LPEA customers oppose upcharge for visiting homes.. La Plata Electric Association ... A frequent comment was the impression that the switch from analog to Advanced Metering Infrastructure – or so-called smart meters – that started in late 2013 was done without informing customers. Several people said they learned about smart meters from neighbors or only because they were at home when an LPEA technician arrived to switch out the analog meter. The alleged secrecy eroded public trust, they said. About 300 LPEA customers have chosen not to have the latest meter-reading technology installed. A number of speakers cited health problems,...