EE, [23/11/2024 00:43]

Amend this as necessary and send it to them. Recorded delivery. FORMAL NOTICE TO BRITISH GAS

 

To: British Gas

Customer Service Team

[British Gas Address]

[City, Postcode]

 

Subject: Formal Request for a Non-Smart Meter Due to Medical Exemptions and Health Concerns

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

This is a formal notice regarding your proposed or ongoing plans to install a smart meter at my property. Based on medical advice and substantial evidence of the potential risks associated with smart meters, I am exercising my right to decline a smart meter installation and formally demand the installation or continuation of a standard, non-smart meter. This request is based on legitimate medical, legal, and safety grounds, which are outlined below.

 

1. Medical Grounds for Refusal

1.1. Medical Exemption for Pacemaker/ICD

 

I have been advised by my oncologist that smart meters may interfere with the proper functioning of pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by smart meters can disrupt these life-saving medical devices, posing a significant health risk to me.

1.2. Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Sensitivity

 

I also experience Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition recognized internationally (e.g., by the World Health Organization). EMFs generated by smart meters exacerbate symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and other debilitating effects. Installing a smart meter at my property would directly compromise my health and well-being.

2. Legal Basis for This Request

2.1. Equality Act 2010

 

Under Section 6(1) of the Equality Act 2010, my medical conditions qualify as disabilities because they have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on my ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Section 20 of the Act imposes a duty on service providers, such as British Gas, to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabled individuals. Providing a standard, non-smart meter is a reasonable adjustment to ensure I am not put at risk.

2.2. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

 

Section 3 of this Act places a legal duty on British Gas to conduct its operations in a manner that does not pose risks to the health or safety of individuals. The installation of a smart meter, known to emit EMFs and interfere with medical devices, would constitute a failure to uphold this duty.

2.3. Data Protection Rights

 

Smart meters transmit data wirelessly and continuously, raising concerns about data privacy. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), I have the right to control how my personal data is collected and processed. By refusing a smart meter, I am exercising my lawful right to maintain control over my data.

2.4. Freedom of Choice

 

The UK Government has confirmed that smart meters are not mandatory and that consumers have the right to opt for alternatives. Forcing a smart meter installation contrary to my explicit refusal would contravene this principle.

3. Scientific Evidence of Health Risks

Interference with Medical Devices: Research, such as the American Heart Association’s studies (2017), has documented cases of electromagnetic interference with pacemakers and ICDs due to proximity to EMF sources like smart meters.

Biological Effects of EMFs: The BioInitiative Report 2012 compiles thousands of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating adverse health effects, including neurological and cardiovascular impacts, from EMF exposure.

Recognition of EHS: Numerous studies, including those published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2018), confirm the validity of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity as a condition affecting sensitive individuals.

The evidence of risk is substantial and cannot be dismissed.

 

4. My Demands and Expectations

4.1. Immediate Action

 

I require that British Gas:

 

Cease any attempts to install a smart meter at my property.

Provide and/or maintain a standard, non-smart meter that does not emit EMFs.

4.2. Acknowledgment of Responsibility

 

EE, [23/11/2024 00:43]

If British Gas proceeds with installing a smart meter against my wishes, I reserve the right to take legal action for:

 

Breach of my rights under the Equality Act 2010.

Negligence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Any adverse health effects or medical complications resulting from the installation.

4.3. Confirmation of Compliance

 

I request a written acknowledgment from British Gas confirming:

 

That my request for a non-smart meter has been accepted.

The steps British Gas will take to ensure my health and safety are prioritized.

5. Final Warning

Failure to address this matter satisfactorily will result in the following actions:

 

Filing a formal complaint with the Ombudsman Services: Energy and relevant regulatory bodies.

Exploring legal action to enforce my rights and seek damages for any adverse impacts caused by British Gas’s negligence or refusal to comply with my lawful demands.

6. Closing Statement

I trust British Gas will recognize the seriousness of this matter and act promptly to address my concerns. Please provide a response within 14 days of receipt of this notice. I am prepared to escalate this matter further if my request is ignored or dismissed.

 

Yours faithfully,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]