Some metro Detroiters worried that new DTE smart meters are making them sick

(WXYZ) - There are new electric meters being installed on homes in metro-Detroit. They are called smart meters and they use electromagnetic frequency to send DTE information about power use. 

This gets rid of the need for meter readers and notifies the power company about outages.

However some say the EMF from the meters is making them sick.

“I suffered headaches, bodyaches… flu-like symptoms,” said Lillian Cusumano. 

She says she didn’t know about smart meters when she started feeling sick only at one of her two homes. It was a neighbor that pointed out that DTE had just installed a smart meter on the Addison Township home. She says it isn't a coincidence

“I did go look at smart meters online, and realized I had the symptoms,” said Cusumano.

She and her husband asked DTE to remove the meter. When the company refused, they say they removed it themselves. Now the utility company is suing them.

“Removing or tampering with an electric meter is a felony under state law – and also a significant safety hazard,” said Len Singer, a spokesperson for the utility company.

“DTE Energy has installed almost 1 million advanced meters in Southeast Michigan, and we expect to have 1.25 million in service by the end of this year. We are confident in the safety, security and benefits provided by advanced meters,” said Singer.

Monday night on 7 Action News at 5 we will tell the stories of those worried the meters are hurting their health.  We will also take a look at what a state commission may do to give utility customers an option.