GCEA POSITION STATEMENT ON ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) has been committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service since 1938 while complying with all applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements. As part of our mission, we strive to serve our members through transparency and education related to their electric service.
Some members of the public have expressed concerns about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and potential health effects. GCEA acknowledges these concerns and provides the following position statement to explain our understanding of EMFs and our commitment to member and public safety.
EMFs EXPLAINED
EMFs are produced wherever electricity is generated, provided, and used—including through power lines, wiring in buildings, and common appliances. The Earth itself also naturally produces EMFs.
In a society that relies on electricity, people living in industrialized nations are continuously exposed to both natural and human-generated EMFs as part of daily life.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
GCEA designs, constructs, and operates its electric system in accordance with established engineering practices and all applicable federal and state regulations. In the United States, electric power is provided in alternating current (AC) at a frequency of 60 Hertz (Hz).
Currently, no health-based regulatory standards for EMFs in the extremely low frequency, or power frequency range (60 Hz) have been set at the U.S. federal or Colorado state level.
EXTENSIVE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
In the absence of specific regulatory requirements, GCEA relies on credible scientific research to guide its policies and operational practices with regard to EMFs. The health effects of EMFs have been studied extensively for decades and research is ongoing.
We continuously monitor developments in EMF research and internationally recognized, scientifically based exposure standards for power frequency EMFs.
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STANDARDS
Two recognized independent organizations set standards for safety levels for human exposure to EMFs in the extremely low frequency range.
GCEA views these standards as internationally recognized scientific consensus statements on the issue of health effects from EMFs. The standards are based on extensive review of ongoing scientific research and are updated periodically.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES):
IEEE Standards for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields, 0 Hz to 300 GHz, IEEE Std C95.1™- 2019
Available at: IEEE online store
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP):
ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time Varying Electric and Magnetic fields (1Hz – 100kHz), Health Physics 99(6):818-836; 2010
Available at: ICNIRP website
EMF levels associated with electric utility facilities provided by GCEA are well below the power frequency EMF exposure reference levels established by IEEE ICES and ICNIRP for the general public.
ADDITIONAL EMF INFORMATION
Please refer to the following sources for additional information about EMFs:
World Health Organization – Questions and Answers on Electromagnetic Fields
GCEA COMMITMENTS
- GCEA will continue to comply with all applicable legal requirements when constructing and maintaining electric facilities to ensure safe and reliable service.
- GCEA will remain informed about important developments in EMF research and industry standards.
- GCEA will provide accurate, objective, and science-based information about EMFs to members, employees, and the public.
- GCEA does not provide EMF exposure testing services.