Community Corner

Judge Rules on Farmington Hills Couple's Smart Meter Lawsuit

Ralph and Donna Stenman removed the smart meter, which they said caused health problems while it was attached to their home.

An Oakland County judge has ruled, in part, against a Farmington Hills husband and wife who landed in court after removing a new DTE smart meter from their home, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday.

Smart meters transmit data to meter readers who walk or drive by them. 

Oakland County Circuit Judge Rudy Nichols on Nov. 30 granted a "partial summary disposition" and ruled that DTE has the right to come onto Ralph and Donna Stenman's property to do work, and that the couple is responsible for "the safekeeping of meter equipment," the Free Press reported.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In an affidavit, Donna Stenman said that the meter caused "nausea, severe headaches and insomnia" after it was installed on Sept. 1, 2011.

This past summer, DTE proposed an $87 fee, plus an additional $15 per month, for customers who want to opt out of the new electronic meters. Opponents say they cause health problems, interfere with cochlear implants and other electronic devices  and raise concerns about data privacy. DTE Energy's website reports the new meters will lead to fewer estimated meter readings and virtually eliminate the need for a meter reader to come onto a customer's property to read meters.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Michigan Public Service Commission has not yet ruled on DTE's plan to charge those who wish to opt out of the meters.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Farmington-Farmington Hills