Refusing Smart Meters: Power Supply Discontinuation by Network Operator
Power Struggle in Mistelbach:
A Veterinarian's Sudden Power Outage Leaves Her Practice in Shambles
Talk about a messy situation! Veterinarian Elisabeth Heymann in Mistelbach is feeling the heat - literally and figuratively - after her power got cut off mid- treatment at her practice. The culprit? An expired calibration on her old power meter and her unwillingness to install a modern smart meter, despite repeated requests from Netz Niederösterreich (NN).
Voice of Privacy
Heymann isn't backing down from her stance. She's vocal about her fears of the new technology, stating, "Then they'll always know when I'm home!" during an interview with ORF Niederösterreich. She's even turned down the offered "opt-out" option, where data is only transmitted once a year. For her, the power outage is a real nightmare: X-ray machines are quiet, medications can't be cooled. Her practice is currently closed due to the lack of power.
Threatening the Law
Heymann isn't throwing in the towel just yet. Alongside her lawyer, Gottfried Forsthuber, she's planning to take legal action against NN. Forsthuber refers to pending proceedings before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and calls the power cut "illegal." There are to district court cases pending as well. Forsthuber demands that the power be restored pending the final clarification. He also insists on allowing a calibrated, conventional power meter, like those commonly used in France and Belgium, as an option.
But NN isn't budging. They claim that old mechanical devices no longer meet the new requirements.
The Legal Lowdown
Refusing a smart meter can have various legal implications depending on the jurisdiction and local regulations. In Austria, where Heymann's case unfolds, the matter would be handled by national energy laws and consumer protection regulations. Common legal issues in such disputes might include whether smart meter installation is mandatory, consumers' right to opt-out, and potential penalties or additional fees for refusal.
Consulting Austrian legal resources or contact with local legal experts could provide more specific details about Heymann's case or Austrian regulations.
- Veterinarian Elisabeth Heymann's reluctance to install a modern smart meter has led to a power outage at her practice, causing a significant disruption in her treatments.
- In an interview with ORF Niederösterreich, Heymann expressed her concern about the new technology, stating that it might lead to constant surveillance of her home.
- With the support of her lawyer, Gottfried Forsthuber, Heymann is planning to take legal action against Netz Niederösterreich, arguing that the power cut was illegal and demanding the restoration of power pending the final clarification.
