Despite constant pleas at the California Public Utilities Commission from consumers who do not want digital meters, the agency put off making a decision on the cost and methodology for opting out of the “smart” meter regime--but regulators claim a new proposal would allow for immediate and less-costly opt-outs. The proposed decision was pulled from consideration Jan. 12. The next day the commission revised its proposal. It’s now set for a vote Feb. 2. The proposed decision would have the cost of opting out of digital meters socialized for lower costs rather than pinning it all on specific customers. It calls for a $90 initial fee, plus $10/month on an interim basis for immediate opt-out. Actual costs for allowing consumers to retain or choose analog meters would be set for a second phase of agency discussions. The new proposed decision calls for far lower costs than proposed by Pacific Gas & Electric. The utility recommended an initial fee of $270, with a $14/month surcharge. PG&E--the target of the program, as there’s been little resistance in other utility territories--softened its stance in the last few months, according to commission documents. It supports replacing “smart” meters with analog, as well as a “radio off” mode for digital meters. The utility continues to stand by the meters’ “safety and accuracy.” It also adds that it “respects” customers’ choice as “both important and necessary” if they do not want digital meters. Consumer advocates continue to express concerns over the cost attached to customers who opt out. The Utility Reform Network is pressing for half of opt-out costs to be shouldered by utility shareholders. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates is concerned that PG&E could spend $2 million on developing remote ability to turn off radio frequencies with no review for efficiency. Consumers have presented their concern over health effects of radio transmissions from “smart” meters to the commission since PG&E began installations.
