PNM begins smart meter rollout amid billing complaints, heat-driven demand

If you get power from the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), a new kind of meter is headed to your house. State regulators have approved PNM's plan to install "smart meters," officially called advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), as part of a $344 million grid modernization effort. These devices continuously collect your energy usage data and transmit it wirelessly back to the utility, eliminating the need for in-person meter readings and letting PNM remotely start or stop service.

For families who've worked hard to reduce wireless radiation exposure at home, this news may raise familiar concerns. At the Public Regulation Commission's meeting, about a dozen people showed up to protest the rollout, citing worries about radio frequency emissions from smart meters. One commenter, Kevin Lorenzen, described his wife's diagnosis of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) by a naturopathic doctor, and argued that regulatory bodies aren't being transparent about health risks. It's worth noting that the World Health Organization has not found a scientific basis linking EHS symptoms to electromagnetic field exposure — but that hasn't stopped many health-conscious households from wanting more control over the RF-emitting devices installed in and on their homes.

The Good News: You Can Opt Out

PNM is required to offer a $10 opt-out option for customers who don't want a smart meter installed. If reducing wireless emissions in your home is a priority, this is worth looking into directly with PNM before installation crews reach your neighborhood. For homebuyers evaluating a property in PNM's service territory, it's also worth asking whether a smart meter is already installed and whether the previous owner opted out.

Reducing Your Overall EMF Load at Home

Whether or not you opt out of a smart meter, most homes already have plenty of other EMF sources worth addressing — routers, cordless phones, and everyday appliances among them. Some families start by improving indoor air quality with low-EMF air purifiers that filter effectively without adding unnecessary electromagnetic field exposure in bedrooms or nurseries. Daily routines matter too — swapping in a low-EMF hair dryer can meaningfully cut close-range exposure during a task most people do every day. And if you're dealing with a smart meter mounted on an exterior wall backing up to a bedroom or living space, some homeowners look into EMF shielding paint as an added layer of protection, though it's worth understanding how it works before investing.

As utilities across the country push forward with smart grid upgrades, staying informed about your rights — including opt-out options — is one of the simplest ways health-conscious families can maintain some control over their home environment.

Originally reported by Albuquerque Journal