Re: “B.C. Hydro storming ahead with new meters,” Jan. 19.

The president of StopSmartMeters.ca contends that B.C. Hydro personnel, by insisting on smart-meter installation, are trampling on customers’ democratic rights.

The appeal to democratic rights is misplaced. There is no democratic right to receive a service offered for money by anyone on terms specified by the customer. For example:

1948: “I insist that my milk be delivered by horse and cart as it has always been. Dangerous motor vehicles have no place in our neighbourhood.”

1958: “I insist that my milk be delivered. It is dangerous for me to walk to a grocery store and carry heavy milk home.”

1978: “I insist that my milk be sold in glass bottles. Plastic and coated cardboard can contain all sorts of harmful agents.”

The democratic right available is simply to elect not to purchase an offered product or service. There is no obligation on a service-provider to offer it on terms dictated by the customer.

Robert H. Barrigar

Victoria

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