Critics have been quick to pounce on the provincial government over the replacement of thousands of smart meters, the majority of which are installed in the Sarnia area.
Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority has directed Bluewater Power to replace some 3,800 meters by March 31 over concerns they could pose a fire hazard.
The local utility has not had any incidents with the model in question and doesn't feel there's a safety issue.
The cost of replacement is estimated around $1-million.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey on The Talk Show with Sue Storr on Chok this morning, says Bluewater Power will have to pick up the cost and then try to recoup it from the South Carolina manufacturer.
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Bailey says the entire smart meter program has been an abject failure and people should be able to opt out.
There were reports of meters catching fire in Saskatchewan but no local utilities in Ontario are using the model in question there.
The replacement order in Ontario is based on one meter being turned in with evidence of arcing.
