it now produces the meter aims to do a service to save money.

The vision and operation of Linky meter information collection in 2022


Thus the way of seeing the Linky meter has evolved over time. In 2018, the use of data by the meter was frowned upon. However today, after years of use and a little clarification, this use shows advantages. Indeed, the Linky counter collects data. These data are used in particular for the benefit of users to bring them as close as possible to their actual consumption.

By following, it also serves the electricity supplier in order to best adjust their offers. This collection and transmission is governed by the Energy Code in order to protect consumers. The latter has the choice regarding how to collect his data. He chooses and gives his explicit consent for the frequency of the surveys or the data collected.

The protection of private data identified by Linky, the vision in 2018

The CNIL has looked into the case of data collected by the Linky meter, according to the organization, the meter can cause risks in the protection of personal data. Indeed, an in-depth analysis of the data concerning the use of electricity could allow to deduce a lot of information about the privacy of the user such as lifestyle habits or the number of people among others. The CNIL therefore sets out recommendations to be followed to respect the protection of data and the freedom of the citizen. For example, the CNIL recommends that only authorized persons should be able to access the data collected by the Linky meter,

The allocation of these clearances must be carried out by the agencies concerned and take into account the fact that the burden curve poses much more risk to privacy than consumer indexes.

The CNIL also recommends that consumers be better informed about the collection of their data, both on how and on outcomes. However, more and more people are being opposed to Linky counters. The CNIL recalls that those who object to these meters may exercise a right of opposition on legitimate grounds. But the reality is more complex. In addition to the threat to the confidentiality of private data, it is the health risk pointed out.

A potential health risk evoked at its beginnings

The Linky electric meter transmits and receives information and updates carried by radiant signals. It is these signals that are thought to cause pain in electrosensitive people. The report of the Building Science and Technology Centre (CSTB) confirms that the new meters are harmful. According to the study, the waves produced are also transmitted by unshielded cables. These can cover the entire dwelling. In addition, the electromagnetic disturbance would inver all cables, even those not directly connected to the Linky meter. So it’s a whole area that can be affected because of the spread of the waves.

Overall, across all measurement campaigns, the maximum magnetic field levels generated by Linky communications frames are much higher than ambient noise levels. The CSTB report

Linky counters on the benches of justice

Former Environment Minister Corinne Lepage is officially calling for the installation of Linky meters to be stopped as a precautionary principle. Together with several lawyers, the former environment minister is calling for a thorough study of the real health risks of a massive deployment of Linky meters throughout the country. The citizens did not wait for the former minister’s request to oppose the meter. Complaints against Enedis are growing across France. No less than 200 people took legal action against the meters in Bordeaux. Some municipalities in France are also reluctant to accept them. The installation of these meters and the supposed or proven health risks. Another complaint in Paris is the fact of more than 3000 people requesting the removal of the meter.

We are now talking about a “Linky Dirty Electricity” from the U.S. term “Dirty Electricity” which refers to the pollution of electricity grids. The next-generation meter was supposed to make it easier for consumers and suppliers to monitor consumption, but today few people see positive effects in it.

Sources:

CSTB report summary

Legifrance.gouv

Aqui.fr

Abonnez-vous à la Newsletter