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Man from Assenede ordered to install digital meter following court ruling

Philip Haers (67) from Assenede is required to have a digital meter installed after a ruling from the court in Ghent.

7 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Man from Assenede ordered to install digital meter following court ruling — Archive photoPhoto: Vlaamse Gemeenschap · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

Philip Haers, a 67-year-old man from Assenede, is legally required by the court to have a digital electric meter installed. This ruling came after a lawsuit filed by Fluvius, as the man repeatedly refused to have the meter placed. He stated that his refusal was due to concerns over radiation risk.

The court in Ghent ruled that Fluvius must gain access to Haers' home for the installation of the digital meter. The judge determined that there is no evidence suggesting Haers' health is at risk from radiation emitted by the digital meter.

Although the judge did not accept the fear of radiation risk, Haers may continue to refuse the installation of a digital gas meter. This means he retains some control over the types of meters in his home.

The situation has raised concerns and resistance among some residents regarding the installation of digital meters. It is not uncommon for people to refuse such installations for health reasons.

Fluvius, the network operator responsible for the installation, has indicated that it is important for all residents to have access to the latest technologies, including digital meters. This is aimed at improving efficiency and capacity within the network.

The court's ruling serves as an example of how legal decisions can intervene in the personal choices of residents regarding their home and technology.

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