The idea behind the smart meter, once it is fully functional, is to allow consumers and the utility to track how much electricity a consumer uses and when it is used by sending or receiving energy usage data.
In order to get the full benefits of smart meters, however, consumers have to buy their own communications devices, computers, high speed internet, special thermostats, appliance chips and other automated equipment.
Why are so many consumers complaining about smart meters?
Smart meters have already cost consumers close to $5 billion dollars. Groups like The Utility Reform Netork (TURN) have received hundreds of complaints from PG&E customers about their bills doubling and tripling since the new devices were installed at their homes.
Other important concerns raised by consumers include:
- – Health effects from electromagnetic waves produced by smart meters.
- – The need for strong protections on smart meter data to protect consumers privacy and personal information. A traditional meter tells your utility company how much gas and electricity you use between readings. Smart meters tell them how much energy you use, when you use it, what you use it for and even what appliances you use it with.
In response to complaints from thousands of customers about these meters, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has ordered PG&E to provide options for customers wishing to opt-out of the smart meter program.
PG&E’s proposal would allow customers to opt-out by switching off the wireless function of the smart meter, which could alleviate concern about the radiation from wireless communications. But PG&E wants customers to pay way too much for the privilege of opting out – $135 up front and $20 per month after that. PG&E and other utility companies can and should provide customers who don’t want smart meters with an opt-out at either no charge or a very minimal one.
If you are concerned about the Smart Meter and want an opt-out program:
- – Send letters to the CPUC and your state legislators and ask for more affordable options.
- – Contact PG&E and let them know that you don’t want a smart meter and would like to be placed at the end of their installation schedule. PG&E’s dedicated smart meter line is 1-866-743-0263. If PG&E threatens to shut off your power, file a complaint with the CPUC or call TURN.
If you don’t have a smart meter, take a picture of your meter reading and mark the date and time once a month. That way, if PGE& ever sends you an estimated bill, you will have proof of your actual usage and be able to fight back against overcharges, as well as compare usage after your smart meter is installed.
If you already have a smart meter, monitor your bills closely. Unfortunately, once the meters have been installed it is extremely difficult to get them removed.
If you already have a smart meter, TURN encourages you to sign up for PG&E’s Energy Alerts, a tool that lets you know when your usage goes into a higher-priced tier.
Ana Montes and Kori Chen work for The Utility Reform Network.