Only 4,400 PG&E customers opt out of SmartMeters

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 2/15/12 | David R. Baker, Chronicle Staff Writer

[SmithL]

In the two weeks since state regulators gave them the choice, about 4,400 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers have decided to opt out of the utility's SmartMeter program and stick with older, analog meters instead.

The number, reported by PG&E today, is just a fraction of the 145,000 to 150,000 customers that PG&E predicted would eventually choose not to receive a wireless, digital SmartMeter.

But many people may not yet realize that they have a choice.

The California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the state's utilities, for years insisted that all PG&E customers would receive the new meters, which transmit their data automatically without the need for a meter reader. But people who say they have been sickened by wireless technology such as cell phones objected. On Feb. 1, the commission approved an opt-out plan that lets PG&E customers keep their old analog meters if they agree to pay a one-time fee of $75 and monthly charges of $10.

[JoeDetweiler]

When they put my smart meter in my bill went way down. In fact, I’m now kinda suspicious of my old bills and I wish there was some way to check them....

[Illuminatas]

Dont worry it wont last. Wait until they start billing based upon KVA as opposed to KW. Everyone will then know what Power Factor and switching power supplies are then.

[nascarnation]

Frankly I’m shocked, since this is California.
Good for you.

[Chode]

surprising since the old meters had no idea when you were using power only how much, i believe the new meters can charge you more for peak usage hours

i hope your bill stays lower

[Celerity]

A company wouldn’t invest money in deploying a device that saved their customers money. They just wouldn’t.

And the US Government scrapes taxes off of dollars spent on your electric bill. They wouldn’t endorse it either.

Those smart meters suck in everyway.

[jafojeffsurf]

Imagine those 4000 customers who stayed with the old meters when the power grid is taxed and the new smart meters are remotely shut down. Yep, I like the old meters more every day... For those of you who have the new meters, Thanks for dropping the load when I need it!

[DJ MacWoW]

We're also going to try to replace some of our older servers and failing equipment this year so we're going to add a little extra to our FReepathon goals. John is estimating ten to fifteen thousand to do this and I'd like to get it all in place and working before the election cycle is fully heated up, so we'll try to bring in a little more now if we can and the rest next quarter.
Jim Robinson

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