She Refused a Smart Meter for Health Reasons — So New Jersey Water Company Shut Off Her Water

Key Takeaways

• NJ American Water cut water for six days over smart meter refusal
• State Board of Public Utilities says no regulation forces smart meter acceptance
• Company restored service with analog meter after BPU intervention
• Similar coercion reported by electric utilities, raising consumer rights concerns
• Incident may spur legislative action on opt‑out options for smart meters

Pulse Analysis

Smart meters promise utilities real‑time data and operational efficiencies, but they also introduce wireless radiofrequency emissions that some consumers, especially those with chronic health conditions, claim exacerbate symptoms. While many states have embraced advanced metering infrastructure, few have codified clear opt‑out mechanisms, leaving vulnerable households to navigate ambiguous utility policies. The debate pits utility cost savings against public health concerns, and the lack of uniform federal guidance creates a patchwork of state‑level responses that can leave consumers uncertain about their rights.

In New Jersey, the dispute escalated when Alla Goldman, diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, declined a smart water meter due to feared radiation exposure. New Jersey American Water repeatedly threatened service termination, ultimately dispatching a technician with police accompaniment to shut off water for six days. The Board of Public Utilities stepped in, noting that no regulation obligates customers to accept smart meters. Following the intervention, the utility reinstated water service and installed a traditional analog meter, underscoring the power of regulatory oversight in curbing overreach.

The incident reverberates beyond a single household, echoing similar confrontations in the electric sector where utilities have threatened power cuts for non‑compliance. As consumer advocacy groups amplify these stories, legislators may consider formalizing opt‑out provisions and establishing transparent notification standards. Strengthening oversight could balance utilities’ operational goals with public health safeguards, ensuring that essential services like water and electricity remain accessible without coercive tactics.