In an email sent to all council members, Gaul said that while REMC may claim neither they nor the federal government are using surveillance on citizens, the issue is that the utility companies have the ability to do so with Smart Meters and have such plans in the future. He also says utilities have future plans to monitor all homes and if they deem that anyone is using too much energy for air conditioning or heat – regardless of whether they can afford to pay for the energy use or not – the company will turn off the utilities to homes or businesses as a part of an unconstitutional green initiative under the foreign United Nation’s Agenda 21.Gaul writes, “The energy companies say they cannot do these things, but nothing is further from the truth once all the new smart appliances sold today in stores get forced on Americans and get integrated into their homes and businesses. Then the electric company, federal government, and hackers can monitor and spy on each American citizen.”Specifically, Gaul asked the city to ban the utility companies from charging city residents the opt-out fees. He says residents are being charged anywhere from $13 to $30 a month to opt out of having a Smart Meter installed. “These are fire hazards, health hazards, and it is illegal to charge a fee in order to protect your own health and safety. It’s discrimination,” said Gaul. “I’m asking you to ban those fees for city residents.”

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said the city has no authority over the utility companies and that Gaul would need to file a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Councilman Jeff Grose agreed with Thallemer, but also advised Gaul to approach Kosciusko County Commissioners and the Kosciusko County Council as the county has a larger population of residents affected by the Smart Meters.

Gaul said he appreciated any help the council could provide and would continue to pursue a ban of the Smart Meters opt-out fees.