MUSKEGON, Mich. — A group called Michigan Stop Smart Meters will hold a meeting Thursday night to discuss concerns surrounding the controversial smart meters.

Consumers Energy began installing the smart meters for some time, and mostly in Muskegon and Oceana counties. They look like regular energy meters, but they differ in that they record data every hour and transmit a wireless signal back to Consumers once a day.

The company said that a benefit to the smart meter is that homeowners will not have to guess at what their energy bill will be because smart meters allow customers to track their energy usage.

However, many people are concerned about long-term effects on health and privacy issues.

Michigan Stop Smart Meters will hold a meeting that’s open to the public at Muskegon Community College in the Blue and Gold Room that is open to the public. Questions are invited and the meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Customers can opt out of the smart meter by calling Consumers Energy, but additional charges may apply.