National Weights and Measures Week - March 1-7th, 2022 "For the Sake of Equity"
Author: David Aguayo, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Date: 3/1/2022 4:00 AM
National Weights and Measures Week, March 1-7, commemorates President John Adams’ signing of the first United States weights and measures law on March 2nd, 1799. This law ultimately led to the establishment of today’s enforcement framework assuring consumer protection and equity in the marketplace
The theme for 2022, “For the Sake of Equity”, addresses the importance of equity in commerce for both the consumer and seller. Weights and Measures officials are tasked with overseeing transactional accuracy to achieve an equitable and fair marketplace. Their daily efforts provide an assurance to consumers that items sold by weight, measure, count, or time are accurate, and customers are provided with the information to make a fully informed decision when purchasing goods. Across the United States, officials apply uniform standards to these transactions, ensuring that commodities offered for sale are not only accurate but maintain a minimum performance standard, such as in the selling of fuels and lubricants. The scope of a weights and measures official ranges from quantity to quality, each providing a level of assurance for the greater good towards equity.
From year to year, weights and measures officials are faced with new technologies requiring the remodeling of established standards to complex technologies. This year, the weights and measures community will focus on addressing the growth of electric vehicle charging stations, measuring devices used when selling electricity for fueling purposes. This new network of complex chargers requires specialized training, equipment, and uniform standards which establish tolerances and specifications for such devices.
Many of these issues are discussed at the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) where standards professionals, industry members, and regulators meet to develop future standards for consumer protection activities. San Luis Obispo County weights and measures officials are active members in NCWM, regularly attending annual meetings and trainings to gain insight on new technologies impacting state and county jurisdictions. County weights and measures officials continue to collaborate with officials nationwide to share experiences and knowledge on developing technologies and challenging technical issues.
From shelf to scanner, pump to vehicle, Weights and Measures Inspectors make certain customers get what they pay for. If you have been overcharged or have a complaint about the accuracy of a weighing or measuring device, we would like to hear from you. Please contact a Weights and Measures Inspector at (805) 781-5910.
