Has anything more come of PG&E smartmeter opt-out? [Archive]

ubaru

04-10-2012, 07:09 PM

Was wondering if more has been reported or changed as far as PG&E not charging the $75 for taking off the smartmeter (which was never asked for in the first place) and the $10 extra/month fee. The opt-out is by May 1st. Thanks!

The next CPUC meeting is on April 19th, and then no meetings are scheduled until after the opt-out. This site shows meeting dates: https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/requesttocomment/

(https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/requesttocomment/)The last I heard the agenda was to demand a free opt out and the ability for whole towns to opt-out. So I'd wait until after April 19th to opt out, unless you know you are terribly disorganized, in which case I'd opt out now. 1-866-743-0263 available 24/7. I will definitely post the results of that CPUC meeting on Wacco.

Meanwhile please sign this petition demanding a free opt-out:

Hello
First, thank you all for signing the petition. It is gratifying to check in every day and see the new signatures every day. The statements you include are very powerful. Thank you to all who have taken the time to write me a personal note of support as well.

Starting May 1st PG&E plans on charging us the opt-out fees. PG&E claims that over 10,000 customers have given notice to opt out. This means that PG&E will be making a profit of $750,000. plus an additional $10 a month, totaling an additional $1,200,000 yearly from people who are opting out due to experiencing adverse health conditions, or having bills tripled or who object to the privacy violations from smart meters.

May 1st is coming up quickly. We need more signatures to make our point. I am just one person and I need help in getting the word out. I have started a facebook page to use as a forum to voice your complaints, exchange ideas, post videos, or offer suggestions on what we can do to stop PG&E from installing smart meters and charging us if we want to opt-out.

Here is the link to click LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/StopPgeSmartMeterOptOutFees
Please spread the word.

PG&E called me last week to see if I wanted to opt-out. I told them I wanted to opt-out and not be charged because I was concerned about the health risks. I was informed by Angel, the agent in the Sacramento office I spoke with, that he had, "read all that stuff on the internet and it was not true. Smart meters do not cause any adverse health conditions." I'm sure Angel would 'enjoy' hearing from those of you who signed the petition including any details on how your health has been compromised because of a smart meter installation. PG&E's phone # is: 1 800-743-5000. You might even ask to speak to Angel in the Sacramento office.

In the meantime keep spreading the word, get on facebook, tweet - whatever you can do to get more signatures, as I will be delivering the petition to PG&E in person. Does anyone want to join me?

Thank you for your partnership,
Voge Smith

https://signon.org/sign/pge-smart-meter-fees?source=s.em.cr&r_by=3316918&mailing_id=3302

Sabrina

04-12-2012, 12:43 PM

I got my call from PG & E asking if I still wanted to opt out and pay their fees, or if I'd like to get my smart meter now - there was also an option to speak to a rep which I did. He tried arguing with me, but to no use. :thumbsup:
Basically he said that if you opt out you'll be billed - but finally said it depends on what the CPUC decision was, and that we might not be billed. I said I'd be protesting my charges, especially the initial one time charge to either keep the old meter you have or have the old meter re installed. The old meter is still on my house, so I really protest any charges.

ubaru

04-13-2012, 03:47 AM

I think a lot of you will like this one. We are calling the utility bully's bluff as a mass movement. :idea:
Liz

We Are Not ‘Opting Out’………….We Are Refusing to Opt In.

Posted on April 10, 2012 (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/we-are-not-opting-out-we-are-refusing-to-opt-in-theres-a-difference/) by onthelevelblog (https://stopsmartmeters.org/author/onthelevelblog/)
https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Not-Cool1.png
(https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Not-Cool1.png)
(https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/StopSmartMeters.jpg)By Joshua Hart, Director Stop Smart Meters!

The following is written for customers of PG&E in Northern California, but it is also applicable to customers of other utilities around the US and internationally who are unjustifiably charging steep penalties simply to retain one’s analog utility meter.

As PG&E’s arbitrary May 1st deadline for ‘opting out’ of having a smart meter on your home approaches, we’re starting to get a lot of questions from people, asking what to do.

That PG&E certified letter is sitting there on your desk, in the pile of tax papers, and you’ve heard a lot of different opinions about how to best protect yourself from all the documented dangers and violations of smart meters. Should you send back the form, essentially agreeing to pay hundreds- even thousands of dollars to PG&E over the coming years? Should you do nothing, refusing to pay opt out fees but also continuing to refuse access to the utility? Or should you just give up and let them install a smart meter, obeying the authorities despite the overwhelming evidence pointing toward a serious risk to our privacy, health, and safety?

Well it probably doesn’t come as any surprise that we would not recommend allowing a smart meter on your home, under any circumstance. But what are the risks and advantages of the other two options? What if you already have a smart meter installed and want it removed? What if you live in an apartment building with 100 meters on the other side of the wall? (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/2011/04/08/shrubs-dont-lie/) The answers are not simple. There is just no one sound bite that covers it. The legal, political, and social contexts surrounding this heated issue are constantly in flux.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t adhere to some basic principles and defend your rights against the utility bullies.

As we are not lawyers we cannot offer you legal advice. But what we can do is to tell you what our plan is, being faced with the unreasonable choice of paying hundreds in fees or accepting a smart meter.

Here’s what we’re planning to do:

• Ignore their illegal opt out notice.

• Send the utility a certified letter (https://stopsmartmeters.org/sample-letter-to-utility/) informing them that they do not have permission to install a telecommunications device on our property.

• Secure our meters (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/defend-your-analog-meter-main-index/https://stopsmartmeters.org/defend-your-analog-meter-main-index/), change the locks, lock our gate, and post no trespassing utility signs. Tell any installer to leave immediately and call police if they do not comply.

• Refuse to pay (https://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/we-refuse-to-pay-extortionate-smart-meter-opt-out-fees/)any extra charges that might show up on our bill.

• Those in apartment buildings are organizing with other tenants, often getting the support of building managers/ owners (https://www.aoausa.com/Articles/2012/March/13.pdf) (pdf). Organize a meeting and get a speaker.

Some people- for various reasons- are not up for a fight with their utility. If the only way to keep an analog meter on your home is by going along and paying PG&E’s extortion fee- then by all means pay the fee (https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pg%26e+smart+meter+opt+out&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pge.com%2Fmyhome%2Fcustomerservice%2Fsmartmeter%2Foptout%2F&ei=3KeET5eJA4KSOsD_oN0I&usg=AFQjCNHzYkb2Oe5C_N9I2zfPiMHhKPH0ew). Do not agree to having a smart meter on your home under any circumstances. We are telling you these devices are dangerous (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=2292). Keep your distance (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/2011/09/19/smart-meters-violate-fcc-regulations-period/)! Plus, we imagine that obtaining any compensation for damages in the future will be far more difficult if you have agreed to a smart meter installation.

If you are worried about the cost, allowing a smart meter is far more expensive in the end, when you consider meter power consumption (adding about $3 or more (https://www.kionrightnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=14016659) onto the average monthly bill), inaccurate and inflated bills (https://sites.google.com/site/nocelltowerinourneighborhood/home/wireless-smart-meter-concerns/smart-meter-consumers-anger-grows-over-higher-utility-bills), risk of fire (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=1280), and health damages (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=2292) from microwave radiation. Paying ten bucks a month is actually a bargain, when you consider the horrific alternative. This program should never have been approved by regulators in the first place. The smart grid is bad energy policy that is hurting people in the wallets, hurting health, and hurting the environment they’re pretending to save. That is why we need to protest, and refuse the fees, together.

It’s critical to understand your rights and the utility company’s rights. The one huge mistake we see people making again and again is deferring to the utility to tell them what their rights are. Do not call up the utility company to ask them what your rights are against the utility company. They will lie to you- their call center operators are trained to do so. If you want to know what your rights are, read the letter of the law or consult a lawyer.

Here’s what the California State Utility Code (https://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html) says:

Code 328.2(b) states: “No customer should have to pay separate fees for utilizing services that protect public or customer safety.”

Code 453. (b) states: “No public utility shall prejudice, disadvantage, or require different rates or deposit amounts from a person because of medical condition”

So, we’ve established that CA utilities may not charge people more based on medical condition or to protect safety. Being sickened by and sensitive to microwave radiation is a documented medical condition (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21793784). Microwave radiation emitted by smart meters is a Class 2B carcinogen (https://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf) (pdf). The fire and electrical safety risks of smart meters have been well documented (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=1280). Any fee charged to anyone who prefers an analog meter is therefore illegal.

Here’s what the US Federal Energy Act of 2005 says:

Title Xll, Subtitle E, Section 1252, (a), (14), (C) states: “Each electric utility subject to subparagraph (A) shall provide each customer requesting a time-based rate with a time-based meter capable of enabling the utility and customer to offer and receive such rate, respectively.”

It’s pretty clear at this point that smart meters are not mandatory. (Please post the legislation that makes them mandatory if you dispute this) Despite all the lies, the fabrications, and the bluster, the truth remains that smart meters were only legislated by Congress to be offered to people, not forced upon them. We repeat. There is no mandate. Opt out programs make the false assumption that there is some “requirement” that supersedes the contractual relationship between a utility and a property owner. This is simply not the case (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/2011/12/05/smart-meters-are-not-legal-a-nitty-gritty-analysis-of-peeveys-unlawful-and-unfair-opt-out-proposal/). There is a difference between utility company policy and the law. The latter always trumps the former and you can bet that the utilities seek to blur the line in the public mind, whenever and wherever possible.

Given questions about the legality of PG&E’s opt out program, we’re going to stand our ground, lock up our meters, send the utility letters of no consent, and refuse to pay any fees. If you are a lawyer, we’d like to hear from you.

Like any defiant act, there are risks. We cannot predict how the unruly animal known as our modern utility industry will react to this–certainly the law doesn’t seem to matter much to them. It is possible that they will attempt collection of unpaid opt out fees, or even shut off our power. That won’t go down well in court. And it certainly won’t go down well in the court of public opinion. We’re stocking up on candles and hedging our bets.

When this dispute ends up in a court of law, we will be in a much stronger position for not consenting to either the smart meter installation or the opt out fees. Make sure to document everything in writing via certified mail- we know many people who only communicate with the utility this way, to preserve a record. If you have suffered an injury or loss from the smart grid, lodge a formal complaint (https://www.smartmeterhelp.com/).

While possible, it is hard to imagine the utility shutting off power to thousands of people or entire towns. The public backlash from that kind of bullying would make the December shut off of twenty or so families in Santa Cruz County (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/2011/12/13/pge-shuts-off-power-to-sickened-families-2-weeks-before-christmas/) look like a picnic. Using such bullying tactics could risk the monopoly over power delivery and profits that these utilities hold so dear. There is just so much that people are willing to take before they demand change and choice.

Each of us has to make our own decision. Is it worse to have to pay thousands of dollars during your lifetime in protection racket fees? Or is it worse to risk a possible brief interruption of service during a historic showdown between thousands of ratepayers and the utility?

The moral of the story is that you should be confident in defying the utility, as part of a mass movement of ratepayers. Utilities failed to seek adequate permission for their failing smart grid plans (https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pg%26e+smart+meter+opt+out+refuse+petition&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CE4QFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Femfsafetynetwork.org%2F&ei=66iET6z4A4npOf-9kccI&usg=AFQjCNH6Kkw4pwATSza5nIi4X3oiy0SExA). They are the ones who are desperately trying to make you believe you have no rights. They are the ones who are attempting to bluff their way through a debacle of their own making.

It’s time we called their bluff.

Sign the petition to demand an end to opt out fees
(https://signon.org/sign/pge-smart-meter-fees)
Sign the petition promising to refuse to pay (https://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/we-refuse-to-pay-extortionate-smart-meter-opt-out-fees/)

https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/StopSmartMeters-1024x768.jpg

https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/en/twitter/tt-twitter-micro3.png (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We+Are+Not+%E2%80%98Opting+Out%E2%80%99%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6.We+Are+Refusing+to+Opt+In.+http%3A%2F%2Fis.gd%2Fskdj5h) https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/en/facebook/tt-facebook-micro3.png
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This entry was posted in California (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/california/), Citizen rebellion (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/citizen-rebellion/), Electro-Hyper-Sensitivity (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/electro-hyper-sensitivity/), Federal Energy Act of 2005 (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/federal-energy-act-of-2005/), legal issues (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/legal-issues/), neighborhood organizing (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/neighborhood-organizing/), PG&E (https://stopsmartmeters.org/category/pge/). Bookmark the permalink (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/10/we-are-not-opting-out-we-are-refusing-to-opt-in-theres-a-difference/).

sharingwisdom

04-13-2012, 09:58 PM

I wish this could be more clear particularly if P, G & E already stuck a smartmeter on my gas meter when I wasn't there, and I don't want it there. If I don't do anything, it will just stay there.

I think a lot of you will like this one. We are calling the utility bully's bluff as a mass movement. :idea:
Liz

We Are Not ‘Opting Out’………….We Are Refusing to Opt In....

CSummer

04-14-2012, 01:25 AM

ubaru

04-14-2012, 04:18 AM

Yes, and I think it will not be clear as long as we're shaking our fist at PG&E with one hand and giving them money - paying them to provide our household energy - with the other.

When we're ready to come together and cooperate in meeting those needs ourselves, then we can reclaim our power and free ourselves from an adversarial relationship that characterizes our dependence on big energy.

(And, yes, the same principle applies to all the unequal-power relationships that are so pervasive in a hierarchical society.)

CSummer

Well said, thank you!

I wish this could be more clear particularly if P, G & E already stuck a smartmeter on my gas meter when I wasn't there, and I don't want it there. If I don't do anything, it will just stay there.

This rebel approach is optional. And the most important priority being expressed here in Joshua's article is that Smart Meters are dangerous--health, fire, theft from hacking from the street, etc. Do whatever it takes to not have one, even if that means paying. So wait, if you want, until the April 19th CPUC meeting to see if they'll go for a free opt-out, but paying the upfront fee of $75 and then $10 a month, if need be, is so worth it....especially if one is being negatively affected by them. And you can still rebel, if you like, after opting out, by refusing to pay that part of your bill.

ubaru

04-14-2012, 05:12 AM

Watsonville mom Diane Dutton has started a website to fight
extortionate utility opt out fees- and smart meters in general- check
it out and *spread the word*:

https://www.fightthefees.org

A great protest project for the weekend: take your camera out and get
your neighbors involved- then send Diane your pics at
[email protected][/URL]. The more handmade and unique signs the
better.

Let the utilities know how you feel about their "smart" grid!!

I don't recommend kissing your meter though--even analogs put out strong EMF's.

And if you haven't already seen it here is some powerful stuff from
smart meter opponents in Canada: [URL]https://thepowerfilm.org (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/[email protected])

Thanks for taking action to fight illegal and immoral opt out penalties!

Stop Smart Meters!

Josh

--
Joshua Hart
Director, Stop Smart Meters!
https://stopsmartmeters.org

Sasu

04-14-2012, 10:24 AM

The punitive, arbitrary smart meter opt-out fees were never evaluated by the CPUC, and they are being used to intimidate customers into accepting the smart meter. These fees will be evaluated in a second phase of the proceeding at the CPUC, within a couple months. Community wide opt out will also be decided. Sebastopol asked for a moratorium two years ago, and we still have many analog meters in town. I will continue to fight for a NO FEE opt out at the CPUC.

IMPORTANT: I have been told PG&E has hired 2 companies to install smart meters in Sebastopl on MAY 1, so please help get the word out to call PG&E at 866-743-0263.

If you have a smart meter: Call PG&E 866-743-0263 tell them to remove it. If they charge you, you can write "paid under protest" on your check(s) and keep a copy. Or you can NOT pay and risk having your power turned off, or having them reinstall the smart meter. *

If you have an analog meter: Call PG&E at 866-743-0263 and tell them you plan to keep your analog meter. If they charge you, you can write "paid under protest" on your check (s) and keep a copy. Or you can NOT pay and risk having your power turned off, or having them install the smart meter.* I do not recommend that you lock up your meter and ignore PG&E, because other CA Utilities (SCE) have broken locks and sawed off metal cages.

*RISKS and BENEFITS of NOT paying the fees: Not paying the fees is a form of direct action that will have risks and benefits. The risks are PG&E may turn off your utilities, or install, or re-install a smart meter. If they turn off your utilities you can tell us and we will bring it to the medias attention. If they install a smart meter you can tell them to remove it and restore the analog. This can be helpful if many people take this action as PG&E does not want this kind of trouble.

Neighbors meters: Talk to your neighbors about these choices. Some people, including myself will offer to cover the costs of neighbors opt out, to protect themselves and their children.

For more info see:https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7157
See also: https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7387

Sandi Maurer
www.emfsafetynetwork.org (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7387)

jbox

04-14-2012, 09:09 PM

Well said, thank you!

This rebel approach is optional. And the most important priority being expressed here in Joshua's article is that Smart Meters are dangerous--health, fire, theft from hacking from the street, etc. Do whatever it takes to not have one, even if that means paying. So wait, if you want, until the April 19th CPUC meeting to see if they'll go for a free opt-out, but paying the upfront fee of $75 and then $10 a month, if need be, is so worth it....especially if one is being negatively affected by them. And you can still rebel, if you like, after opting out, by refusing to pay that part of your bill.

So, Ubaru, how do you feel about the move to take over public power by the County, as articulated by our bright young supervisor, Efren Carillo? Anyone else besides Barry care to weigh in on this quite interesting and important issue?

ubaru

04-15-2012, 04:07 AM

So, Ubaru, how do you feel about the move to take over public power by the County, as articulated by our bright young supervisor, Efren Carillo? Anyone else besides Barry care to weigh in on this quite interesting and important issue?

I live in Marin and this is the first I've heard of it. What are the significant points about it?

ubaru

04-21-2012, 05:08 PM

Ok so the short of it is that the April 19th CPUC meeting yielded no gains for us. We still have the fees. Communities cannot opt out as a whole, yet. Multiple meters on apartment buildings are still allowed. But we aren't done fighting! More meetings lay ahead to hash this out.

So what this means for many of you is to go ahead and opt-out before May 1st. 1-866-743-0263 available 24/7 The $75 won't be billed to you until July, and you can choose to not pay it if you like.

Southern California won the opportunity to opt-out which they are celebrating, albeit with the same extortionist fees. So please take the time to contact your S. CA friends and family and let them know. Their numbers to opt out are
SDG&E: 1-800-411-7343, [email protected] , www.sdge.com
SCE (Edison): 1-800-810-2369 ; Contact page at (https://www.sdge.com/) www.sce.com (https://www.sce.com/)

The push back against Smart Meters is going viral nationally and internationally. The more people who dare to not pay the fee, and keep spreading the word about the harmful effects of Smart Meters, the harder it will be for PG&E and other electric companies to get away with this. So now's the time to blaze brightly!

Here's the latest in detail with some help for how to choose what to do. Also, it's time to get your neighbors on board. These things radiate 92' in all directions.

Liz

Opt-Out Options – So Cal Utilities Now Included (https://eon3emfblog.net/?p=4820)

Posted on April 20, 2012 (https://eon3emfblog.net/?p=4820) by Admin (https://eon3emfblog.net/?author=1)
https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/PitchforksToPGE-300x270.jpg (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/PitchforksToPGE.jpg)Caption: Resistance is Fertile - Brian Narelle - NarelleCreative.net

Skirmishes Won. Battle Continues.

Our colleagues in Southern California are cheering today at the news that ‘smart meter’ opt-out plans similar to the one authorized by the CPUC for PG&E’s service area will now apply in the Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric service areas as well. Opt-out programs still only apply to individual residences, not businesses. Still include illegitimate, extortionate fees. Still don’t include community-wide opt-out. But, hey. You have to celebrate even partial victories. These are significant wins on the road to a victory for informed democratic choice, and a Wise – as opposed to a so-called ‘Smart’ – Grid.

In this edition, we summarize FYI what we know at the moment about the opt-out state-of-play. Click here and/or scroll down for a MayDay Opt-Out Poster you can print, post and pass on. We link to Sandi Maurer of EMFSafety Network (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/) and Josh Hart of StopSmartMeters.org (https://stopsmartmeters.org/) who weigh in with valuable advice on strategy. Other links fill out the picture, reporting on So Cal developments. Finally, an industry blogger gives his idea of how to stem the opt-out tsunami he fears is sweeping the country.

What About ‘smart’ meter Opting Out Options?
by Mary Beth Brangan and James Heddle

Wondering what to do about your certified letter from PG&E about whether or not to choose a ‘smart’ meter or pay to keep an analog meter by May 1?

You have a few choices. There is no one size fits all solution. I’ll give you some broad outlines here, but you can get more details elsewhere on this blog or StopSmartMeters.org (https://stopsmartmeters.org/), and EMFSafetyNetwork.org (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/).

Of course we recommend you do NOT accept a ‘smart’ meter under any circumstances because of severe health risks, serious privacy invasion, endangering national security, fire safety risk, electronic interference, accuracy problems and higher bills. And be sure to talk to your neighbors about their choice of meters too because their radiating ‘smart’ meters can effect you adversely.

Here’s the Current ‘Fee Structure’

Currently the fees to opt out for regular customers are $75 up front and $10/mo.

For CARES customers, it’s $10 initially and $5 per month.

CARE income level limit for a 1-2 person household is $31,800.

https://www.pge.com/myhome/customerservice/financialassistance/fera/eligibility/
(https://www.pge.com/myhome/customerservice/financialassistance/fera/eligibility/)
But, it seems fair to ask…

Why Pay for Opting Out When We Haven’t Opted In As Law Requires?

The Illusory ‘Mandate’

The key on this issue is the concept of ‘time-variant pricing,’ or ‘time-of-use-metering.’ That means that utilities, according to this scheme, will be able to charge variable rates depending on (a) what time the electricity is used and (b) how much, at what price, electricity is available on the grid at that time. This is a hairy, insider-baseball topic. Here’s the essence of what we argued in our Objection to the Proposed Opt-Out Ruling that pre-dated the current decision (link to full PDF (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EON-commentOnProposedRuling-4-pdfA.pdf)). Please pardon the brief lapse into legalese ‘proceeding lingo.’

“1.a) The proposed decision presents a false deadline for mandating choice of meters.

The proposed decision by Commissioner Peevey is premature. By law, customers do not have to decide until Jan. 2014 whether or not to opt out of time variant pricing. Customers should be allowed to have analog meters at least until they are required by law to choose whether they will use time variant pricing on Jan. 1, 2014.

For example from page 21 of the PD:
To ensure that the electric non- communicating meter is able to take advantage of smart grid benefits in the future, it must be capable of capturing interval energy consumption data. While this capability is not needed at this time, it must be available by January 1, 2014. …

The Proposed Decision does not accurately represent the relevant code;
Pursuant to Pub. Util. Code § 745(b)(2) an electrical corporation may employ
mandatory or default time-variant pricing… for residential
customers after January 1, 2014….

The relevant parts of the code read:
Public Utilties Code section 745. (d) On and after January 1, 2014, the commission shall only approve an electrical corporation’s use of default time-variant pricing in a manner consistent with the other provisions of this part, if all of the following conditions have been met:
(1) Residential customers have the option to not receive service
pursuant to time-variant pricing and incur no additional charges as a
result of the exercise of that option…. [emphasis added)

The law states time-variant cannot be mandatory or by default, but must be offered to residential customers as an option.

SB 695, signed by the Governor on October 11, 2009 and PUC Code 745 (b)(2) and (3) state that the Commission shall not require or permit an electrical corporation to employ mandatory or default time-variant pricing without bill protection for residential customers prior to January 1, 2014 or employ mandatory or default real-time pricing, without bill protection for residential customers prior to January 1, 2020.

Both Public Utility Code and California state law state that:
- The individual residential customer’s decision as to whether or not to opt for ‘time-of-use’ metering is meant to be totally voluntary on the basis of informed consent, and, in any case, does not need to be made until Jan. 2014
- There is no legal requirement that such a customer have a meter capable of capturing time variant data already in place by that date since the residential customer may at that time opt out.
- Unnecessary costs to PG&E will occur from rushing to install unwanted meters that will ultimately be rejected.
- Customers should not be forced to pay for PG&E’s mistake."

So, Some Options to Consider

You can choose to: 1) opt out, keep your analog meter, (or have your ‘smart’ meter removed) and pay the extortionate fees (which compared to the risks and the increased billing for most ‘smart’ meters, is probably less in the long run) We believe that to be forced to pay to avoid being harmed in the many possible ways by 'smart' meters sure looks like a protection racket. So you should mark ‘paid under protest’ on your check and keep a record. For legal protection, be on the alert not to sign away any of your rights in any meter agreement with PG&E.

2) You can say you refuse to opt out because you never opted in and protest the fees if you still have your analog meter. Lock up your analog meter, don’t allow a PG&E installer onto your property and send them a certified letter saying you refuse to pay their still legally contested fees. You may need to stock up on candles for this option though, because PG&E may either force a ‘smart’ meter on you while you’re not home or cut off your power. If thousands of people do this, however, it will be far more difficult for PG&E to get away with.

3) You can opt out by calling PG&E, but wait to pay your $75 until you see what happens at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC.) PG&E gives you 3 months to pay the up front $75 charge and there are ongoing legal challenges to these fees at the CPUC. EON has been representing ratepayers interests in Phase I, arguing for no cost opt out and to allow people to keep their analog meters rather than what PG&E first wanted which was a ‘smart’ meter with the radio turned off. But we presented evidence showing that wouldn’t solve the many problems caused by digital meters. We also are insisting on Community wide opt out.
(You can read PDFs our arguments to the CPUC here (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/4-25-11-EON-ProtestFnlReg.pdf) and here (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EON-commentOnProposedRuling-4-pdfA.pdf) if you want all the nitty gritty details.)

https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Smart-meter-free-zone-500x332-300x199.jpg (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Smart-meter-free-zone-500x332.jpg)
Next Phase: Community-Wide Opt-Outs

We’re now getting ready for the next phase. Phase Two of the CPUC proceeding has been ordered to happen, but hasn’t been scheduled yet. In Phase Two Community Wide opt out and the true costs of opt outs are going to be thrashed out.

4) You can support our efforts to defend our right to a Community-Wide opt out and to pay no fees. Marin County as well as Lake County and Santa Cruz County, among 50 other California cities and counties, have legally objected to forced installation of ‘smart’ meters. Marin, Lake and Santa Cruz actually wrote ordinances and support community wide opt out.

As of now, only residences are being included in the opt out option. This problem of excluding businesses (think health clinics, day care centers, etc.), the radiating data collectors on utility poles and situations where folks and apartments have banks of multiple meters, as well as the problem with being zapped by neighbors’ meters, all make community wide refusal of this harmful wireless mesh network technology necessary.
https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Smartmeterkick-300x161.jpg (https://eon3emfblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Smartmeterkick.jpg)

Pushback Going Viral

The push back against this poorly thought out plan is national and international. Recently another leading cyber security expert, David Chalk, has forcefully spoken out about the incredible security dangers of a wireless grid. He joins other highly informed sources including former CIA director James Woolsey, and the US Inspector General Gregory Friedman, who clearly state the hazards a wireless electricity grid poses to national security. They point out that it’s too hackable and the electricity grid is a known target of cyber warfare. David Chalk says we’d be within three years of a total breakdown of the power grid.
(see full source articles on our blog here. (https://eon3emfblog.net/?p=4800) )

"Smart Grid" Plans Endanger Our National Fleet of Aging Nuclear Plants

One of our main worries about all this is that a more vulnerable power grid makes nuclear meltdowns at our already rickety nuclear reactors situated on earthquake faults and in tsunami zones, much more likely since they depend on external power sources to keep the cores and fuel pools cooled. It only takes a few hours with no electricity to cause a meltdown. Back up emergency diesel power generators at nuclear reactors are notoriously unreliable, and, even if they do work, have a limited amount of fuel stored.

There’s even more: the FBI has recently issued an alert re ‘smart’ meters because of potential hacking. A large utility in Puerto Rico lost hundreds of millions of dollars because a criminal racket provided ‘reprogramming’ services to residences and businesses to lower their bills. [ See: FBI: Smart Meter Hacks Likely to Spread (https://krebsonsecurity.com/2012/04/fbi-smart-meter-hacks-likely-to-spread/)
From Krebs on Security ]

So now, many more people, even in the electrical industry, are finally realizing the problems with the green- washed and over-hyped ‘smart’ grid and ‘smart’ meters. There are much better ways to modernize our electrical grid if Big Brother snooping, ultimate corporate control and quick profit aren’t the driving motives.

PG&E opt out: 1-866-743-0263 or online:

Pge.com/myhome/customerservice/smartmeter/optout
(https://pge.com/myhome/customerservice/smartmeter/optout/)
Mary Beth Brangan & James Heddle
EON

theindependenteye

04-25-2012, 11:16 AM

broadbandersnatch

04-25-2012, 08:13 PM

OK, I just did the opt-out call, and I've been told that (a) a regular meter-reader will put stickers on the meters that say the meters are not to be swapped for Smart Meters, and (b) at a later date, someone will come to "test meters for accuracy." I could not get any answer as to how that would occur, and whether there would be an interruption of electrical power (cue shutting down all the hard disks). They're theoretically going to call to give warning.

So, now addressing Part II of this saga, if I continue to pay my PG&E bills for the regular billing, subtracting the $75/$10 add-ons, does anybody know how long it takes for that to mess with my credit rating, and is there any guess about how far in arrears it goes before they threaten to cut the power, assuming that I pay the regular portion of my bill on time every month? Remember the Enron era, when a lot of people paid their bills every month but subtracted the surcharge?

Elizabeth
I think well be stuck with this bullshit charge, but after viewing videos by a user named thisirradiatedlife on YouTube ,I can tell you that PG&E is being very devious in the way they derive their supposedly lower than a cell phone/wifi emission levels. The woman making these videos is going around SF taking readings on a very expensive hi end gauss meter with an attenuator. And she's seeing spikes that are consistently high and which occasionaly go out past the highest reading on her machine, which was 200,000 milliwatts.

The way PG&E derives their low emission numbers is by averaging the pulses against the times the meters aren't firing. They are seen to fire up to 70 times a minute, but the pulses are only fractions of a second,vadding up to about a minute or so a day, that is, from one meter alone. However, there are experts who question the safety of these high emf pulses, infrequent though they may be. Also, there are apartment buildings with as many as 20 in a bank that when measured, are firing continuously and well above safe levels as established by the FCC. In fact, the woman who is measuring this stuff found that the emissions were even higher than those of a rooftop cell phone repeater that had a barrier and a sign warning people to stand back! These videos are up on YouTube. Just search for thisirradiatedlife. They were enough to convince me to opt out, as my meter is just a few feet behind my desk where I work all day.

ubaru

04-25-2012, 08:47 PM

YAHOO!!!

PG&E's premise for charging for nothing was so dubious and shaky and now it has fallen. Opt out folks! One and all....before May 1st, 2012 1-866-743-0263 24/7 Do it now.

See article here (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?89520-CPUC-PG-amp-E-Smart-Meter-Opt-Out-Fees-%93Suspended%94&p=151340#post151340).

It's only a matter of a short time before this technology will go the way of cigarettes.

Liz

p.s. I just called PG&E opt-out line and they do not know about this......YET. But the story broke today.

Here is one line from the article (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?89520-CPUC-PG-amp-E-Smart-Meter-Opt-Out-Fees-%93Suspended%94&p=151340#post151340). "Meanwhile, PG&E operators have been telling customers that they will be charged starting May 1st, even though the policy has been suspended. Critics of the utility accuse PG&E of fraud in asserting that the opt out fees are still valid, and working behind the scenes to obscure the suspension of the policy."

theindependenteye

04-25-2012, 10:26 PM

While we're waiting to see if indeed PG&E is going to be prevented from cutting our throats, check out what's nibbling at our ankles. Have y'all noticed that the little "PPP" surcharge, which is used "to fund state-mandated gas assistance programs . . ." (nice idea, help the needy) has been getting heftier? It also goes toward "energy efficiency programs and public-interest research and development." I'm sure it does. Whatever, them as gets it are getting a little more -- it used to be 8.4¢ per therm, now in 2012 it's 8.618¢. Not exactly big bucks, but it used to amount to a "tax" of 6 1/4%, now it averages 7.5% of my gas bill.

Well, if I were a single mom trying to keep the kids warm when it's nasty out, I'd be pretty glad this was being collected. But who's in charge of deciding how it gets spent, and what constitutes "public-interest research and development"? When you multiply the wintertime average PPP I pay, $10 to $12 each month, by the number of PG&E ratepayers, that's a pretty honkin' big pot, and now the pot is even bigger. Who stirs, and who's got the dipper?

Elizabeth

ubaru

04-27-2012, 07:47 PM

Q&A about not entering into a contract with PG&E on this bogus opt-out.

Question:
Just called the PG&E opt out number (4/27 5pm).

Their automated system forces you to agree to the charges.

I hit 0 for a real person and spoke with a man named Adam in Sacramento. He tried to get me to agree to the charges, and refused to enter me as an opt out without agreeing to the charges.

I told him that I'm not entering into a contract with him over something that is still being contested in the legal arena. He kept saying that the 'State of California' already approved the charges.

I demanded repeatedly that he enter me as an opt out, and told him that I will deal with billing separately as I see fit. He demanded that I agree to the opt out charges. I did not. He did not enter me into the system as an opt out.

Advice?

Answer:
Call back, you'll get a different person. Tell them this: You don't
agree to the charges because the PG&E Advice letter 3278-G/4006-E is
posted on the CPUC Energy Division website as NO ACTION. NO ACTION
means they cannot act on the advice letter, therefore they cannot
legally charge the fees at this time.

Will someone please try this and let us know what if they accept your opt-out without your agreeing to the charges?

Also, it is not advised to use PG&E's website as it makes you agree to a bogus contract.

Bottom line is still that it's better to opt-out and pay, or refuse to pay later on. We're just experimenting with getting around their contract.

Liz

Mudwoman

04-27-2012, 11:10 PM

Called PG&E today. Spoke with Andrew in Sacramento. We had a solar system installed last year, so the meter that feeds electricity back into the system is another sort...and not a smart meter. My concern was for our gas line...

Asked: Do gas lines get smart meters, too. Answer: YES, unless you opt out.
Asked: Is our phone call being recorded? Answer: YES.

So, I added a comment saying "I am concerned about the health risks smart meters are associated with.The information PG&E has been telling consumers about occasional EMF broadcast spikes is erroneous. My husband measured the smart meter on our neighbor's house and the smart meter emissions are almost constant. (Andrew did not deny it.) I also said the plan to have entire communities barraged by EMF transmissions is alarming to us and we don't want the smart meters on our house. Further stated I was not 'opting in' to the smart meter program. I prefer keeping our current analog meter which is working just fine."

Andrew quoted me the fees: $75 for 'opting out' and $10/mo.
I said I do not want to pay those fees as the meter I currently have is working just fine. So he added a note on our records: "Customer does not agree with the fees." (Andrew was very personable and polite.)

Then Andrew said within the next few weeks a PG&E worker will come out to put a sticker on our meter saying NOT to replace it with a smart meter. I'm a bit concerned about trusting PG&E on this. Am inclined to put my own sticker on the meter, to make sure they don't sneak a fast one by us.

I'm also going to follow up my call with a letter stating our position addressed to both PG&E Customer Service and the President of the CPUC, using some of the legal info links posted on WACCOBB. (Thanks for those everyone!)

COMMENT: Don't use the website. Speak to a SmartMeter customer service rep. Take advantage of the fact that the calls are recorded and make a clear formal statement about your meter preferences and objections to fees being charged for a program you have not opted in to. You could make an even stronger statement by saying those fees are illegal and discriminatory.

Good-luck!

Q&A about not entering into a contract with PG&E on this bogus opt-out.

Question:
Just called the PG&E opt out number (4/27 5pm).

Their automated system forces you to agree to the charges.

I hit 0 for a real person and spoke with a man named Adam in Sacramento. He tried to get me to agree to the charges, and refused to enter me as an opt out without agreeing to the charges.

I told him that I'm not entering into a contract with him over something that is still being contested in the legal arena. He kept saying that the 'State of California' already approved the charges.

I demanded repeatedly that he enter me as an opt out, and told him that I will deal with billing separately as I see fit. He demanded that I agree to the opt out charges. I did not. He did not enter me into the system as an opt out.

Advice?

Answer:
Call back, you'll get a different person. Tell them this: You don't
agree to the charges because the PG&E Advice letter 3278-G/4006-E is
posted on the CPUC Energy Division website as NO ACTION. NO ACTION
means they cannot act on the advice letter, therefore they cannot
legally charge the fees at this time.

Will someone please try this and let us know what if they accept your opt-out without your agreeing to the charges?

Also, it is not advised to use PG&E's website as it makes you agree to a bogus contract.

Bottom line is still that it's better to opt-out and pay or refuse to pay. We're just experimenting with getting around their contract.

Liz

ubaru

04-28-2012, 03:00 AM

Then Andrew said within the next few weeks a PG&E worker will come out to put a sticker on our meter saying NOT to replace it with a smart meter. I'm a bit concerned about trusting PG&E on this. Am inclined to put my own sticker on the meter, to make sure they don't sneak a fast one by us.

Way to go Mudwoman!

What I've heard from PG$E is that they will now ignore signs and stickers that homeowners put on their meters. They are going by who has opted out and who has not.

Your concern about trusting PG$E is justified. The thing to do is call PG$E back and insist that they only come onto your property at an appointment time that they make with you (when you are home).

Liz

manuzzle

04-28-2012, 08:54 AM

I spoke this morning a little before 9:00 with a PG&E Opt-out rep. He says the story circulating that the opt-out fees have been suspended is a hoax and that the CPUC set the fees. Manuzzle

Was wondering if more has been reported or changed as far as PG&E not charging the $75 for taking off the smartmeter (which was never asked for in the first place) and the $10 extra/month fee. The opt-out is by May 1st. Thanks!

Sabrina

04-28-2012, 07:08 PM

The one I spoke to tried to say that to me too, that there is a ton of propaganda out there that's false about smart meters - I was not in a mood to argue, even though I did tell him I disagreed - he told me nothing like I'd get a sticker placed on the meter (though I have my own signs on both analog Gas and Electric meters) - I'm wondering if I should be calling back to be sure I am opted out of both meters? I did not specify to him.

ubaru

04-28-2012, 10:20 PM

Sara S

04-30-2012, 10:50 AM

https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7219/201204151524.png (https://www.sfgate.com/)
PG&E may be fined over former executive's spying

https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/25/BUHI1O98U8.DTL

Thursday, April 26, 2012 (SF Chronicle)David R. Baker

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. may face fines after one of its former executives was caught spying on critics of the utility's SmartMeters in 2010, California regulators reported Wednesday.

The California Public Utilities Commission has opened an investigation into spying by William Devereaux, the former senior director of PG&E's $2.2 billion SmartMeter installation program.

Devereaux used a fake name, Ralph, in an effort to join an online discussion group of activists opposed to the wireless meters, which some people consider a threat to public health. But his real name appeared next to his e-mail address, and the group's moderator recognized him. When confronted by reporters, Devereaux admitted using an alias, and said he had been monitoring online groups of SmartMeter foes for several months. He resigned shortly afterward, in November 2010.

The incident triggered investigations by both PG&E and the utilities commission. In an order released late Wednesday, the commission alleges that Devereaux told others within PG&E, including his boss, senior managers and a member of the company's legal department, about his activities. The order does not name any people who allegedly knew what Devereaux was doing.

"PG&E's senior management's failure to act leads us to believe that they either condoned or approved of Mr. Devereaux's behavior," the order reads. "When PG&E management finally did take action, it was only after Mr. Devereaux's deceitful acts were exposed by the media."

The company could face unspecified "fines and/or remedial actions" as a result, according to the order.

A PG&E spokesman said Wednesday that the company's own internal investigation found some employees were aware of Devereaux's online activities at the time. But they did not know he was using an alias, said spokesman Greg Snapper. The company, he said, would continue to cooperate with the commission's investigation.

"Our former employee's activity did not follow PG&E's core values," Snapper said. "Our expectation and clear message to employees is that they participate in social media with integrity and respect and they're transparent about their work with PG&E."

Snapper would not comment on whether past or current PG&E employees have been disciplined in connection with Devereaux's spying.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. [email protected]

Elizabeth Lakin

04-30-2012, 03:21 PM

ubaru

04-30-2012, 04:21 PM

Does anyone think that the fees will later be called illegal? My landlord has the electric in her name and there is no way she is going to play the game of not paying it. Wondering if someone is starting a lawsuit against these criminal actions of charging fees to PG & E? Any lawyers out there in our sweet community? This would be so awesome....

Hi Elizabeth,

Yes the fees are already being called illegal. A bunch of lawsuits are already in the works.

This is from eon3.net

If you have an analog meter: Tell PG&E you plan to keep your analog meter. When they ask you to agree to the charges tell them, “NO, the fees are arbitrary, punitive, likely illegal, and the fees are being legally contested at the CPUC!” Be assertive. Here’s the legal scoop: At this time the PG&E Advice letter 3278-G/4006-E is posted on the CPUC Energy Division website under Closed Advice letters, however it is listed as NO ACTION. NO ACTION means they cannot act on the advice letter, therefore we believe they cannot legally charge the fees at this time. If they ask you about access to your property, tell them they need to make an appointment.

If you agree to the fees, you can express that you are only agreeing under duress. If and when they charge, write “paid under protest” on your check, and keep a copy. Or don’t pay.** Don’t just ignore PG&E, either call or write a letter, or sign up online. PG&E’s online opt out form does not force you to explicitly agree to the charges.

loi

05-01-2012, 12:33 AM

I just spoke with a representative when I called to opt out and he said that it was the public utilities (California Public Utilities) who mandated the fees and switching over to the smart meters. Interesting, no?

ubaru

05-01-2012, 01:45 AM

ubaru

05-01-2012, 02:07 AM

Reader comment: (these steps worked for him!)

Steps for Opting out of SmartMeter and Refusing Charges

When you call 1-866-743-0263, listen to the options until you get to an opportunity to talk to a live person.
Then say…
I am opting out and here’s the deal:

I refuse (not, I don’t want) to be charged because

1) the charges may be illegal

2) Your advice letter on the charges (the PGE letter they sent awhile ago) has been posted on the CPUC website as ‘no action’, so you have no right to demand charges.

3) And three, the charges for opting out are being challenged at the CPUC.

If the person on the other end says ‘No accept charges then no opting out’, say goodbye, count to ten and redial (they have several operators).

When they agree to your demands (opt out without charges), they will ask if you have a locked gate or a dog.

Tell the truth and add that no one may come on your property without permission. And that means that they must make an appointment by talking directly to you.

Insist that they make note of your objections and conditions (you should hear keys clicking). Finally, have them read back to you what they have written.

Sabrina

05-01-2012, 11:24 AM

I just called to confirm I was opted out of both the electric and Gas meters, and the person I spoke with this time said that, "yes" when you opt out you are opting out of both - I also confirmed they had my statement protesting the fees of which she confirmed. I asked her, what if someone didn't get the chance to opt out yet, and or had a smart meter they wanted removed, and she said it's never too late for that. They simply put in the May 1 deadline so that they could start to put in the smart meters that had not been put in yet, but that any time someone wants to opt out they still can, EVEN if they come out tomorrow putting a smart meter on your house that you didn't want - they will come back to remove it upon request.

ubaru

05-02-2012, 04:18 AM

PG&E’s Opt Out Fees Mired in Dispute and Procedural Flaws

Posted on May 1, 2012 (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/01/pges-opt-out-fees-mired-in-dispute-and-procedural-flaws/) by onthelevelblog (https://stopsmartmeters.org/author/onthelevelblog/)
https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_3769.jpg (https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_3769.jpg)Happy May Day everyone. Get away from your computer and get out in the streets- it’s a beautiful day, at least in Northern California! Revolutionary spirit (and tear gas (https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/01/BA671OBO28.DTL)) is in the air. Apart from a historical day to celebrate and defend workers rights, May 1st also happens to be the “deadline” for signing up for PG&E’s opt out program. Yet it’s not really a deadline. You can opt in or out at any time according to PG&E. And lacking justification for charging the fees or forcing a smart meter, our domineering monopoly utility is left with empty threats, legal ambiguities, and cheap intimidation tactics to force their unwanted meters.

Let’s take a look at where this issue stands as of today:

PG&E’s legal ability to charge $75 up front and $10/ month for keeping your old analog meter, or having your smart meter replaced with an analog, is under a cloud of uncertainty today after Marin County attorneys filed a motion at the CA Public Utilities Commission (https://hasbrouck.org/documents/Marin-CPUC-motion-30APR2012.pdf) (pdf) to halt any further deployment of smart meters and demanded a moratorium on the collection of opt out fees, citing the mishandling of Edward Hasbrouck’s protest.

Hasbrouck- an SF activist and author- filed a protest against PG&E’s advice letter- containing the opt out policy and the provision that those who did not respond to certified mail requests- would be ‘deemed to have elected’ to pay more for the analog meter. As it turns out, that crucial addition was suggested by CPUC staffer Marzia Zafar (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/01/2012/04/30/cpuc-urged-pge-to-crack-down-on-smartmeter-resisters/) who urged PG&E to include it in an e-mail dated Feb. 13th.

Marin’s motion states:
“Until further disposition of this suspension by the Commission and appropriate notice to the parties in this proceeding and the public generally, and subject to any subsequent requests for review thereof, the rates, terms and conditions contained in this Advice Letter are not in effect. These terms and conditions of service include not only the interim rates set forth in the Decision, but also PG&E’s proposed tariff provisions defining the procedures set forth in OP 2 (a) and (b) of the Decision. If, for example, a Smart Meter is installed while there is no effective tariff provision governing the service provided, legal uncertainty — at a minimum — results regarding what, if any, rates would apply and what right, if any, PG&E had to install the meter if the customer did not affirmatively agree.”

Read the full post here: https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002006.html

(https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002006.html)The CPUC initially stated on April 20th (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/01/2012/04/25/cpuc-pge-smart-meter-opt-out-fees-suspended/) that PG&E’s opt out fee program advice letter was suspended. Then they retracted that, listing the advice letter on their website as “no action.” Then, when utility customers started citing the published status of the advice letter to refuse the fees, yesterday the CPUC took the extraordinary step of removing the listing of the advice letter altogether!

So in other words, the official sanction that PG&E is leaning on to charge hundreds in millions of fees to millions of Californians retaining their analog meter- is simply not in place. It’s in the throes of legal dispute. At the very least there is a necessary procedural delay to the fees, yet the CPUC- a public agency we fund through our tax dollars- refuses to admit that they screwed up, mishandled a timely and relevant protest against an ill-conceived punitive charging plan, and do what needs to be done- officially put a hold on the fees.

Like they did in Vermont (https://smartermeters.blogspot.com/2012/03/vt-opt-out-free-for-at-least-1-year.html), at the very least California needs a one year moratorium on any fees, while unresolved issues are pending. CA regulators are on the right track further investigating the PG&E spying scandal (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/01/2012/04/26/pges-lying-and-spying-may-cost-them/). Now it’s time for them to wise up to PG&E’s violations of the state utility code (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/04/25/cpuc-pge-smart-meter-opt-out-fees-suspended/) in charging unjustified and unsubstantiated punitive smart meter opt out fees. They just don’t seem to be able to wrap their heads around this fact- we never opted IN!

Andrew Kotch at the CPUC News and Information Office had this to say: “The opt-out program and its fees have never been suspended. The program continues as approved by the CPUC in February: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/158621.htm”

Funnily enough that’s not what your legal division has been saying!

As a California utility customer in PG&E territory, you would be entirely justified in refusing to participate in this half-baked policy or pay the punitive fees. Or write “paid under duress” on your check. Report any unauthorized installations or illegal power disconnections to us immediately at [email protected]
If you are upset about PG&E’s continuing abuses, come and PROTEST PG&E at their Annual Shareholder Meeting on Monday May 14th 9:30am at 77 Beale St. (Financial District) San Francisco. Details forthcoming.

ubaru

05-10-2012, 02:53 PM

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The EMF Safety Network has retained James Hobson, an attorney with Best, Best and Kreiger (BBK) from Washington DC. BBK represents jurisdictions in California and has 200+ attorneys in California and DC. Hobson worked with Janet Newton, the director of EMR Policy Institute on FCC litigation. He is highly recommended by our advisors. He is helping primarily with the CPUC Application for Rehearing, has reviewed commercial opt-out letters, and provides counsel for the opt-out proceeding.

Our current goals are to obtain Smart Meter customer rights, which include free opt-out, community wide opt-out, commercial opt-out, full disclosure, informed consent, and health and safety hearings. We are participating in the CPUC proceeding that is now consolidated with all the utilities involved. The CPUC pre-hearing conference to determine the scope of the second phase of the proceeding begins on May 16 in SF.

With Hobson's help, we are adding information to the Application for Rehearing and the CPUC has stated they will decide on this in June. If they reject it, then we can sue the CPUC, and PG&E. We have also retained an expert in RF calculations to evaluate and refute PG&E's technical claims.

It would be helpful to raise an additional $25,000 for the year, for attorney fees and to hire a private investigator to expose the fire hazards of Smart Meters. This year the EMF Safety Network has received over $58,000 in donations and have an additional $30,000 pledged.

You can help in two ways.

1. Direct people to fill out and send in Declarations: https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7684 (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LrH0WDrAtzWNUJcAj-kX2q6RcERGdppno2nA4ctAqvbuIPsbrywPh7iSStaURNpiax5LBshPv0JngL28_xLIIkfcbBe56w99cGI9f-_q-2zbUfwZudivNQtGlNYWwsHCObO0bp4snnE=)

2. Direct people to financially support our legal efforts.
They can specify where they want their funds to go towards: smart meter, fire investigation, or the Sebastopol cell tower lawsuit.

https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=2127 (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LrH0WDrAtzV-Pt8_03WoFAa7t4TfD3RS1PCg667S6eD2TPbUplLaW1k-vdHkPVLOgjMsS_wa4-FFx9IhIqt5HojfynnWO5mbNQfoQnQJb391Zo2iRoeFpYpsBqq7tJ5Kqn2cjtMMXaM=)

Donations payable to EMF Safety Network:
EMF Safety Network
PO Box 1016
Sebastopol CA 95473

Donations over $100 can be tax deductible but should be made payable to EON, and sent to the above address. EMF Safety Network is a sponsored project of Ecological Options Network (EON) a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

With tremendous gratitude for all the work you have each contributed to making our campaign successful.

Thank you,

Sandi Maurer
www.emfsafetynetwork.org (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LrH0WDrAtzXQ80NsLKKyR9gNbOuno6zvHIPcDbc40bx3m3sFljNGcylOVIaoVFpZWsv9IDIZA9Hib88X_2FVizr1zOnG7dZayeHs8psoRf5QlQItV0Ta6Q==)

</tbody>

</tbody>

ubaru

05-11-2012, 05:09 PM

I want to invite you all to make a quick phone call to the CPUC at 1-800-789-0550 24/7 and Harold Williams at 1-800-649-7570 who is the one Public Utilities Commissioner who takes calls on Smart Meters. His number is available M-F 8:30-4:30. You may get his voice mail.

They are tabulating the public's opinion about smart meters, so the more calls they get, the better.

Talking points:

Smart Meters emit dangerous amounts of radiation

We don't like them spying on us

Shouldn't be mandatory

The whole program should be scrapped...like DDT, asbestos, and cigarettes

No opt-out fees, we never opted in, discriminatory against those with disabilities, low income, and the uninformed

Whole communities and counties should be allowed to opt-out for free

They should not be allowed in multiple numbers on apartment buildings and condos.

The P in CPUC stands for public. Get back to serving the public, not PG&E.

Let them hear from many of us.
Thanks, your 2 minutes makes a difference.

Liz

ubaru

05-12-2012, 12:23 PM

Dear Friends

Our efforts in Public Education are taking hold and beginning to pay
dividends! According to Bloomberg in May 10th's San Francisco Chronicle (Front page
Business Report), to date 9 states are offering electric utility
customers procedures to opt out of "Smart"meters or are considering same.

This is happening, not only in the United States, but worldwide, as a result of
community led insistence on our right to choose and social conscious-raising
in regard to the numerous deleterious aspects of this multi-billion dollar
stealth deployment!

Remember, all it takes is for each of us to discuss the smartmeter issue
with one new person a day.

Thanks to all of you, we have the right to choose.

Best Regards,

Linda

Sabrina

05-14-2012, 10:58 AM

Done!

I want to invite you all to make a quick phone call to the CPUC at 1-800-789-0550 24/7 and Harold Williams at 1-800-649-7570 who is the one Public Utilities Commissioner who takes calls on Smart Meters. His number is available M-F 8:30-4:30. You may get his voice mail.

They are tabulating the public's opinion about smart meters, so the more calls they get, the better.

Talking points:

Smart Meters emit dangerous amounts of radiation

We don't like them spying on us

Shouldn't be mandatory

The whole program should be scrapped...like DDT, asbestos, and cigarettes

No opt-out fees, we never opted in, discriminatory against those with disabilities, low income, and the uninformed

Whole communities and counties should be allowed to opt-out for free

They should not be allowed in multiple numbers on apartment buildings and condos.

The P in CPUC stands for public. Get back to serving the public, not PG&E.

Let them hear from many of us.
Thanks, your 2 minutes makes a difference.

Liz

Runningbare

05-15-2012, 03:14 PM

This might have been a good idea, except for the fact that Harold Williams is not a Commissioner, and thus has no decisive power. He's only a PUC frontman, put there to take flak and vent steam. The PUC sent him to one of the earlier Sebastopol meetings called by Efren Carrillo, where PG&E stood us all up by not showing up after they had agreed to come and answer questions. Harold acted and looked sympathetic to our plight, even pretended to be indignant that PG$E failed to show up, but afterwards nothing happened in the way of positive changes of PUC policy.

Yes, the public's opinion will be duly collected and tabulated, then put in the dumpster. Sorry to be so cynical and untrusting. Just yesterday in his KGO report of the PG$E shareholders meeting in San Francisco, Michael Finney described the choreographed process of going through the motions very apty:"We asked PG&E what will happen to those petitions.
"'The petitions are not part of the regulatory process; we do understand they're a statement from our customers of interest and concern and we do want those customers to call us,'" PG&E spokesperson Greg Snapper said.
"'Hopefully someone will be willing to accept the petition, if not I'll keep trying,'" Smith said.
"PG&E did invite SmartMeter opponents to contact PG&E directly and take their case to the California Public Utilities Commission. PG&E promises it will help customers get their voices heard at the PUC."

The only way to rattle their cages is through procedural challenges on statutory issues. Witness the waves made among internal regulatory communications obtainable through public record, by the legal challenges of Edward Hasbrouck alone: https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002001.html
Brown and/or the State Legislature needs to put the present commissioners in the dumpster, and start over with real people free of industry connections and commitments. But Brown is mute on this issue.

Disclaimer: Preceding commentary not to be misconstrued as an endorsement of Efren Carrillo.

I want to invite you all to make a quick phone call to the CPUC at 1-800-789-0550 24/7 and Harold Williams at 1-800-649-7570 who is the one Public Utilities Commissioner who takes calls on Smart Meters. His number is available M-F 8:30-4:30. You may get his voice mail.

They are tabulating the public's opinion about smart meters, so the more calls they get, the better.

Talking points:

Smart Meters emit dangerous amounts of radiation

We don't like them spying on us

Shouldn't be mandatory

The whole program should be scrapped...like DDT, asbestos, and cigarettes

No opt-out fees, we never opted in, discriminatory against those with disabilities, low income, and the uninformed

Whole communities and counties should be allowed to opt-out for free

They should not be allowed in multiple numbers on apartment buildings and condos.

The P in CPUC stands for public. Get back to serving the public, not PG&E.

Let them hear from many of us.
Thanks, your 2 minutes makes a difference.

Liz

ubaru

06-10-2012, 03:49 PM

California PUC Stonewalls on Smart Meter Health Damage; Attempts to Cover Up Testimony Demanding Health Hearings (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/31/california-puc-stonewalls-on-smart-meter-health-damage-attempts-to-cover-up-testimony-demanding-health-hearings/)

Posted on May 31, 2012 (https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/05/31/california-puc-stonewalls-on-smart-meter-health-damage-attempts-to-cover-up-testimony-demanding-health-hearings/) by onthelevelblog (https://stopsmartmeters.org/author/onthelevelblog/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NXlVrVzcMh4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=26Y8lUZM6Uo

In California, the second phase of the smart meter ‘opt out’ proceeding took place at the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco on May 16th, overseen by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Amy Yip Kikugawa. This is the same judge who nearly cleared the room after we asked questions about the peak pulse of radiation (https://stopsmartmeters.org/page/2011/09/15/utility-and-smart-meter-tech-company-executives-get-grilled-by-the-public/) from smart meters on September 15th of last year. After Sue Brinchman of the San Diego based Center for Electrosmog Prevention (https://www.electrosmogprevention.org/) posted the transcript of the recent public proceeding on her website, the CPUC wrote to her by e-mail and asked her to remove it- that the transcript was not allowed to be posted online:
.
“…it has come to our attention that you have posted transcripts on your web site. Please do not post any transcripts on your web site or any web site.”

Why would the CPUC want to suppress the transcript of a public, judicial proceeding paid for by the taxpayer and critical to the outcome of how the smart meter ‘opt out’ is paid for, who pays, and how it is structured?

Well it’s pretty clear from reading the transcript why they don’t want the public to know what’s going on in these proceedings. Again and again, parties in the proceeding raise the health issue (more than 14 times according to our count) and each time Judge Amy dismisses it. It’s fairly obvious she has her marching orders; she has shown herself to be a reliable ally of corporate stooge and president of the Commission Michael Peevey.

Imagine (just for arguments sake) that someone ends up in court after murdering someone. The district attorney and a long string of witnesses all tell the judge that the perpetrator must be charged with murder and a trial must be held. The evidence is strong and compelling, and each witness can testify to the crime from different angles. Yet the judge refuses to acknowledge the evidence, insisting on reviewing the perpetrator’s parking tickets, and telling the DA and the crowd of witnesses that they should seek a separate trial for the murder case.

“But we have, your honor!” they exclaim. “No one else has agreed to hear the case- we’ve been turned back every time.” The Judge nods, and proceeds to discuss the “critical” issue of how much the accused will have to pay for illegally parking his gold Mercedes while he committed the murder.

The analogy is not exact, but the level of corruption, injustice, and betrayal of public service is even worse in this case. PG&E and the other utilities are responsible for a quiet public health catastrophe, and the CPUC- fuelled by our tax dollars- is looking the other way, betraying their responsibility to protect public health and safety . Fines that sound large to the public are levied for violations that led to the San Bruno explosion, but these amounts pale in comparison to the huge profits energy companies are making off our backs. Executives who place profit over people’s lives one day are on to their next position making millions the next.

These psychopathic individuals should be criminally prosecuted and sent to jail for a long time. That’s the only thing that might make future execs think twice before gambling with public health and safety. Instead, ordinary people taking peaceful action (https://stopsmartmeters.org/direct-action/) to defend themselves against microwave violence end up in jail.

The Orwellian doublethink evident in this proceeding would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic. When you see the system so broken that it won’t even admit to a blatant crime in progress, the public is left no other option than to take matters into their own hands.

Any opt out program that ignores its own raison d’etre is destined to be discriminatory, illegal and ineffective.
Above is the video of the proceeding courtesy of EON (https://eon3emfblog.net/). Below are edited sections of the transcript from this proceeding. In defiance of the CPUC’s attempt to quash public access to this document, we have posted the full version here (https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/SmartMeterOptOutProceeding.pdf) in the public interest.

Thank you to the brave, eloquent intervenors in this case. We admire their patience and keen sense of justice. May the people prevail against the technocratic smart grid. As Steve Martinot says, “people are more important than technology.”

We’re not so sure that the system agrees.

Second Phase Opt Out Proceeding CPUC– Excerpts from Transcript (https://stopsmartmeters.org/page/2/) (including many of our local smart meter activists).

mamaj

06-11-2012, 09:16 AM

I believe it is totaly wrong for P.G.&E. to charge people for removing smart meters for a fee and a monthly fee applied to our bills every month for not using one on top of our regular bills. What is Effren Carrillo doing about this?? I found out through P.G.&E. that the P.U.C. made this decision and customers need to contact them for anything to change . Why should we be charged extra for something we did not want or request?

broadbandersnatch

06-11-2012, 09:55 AM

<br><br>
I believe it is totaly wrong for P.G.&E. to charge people for removing smart meters for a fee and a monthly fee applied to our bills every month for not using one on top of our regular bills. What is Effren Carrillo doing about this?? I found out through P.G.&E. that the P.U.C. made this decision and customers need to contact them for anything to change . Why should we be charged extra for something we did not want or request?

I got my bill with the $75 fee tacked on, I paid the bill, leaving off the fee. I understand we have three months to pay the fee. I am hoping this will die in the courts before that. I just believe this kind of extortion can't be legal. We, the consumers paid for the roll out of the smart meters. Surely the cost of not having one is relatively insignificant to such a behemoth. The last I heard was there are only around 10,000 people who opted out in northern CA . And you know, they could've put us on an honor system, ie we couldve reported our own usage with maybe a reader coming out once a year to keep tabs on us. I mean really, this is wrong people.

Runningbare

06-11-2012, 10:06 AM

Attached (I hope) is what Carrillo wrote to the CPUC back in April.

Last week the CPUC suspended opt-out fees for Southern California Edison. PG&E here we come.
https://burbankaction.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/consumer-power-puts-sce-smart-meter-fees-on-temporary-hold/

California Public Utilities Code Section 745 (d) (1) is fairly explicit about prohibition of opt-out fees:
"Residential customers have the option to not receive service pursuant to time-variant pricing and incur no additional charges as a result of the exercise of that option. Prohibited charges include, but are not limited to, administrative fees for switching away from time-variant pricing . . ."

Defiance of the above-quoted Code Section by CPUC approval of opt-out fees establishes the commission as a rogue, outlaw agency acting without authority. Suspending opt-out fees for Southern California Edison is probably the first step to bringing the commission back into compliance. PG$E most likely comes next.

I believe it is totaly wrong for P.G.&E. to charge people for removing smart meters for a fee and a monthly fee applied to our bills every month for not using one on top of our regular bills. What is Effren Carrillo doing about this?? I found out through P.G.&E. that the P.U.C. made this decision and customers need to contact them for anything to change . Why should we be charged extra for something we did not want or request?

ubaru

06-11-2012, 11:26 AM

I got my bill with the $75 fee tacked on, I paid the bill, leaving off the fee. I understand we have three months to pay the fee. I am hoping this will die in the courts before that. I just believe this kind of extortion can't be legal. We, the consumers paid for the roll out of the smart meters. Surely the cost of not having one is relatively insignificant to such a behemoth. The last I heard was there are only around 10,000 people who opted out in northern CA . And you know, they could've put us on an honor system, ie we couldve reported our own usage with maybe a reader coming out once a year to keep tabs on us. I mean really, this is wrong people.

I totally agree, and yes the CPUC is acting so far from being a public advocacy group. But the pressure is on them to make things right. Could you please share where you got the information that we have three months to pay the extortion fee? Knowing this would be helpful to many folks as we buy time to fight it.

Runningbare

06-11-2012, 12:06 PM

We are not limited to three months. Our time has already been bought, by us. Consider the following clue:

It is curious if not revealing to compare previous and current PG$E billing statements for those of us who have "chosen" to opt out. The easiest way to show this would be to submit copies of bills. But since account numbers, etc. appear there, and Waaco isn't exactly private, a more belabored description is appropriate. Check it out, and see if this observation matches your own bills:

On the bill for the month of March, the various charges are itemized and added up resulting in "TOTAL CURRENT CHARGES" (X amount). Following that, noting full payment for the previous bill, appears the bold-print bottom line in a box:
"TOTAL AMOUNT DUE (same amount)
DUE DATE - 4/(XX)/2012"

Now comes the first bill (May's) to include a $75 charge for "SmartMeter Opt-Out Initial Fee", accompanied by more nauseating hype about how they "believe in choice when it comes to the meter at (y)our home." Here the billing format has changed significantly. Same itemization of the various standard charges (without yet listing the opt-out fee), but now instead of "TOTAL CURRENT CHARGES", it states "Current Charges Due 06/(XX))2012" (X amount, exclusive of the opt-out fee). Then again noting previous balance payed, then under that comes the $75 opt-out fee. Finally comes the big bold bottom line in the box, visually the biggest attention grabber:
"TOTAL AMOUNT DUE" (Sum of above-listed current charges + $75 opt-out fee)
So here's the kicker: There is no due date stated on this bill for "TOTAL AMOUNT DUE", only for current charges exclusive of the opt-out fee!

Implicit/complicit in this odd change in billing format are issues of corporate authority and customer consent. If we read between the lines, it says "We don't have the authority to charge you this fee, but if you're gullible/compliant enough to pay, we'll accept it anytime you're ready. And by the way, we believe in money."
In view of last week's CPUC suspension of opt-out fees for Southern California Edison, let the waiting game commence.

I totally agree, and yes the CPUC is acting so far from being a public advocacy group. But the pressure is on them to make things right. Could you please share where you got the information that we have three months to pay the extortion fee? Knowing this would be helpful to many folks as we buy time to fight it.

ubaru

06-13-2012, 08:46 PM

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold Smart Meter public participation hearings in four different locations sometime next fall. The hearings will provide an opportunity for people to speak to the CPUC about Smart Meters, and the Smart Meter opt-out program. The CPUC has asked the EMF Safety Network to determine the locations by July 16. If you are a California utility customer, please take this survey, which will help decide which four locations will be chosen: https://www.<wbr>surveymonkey.<wbr>com/s/YRFZRM9 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YRFZRM9)

ubaru

06-14-2012, 01:27 AM

Vermont Offering Free Smart Meter Opt-Out~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

https://ih.constantcontact.com/fs077/1105614745583/img/8.png

Last month the State Legislators of Vermont voted to allow utility customers a no fee Smart Meter opt-out!

Specifically, the bill says that customers must be allowed "to choose not to have a wireless smart meter installed, at no additional monthly or other charge".

The legislation also calls for future reports related to smart meters to be submitted on: cost-savings associated with smart meters; whether any security breaches occurred because of the wireless technology; and the health effects of smart meters.

In California, the Public Utilities Commission approved arbitrary and punitive opt-out fees, and is forcing customers who do not want Smart Meters to agree to the charges- even though they've never evaluated the charges! Seems like Vermont has a few smarter people in charge.

<tbody>
Call for Smart Meter Declarations~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are collecting declarations from California utility customers who've been impacted by Smart Meters. These declarations will be included in CPUC proceedings, and/or future civil lawsuits. This is a legal document that you believe is true to the best of your knowledge and you will testify to.
Copy and paste the declaration template (below) into a Word document or download a Word template by clicking here (https://www.emfsafetynetwork.org).
Follow the prompts in the template. Click here for an example. (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0017DvqQZPCcNzx2un_9YLKmnLMkaChhRxHY2tPvaEnVP4wH_H5powV7u6cY_RyxzkEkfygnPvzzjd-ARkBxwUpEHE42lyv4rbSbpbWfvu6tbmqokcRpPv_FNGtjCLk_U2-NEERCHkMUTPKfjdcjQOdLh6KQf991GnxjW1GY2xtzydEQ_33KNlgAHN-Xv3mjjnk)
Email completed form to [email protected].
You will receive a confirmation by email, with a final copy converted into PDF/A format.
Print out and sign two copies of the PDF/A format.
Mail one signed copy to: EMF Safety Network, PO Box 1016, Sebastopol CA 95473 and keep one signed copy in a safe place for your own records.
Please circulate this call for declarations to others who have been impacted by Smart Meters.

Thank you for your help!

<insert full="" name=""><insert full="" name=""><insert address,="" city="" state="" and="" zip=""><insert name="" of="" gas="" and="" or="" electric="" company=""><insert name="" of="" gas="" and="" or="" electric="" company=""><continue using="" a="" numbered="" list="" -="" write="" out="" point="" by="" your="" situation="" and="" complaint="" against="" the="" utility,="" smart="" meters,="" or="" any="" aspect="" of="" program,="" deployment="" that="" impacted="" you.="" this="" is="" legally="" binding="" document.="" you="" must="" be="" truthful="" to="" best="" knowledge.="" end="" declaration="" with="" following="" wording:=""><continue using="" a="" numbered="" list="" -="" write="" out="" point="" by="" your="" situation="" and="" complaint="" against="" the="" utility,="" smart="" meters,="" or="" any="" aspect="" of="" program,="" deployment="" that="" impacted="" you.="" this="" is="" legally="" binding="" document.="" you="" must="" be="" truthful="" to="" best="" knowledge.="" end="" declaration="" with="" following="" wording:=""><continue using="" a="" numbered="" list="" -="" write="" out="" point="" by="" your="" situation="" and="" complaint="" against="" the="" utility,="" smart="" meters,="" or="" any="" aspect="" of="" program,="" deployment="" that="" impacted="" you.="" this="" is="" legally="" binding="" document.="" you="" must="" be="" truthful="" to="" best="" knowledge.="" end="" declaration="" with="" following="" wording:=""><continue using="" a="" numbered="" list="" -="" write="" out="" point="" by="" your="" situation="" and="" complaint="" against="" the="" utility,="" smart="" meters,="" or="" any="" aspect="" of="" program,="" deployment="" that="" impacted="" you.="" this="" is="" legally="" binding="" document.="" you="" must="" be="" truthful="" to="" best="" knowledge.="" end="" declaration="" with="" following="" wording:=""><continue using="" a="" numbered="" list="" -="" write="" out="" point="" by="" your="" situation="" and="" complaint="" against="" the="" utility,="" smart="" meters,="" or="" any="" aspect="" of="" program,="" deployment="" that="" impacted="" you.="" this="" is="" legally="" binding="" document.="" you="" must="" be="" truthful="" to="" best="" knowledge.="" end="" declaration="" with="" following="" wording:=""><insert state=""><insert date=""><insert month=""><insert year=""><insert city=""><insert state=""><insert date=""><insert month=""><insert year=""><insert city=""><insert state=""><insert state=""><insert date=""><insert month=""><insert year=""><insert city=""><insert state=""><insert state=""><insert date=""><insert month=""><insert year=""><insert city=""><insert state=""><insert state=""><insert date=""><insert month=""><insert year=""><insert city=""><insert state=""><insert full="" name="" here=""><insert full="" name="" here=""><insert full="" name="" here=""><insert full="" name="" here=""><insert full="" name="" here="">

<tbody>
PG&E and SCE Commercial Opt-Out Letter Templates~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

https://ih.constantcontact.com/fs077/1105614745583/img/11.png
Do you have a place of business and want to write a letter to PG&E or SCE to tell them you do not want a smart meter installed?

To access both letter templates, click here (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0017DvqQZPCcNw7_Zl-j758Kc_2og8nrcoEBnC0NHg494aYNKQTh57Q2hfSK9ePF6eFs0l5gUd1cUmRMetvBYN2rVVS5pc-7W9bgDHz01Gu1lD3MbGB8M2WTdBMu5CiAX1o-bR0q9Et0r4=).

</tbody>

<tbody>
EMF Safety Network Contact Information~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
p: 707-824-0824
e: [email protected]
w: www.emfsafetynetwork.org (https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0017DvqQZPCcNyA1ckzJrIlDb86XO2tFNEoaOPcVzRmNj2DtRmxEpsxUyL15kO5jdx_JIySv70MITpJ4Mu7JXO8ZA4fmnNDMpNXK5MWSpQSl_0XyKCHMlyDMw==)

</tbody>

</insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert></continue></continue></continue></continue></continue></insert></insert></insert></insert></insert>

</tbody>

alanora

06-14-2012, 03:58 AM

I did the telephone opt out. Though I have had a meter reader presumably all along, only since opting out have I actually seen her, monthly. It takes her a second to read the meter from the street. I have yet to see the charge on my bill.

ubaru

06-15-2012, 01:25 PM

Join Multi-Unit Residents Speaking Out About Smart Meters! CPUC June 21

Posted on June 14, 2012 (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7920) by admin (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?author=1)
https://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_2653-300x225.jpg (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_2653.jpg)Residents of multi-unit dwellings and interested others: COME JOIN PG&E CUSTOMERS WHO WILL SPEAK AT THE CPUC on Thursday, June 21.

A group of residents from low-income senior housing communities in Marin will protest opt-out fees, calling attention to unfair challenges that a punitive, extortionate opt-out program presents to multi-unit building residents who want to live in a SmartMeter-free environment.
Where: California Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness, S.F.

When: Thursday, June 21, 9:00 a.m.. Sign in from 8:30 to 8:50.

More info: [email protected]

sbridge

06-16-2012, 01:56 PM

My meter reader told me PG&E is avoiding changing meters in the West County.

ubaru

07-05-2012, 03:41 PM

To P.G&E., Governor Jerry Brown, C.P.U.C., President Obama: Ban all Wireless SmartMeters from the state of CA and the entire U.S.A.‏

Our goal is to reach 200 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/petitions/p-g-e-governor-jerry-brown-c-p-u-c-president-obama-ban-all-wireless-smartmeters-from-the-state-of-ca-and-the-entire-u-s-a
(https://www.change.org/petitions/p-g-e-governor-jerry-brown-c-p-u-c-president-obama-ban-all-wireless-smartmeters-from-the-state-of-ca-and-the-entire-u-s-a?share_id=MrgOhxVWJl&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email)
Thanks!

tammatha

07-05-2012, 08:55 PM

This petition is great but it does not give us anymore information to date. We are being billed on our PG&E statements for opting out, what do we do about it?

To P.G&E., Governor Jerry Brown, C.P.U.C., President Obama: Ban all Wireless SmartMeters from the state of CA and the entire U.S.A.‏

Our goal is to reach 200 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/petitions/p-g-e-governor-jerry-brown-c-p-u-c-president-obama-ban-all-wireless-smartmeters-from-the-state-of-ca-and-the-entire-u-s-a
(https://www.change.org/petitions/p-g-e-governor-jerry-brown-c-p-u-c-president-obama-ban-all-wireless-smartmeters-from-the-state-of-ca-and-the-entire-u-s-a?share_id=MrgOhxVWJl&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email)
Thanks!

tammatha

07-05-2012, 08:57 PM

Don't believe your meter reader, I recently had two changed out to analog and live in West County.

My meter reader told me PG&E is avoiding changing meters in the West County.

Runningbare

07-05-2012, 09:39 PM

This petition is great but it does not give us anymore information to date. We are being billed on our PG&E statements for opting out, what do we do about it?

What to do about it? In a word, wait. See full scoop above, #42

broadbandersnatch

07-05-2012, 09:42 PM

<br><br>
What to do about it? In a word, wait. See full scoop above, #41

I'm simply not paying anything but my bill. I'm holding off paying The opt out fee and the $10 monthly fees because I have the feeling these extortionist's shenanigans will not be upheld in a court of law.

ubaru

07-05-2012, 10:38 PM

We are suing the CPUC!

Posted on July 3, 2012 (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=7917) by admin (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?author=1)

https://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ostretchCPUC1SandboxAsk-241x300.jpg (https://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ostretchCPUC1SandboxAsk-241x300.jpg)Cartoon by Jim Heddle EON

On June 7th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) denied the EMF Safety Network Rehearing Request on the grounds that, “the evidence does not support re-opening a review of Smart Meters.” Because the Rehearing Request is denied we can now sue the CPUC for failing to address serious Smart Meter issues, including health and safety impacts, and FCC compliance.

The CPUC has buried it’s head in the sand!

The CPUC rubber stamped PG&E claims of Smart Meter safety!

Although no new evidence can be added to the lawsuit in Appeals court, this lawsuit is important because it could force the CPUC to address the issues it has been ignoring.

The CPUC has NEVER addressed the health and safety impacts of Smart Meters. They’ve only provided an opt out with a penalty!

We need to raise $25,000 for legal costs ASAP!

Attorneys James Hobson and Joshua Nelson of Best, Best and Krieger will represent us in the California First Court of Appeals. The lawsuit will be filed by the July 11 deadline.

If every customer on PG&E’s delay list would donate 15 cents, we’d have it covered! Considering we probably won’t reach those 177,000 people, if people donate $10-$100 this will help! Please give whatever amount you can!

Three ways to donate:

1. Donate online- click on the Donate button. (You do not need a Paypal account to donate! See the ‘Don’t have a PayPal account?’ section to the left of login box and click on link to use your credit card.)
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"> <input name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" type="image"> https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif</form> 2. Send a check payable to EMF Safety Network PO Box 1016, Sebastopol CA 95473
3. If you are donating $100 or more and want a tax deduction make your check payable to EON and mail to EMF Safety Network PO Box 1016, Sebastopol CA 95473. Online donations will not be tax deductible.

The results of suing the CPUC, if we win, will be that the Court will mandate the CPUC to address our original EMF Safety Network Application which includes:

Re-opening both of the Smart Meter proceedings (D.06-07-027 and D.09-03-026)

Evidentiary hearings on radiation health, environmental, and safety impacts

Review of actual Smart Meter program performance

An independently prepared RF Emissions Study

Your contributions will enable us to step up and challenge the CPUC!!

Thanks to all of you who’ve already given to this cause. Legal costs are ongoing, as we are still participating in the CPUC opt-out proceeding, so any amount you can contribute is a HUGE help!

We believe that whatever the CPUC rules for PG&E, they will eventually apply to other utilities! So, please support our efforts, even if you are a customer of another California utility!

Inching towards justice! THANKS TO ALL YOUR EFFORTS!

Sandi Maurer

sharingwisdom

07-06-2012, 10:32 PM

I'm not paying the opt out or monthly fee either. I wrote a note saying this as well. And I will donate to the lawyers' fund to sue CPUC.

I'm simply not paying anything but my bill. I'm holding off paying The opt out fee and the $10 monthly fees because I have the feeling these extortionist's shenanigans will not be upheld in a court of law.

alanora

07-07-2012, 11:54 PM

I chose to simply write that the opt-out portion of my bill was paid under duress.

I'm not paying the opt out or monthly fee either. I wrote a note saying this as well. And I will donate to the lawyers' fund to sue CPUC.

ubaru

07-09-2012, 12:17 PM

Remember folks that if you are on automatic billing with pg$e, the opt-out fee will be automatically taken from your bank account. So get back on regular billing if you want to keep your $75 + $10 a month. Also, in an age of corporate fascism, you might not want to give any corporation that much control (auto bill) in exchange for convenience. In 2006 in Germany when the fascist state was further advanced than here, my friend's phone company made an outrageous mistake and charged her $250+ more on her bill. With auto-pay it was swiped out of her account and she had no easy way to resolve it.

BobHeisler

07-10-2012, 09:32 AM

I had my Smart Meters removed several months ago. Last month P G & E charged me for the one-time opt-out fee and this month for the monthly fee. I still haven't paid either bill yet and am wondering what would happen if I pay all but the opt-out fees.

Remember folks that if you are on automatic billing with pg$e, the opt-out fee will be automatically taken from your bank account. So get back on regular billing if you want to keep your $75 + $10 a month. Also, in an age of corporate fascism, you might not want to give any corporation that much control (auto bill) in exchange for convenience. In 2006 in Germany where the fascist state was further advanced than here, my friend's phone company made an outrageous mistake and charged her $250+ more on her bill. With auto-pay it was swiped out of her account and she had no easy way to resolve it.

ubaru

07-14-2012, 02:04 AM

I had my Smart Meters removed several months ago. Last month P G & E charged me for the one-time opt-out fee and this month for the monthly fee. I still haven't paid either bill yet and am wondering what would happen if I pay all but the opt-out fees.

Well I'm hoping you try it and let us know what happens. My landlady who is so kindly insisting I pay the whole opt-out fee for two households is on auto-bill. She wrote, "I also discovered on poking around that any money paid to PGE goes to the outstanding balance, which would mean that the opt-out fee would be paid off before any electricity or gas charges on the next month's bill. In other words, the only thing accomplished would be the damaging of my credit record and the worst thing that could happen, although highly unlikely, would be the loss of service for non-payment." I'm figuring she got her info from Pg&e who put out a lot of disinfo. We're all experimenting.

wendymd4

07-14-2012, 10:33 AM

We opted out a couple months ago and the meters were removed and replaced within a week or so. I haven't paid either the opt out fee or the monthly charge and PG&E hasn't said anything to me.

I had my Smart Meters removed several months ago. Last month P G & E charged me for the one-time opt-out fee and this month for the monthly fee. I still haven't paid either bill yet and am wondering what would happen if I pay all but the opt-out fees.

tammatha

07-14-2012, 11:32 AM

I don't get why your landlady is making a tenant pay for opt-out fees? Isn't she the one that wanted to opt out, or does the tenant? I'm a landlord and told my tenant I would pay if it comes to that. I too am just paying the regular bill and not the smart meter stuff. I don't think the tenant should pay if they did not ask to opt-out.

Well I'm hoping you try it and let us know what happens. My landlady who is so kindly insisting I pay the whole opt-out fee for two households is on auto-bill. She wrote, "I also discovered on poking around that any money paid to PGE goes to the outstanding balance, which would mean that the installation fee would be paid off before any electricity or gas charges on the next month's bill. In other words, the only thing accomplished would be the damaging of my credit record and the worst thing that could happen, although highly unlikely, would be the loss of service for non-payment." I'm figuring she got her info from Pg&e who put out a lot of disinfo. We're all experimenting.

ubaru

07-14-2012, 02:08 PM

I don't get why your landlady is making a tenant pay for opt-out fees? Isn't she the one that wanted to opt out, or does the tenant? I'm a landlord and told my tenant I would pay if it comes to that. I too am just paying the regular bill and not the smart meter stuff. I don't think the tenant should pay if they did not ask to opt-out.

My landlady knows I definitely do not want a smart meter and I asked her to opt-out. I showed her a lot of data regarding the health impacts and asked her to pay half the fees if it came to that. She quoted an "independent" source that said smart meters emit the same amount of radiation as a cell phone and said she had based her decision to not opt-out for herself on that. I showed her evidence that her independent source was industry hiding behind a university. She didn't have time to look at that. She's one of those run of the mill power-tripping landladies who denies there is a rat and biting rat mite problem and then raises the rent as a response to my proposing a more transparent way of figuring the shared utilities.

To Wendy and all the folks who have not paid the opt-out fee, please let us know what happens in month two and three. Did the opt-out fee get paid instead of your utilities? Or did the opt-out fee remain on the bottom of your bill with no due date?

BobHeisler

07-16-2012, 12:21 PM

Runningbare

07-16-2012, 01:31 PM

I've yet to pay my last two P G & E bills because of my deep fondness for the company. When I do pay, I will specifically omit the one-time only fee and the monthly opt-out fee from my payment, just to see what happens. Let's all do the same. It would not be good business for P G & E to threaten shutting off power to thousands of ratepayers who refuse to pay the extortion charges. If enough opt-out customers don't pay those fees, P G & E may be forced to rescind them.

Threats have already been issued in a SF Chronicle article on April 28th. It's common knowledge that PG$E is a foremost model of bad business:
https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/SmartMeter-opt-out-deadline-is-May-1-3518122.php
“PG&E warns that people who opt out but don’t pay the fees will be treated like any other customers who owe the company money – they could see their power shut off if they don’t eventually pay up."
Helen Burt is a Chief Customer Officer for PG$E. Here's what she had to say about it personally:

‘It is a part of what they owe, and at some time in the future, it’ll be an unpaid bill that’ll be subject to collection and possibly subject to cut off,’ . . .‘That is absolutely the last thing we want to do.’”

I like the unspecified "future" and the “could” . . .”possibly” language because it also implies “could possibly not”. Burt & Co. are proud graduates of the School of Intimidation. Why is cutting off the power “absolutely the last thing” they want to do? Because the last time they tried that in December in Santa Cruz County, it totally backfired into a scandalous public relations fiasco featuring a stern public grilling of a PG$E sacrificial goat by an incensed Board of Supervisors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIGqz_2uGTs&feature=player_embedded

It backfired so badly, that within a week the PG$E Grinch did a 180 and restored power to several vocal women of Capitola.
This was a benchmark turning point in our struggle that finally resulted in a sort of Trojan horse concession. This was the moment when SmartNot Meters became no longer “mandatory”–when CEO Anthony Earley came out with his astonishing though deceptive reversal: “Why should we be fighting with our own customers over something like this?”

But here we are over 6 months later, and they still are.

Barry

07-20-2012, 04:06 PM

https://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8107/201206081330.png
Sebastopol City Council OKs measure requesting delay in SmartMeter rollout
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120720/ARTICLES/120729985/1350?Title=Sebastopol-OKs-asking-for-delay-in-SmartMeter-rollout

By BOB NORBERG
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Friday, July 20, 2012 at 9:56 a.m.

The Sebastopol City Council approved an emergency measure Thursday night asking PG&E to delay installation of SmartMeters in the city until state regulators conclude hearings on new opt-out procedures.

“It was triggered by PG&E calling the city and saying they will start installing SmartMeters within two weeks,” said Vice Mayor Michael Kyes. “There are a number of people in the city who are not happy with that.”

SmartMeters have been particularly controversial in Sebastopol, where critics contend that the wireless meters emit radio frequencies that can cause health problems.

PG&E is promoting the meters as a way for consumers to better manage energy use, while allowing the utility to cut staff needed to read gas and electric meters.

When the utility introduced the meters in February 2010, however, it quickly ran into resistance in Sonoma County and elsewhere in California.

PG&E was required by the state Public Utilities Commission to allow individuals to keep their traditional meters, for a one-time fee of $75 and a $10 monthly fee to cover the cost of having the meters read.

The PUC now is holding hearings on how groups or communities could opt out of having the meters installed, as well as an analysis of the cost.

The council voted 5-0 to ask PG&E to not install meters within the city limits until those hearings are completed.

The vote was taken at 11:30 p.m., on the heels of the council's second public hearing on another controversial project, the proposed CVS Pharmacy and Chase Bank branch at the vacant Pellini Chevrolet dealership.

Zoe Rivers

07-21-2012, 08:21 AM

Thanks for the info. Just yesterday I went to the PG&E site to see about opting out after I heard that meters would start to be installed very soon. Any idea when those hearings will be and we'll know?

https://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8107/201206081330.png
Sebastopol City Council OKs measure requesting delay in SmartMeter rollout
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120720/ARTICLES/120729985/1350?Title=Sebastopol-OKs-asking-for-delay-in-SmartMeter-rollout

ubaru

07-24-2012, 12:40 PM

Smart Meter Opt Out Fee Refusals- Update and Take Action

Dear Smart Meter "opt out" fee refuser,

Thank you for signing our pledge over the last several months to refuse to pay extortionate smart meter opt out fees! We want to hear from you how it's going. Has your utility taken any action?

We know that the Four Hundred or so pledges we received are just the tip of the iceberg of people who are refusing to be scammed by greedy utilities. We can stop these outrageous and illegal fees- if we stick together and organize!

Isis, our volunteer in Oakland CA- is helping to coordinate those who are resisting fees. Please send her an e-mail at [email protected] telling her:

1) Do you have your analog meter still?
2) Are you being charged an "opt out" fee?
3) Are you refusing to pay these fees?
4) Who is your utility and where are you located?
5) Has your utility taken any action or made any threats?
6) Are you willing to risk getting your power shut off for the cause- if it helps eliminate the fees?
7) Would you be willing to be interviewed or participate in a public protest against opt out fees and smart meters in general?
8) Would you be willing to be a contact in your area, to help coordinate unified actions?

We have heard that PG&E and other CA utilities may start attempts to install smart meters and/ or switch off the electricity to those refusing to pay fees starting August 1st. Make sure your analog meter is protected. Please get in touch immediately if your utility attempts any action against you- we need to publicize these threats that are occurring.

If you need any advice we are here to help.

Thank you for taking action against utility extortion!

Josh Hart

Joshua Hart MSc
Director, Stop Smart Meters!
https://stopsmartmeters.org

Stop Smart Meters! is a grassroots-funded campaign.
Your generous support is critical to our success.
Every little bit helps! https://stopsmartmeters.org/donate

ubaru

11-02-2012, 05:12 PM

Just a note to preface this; we opted out in April and have yet to see an opt-out fee on our bill. I'm in Marin where there is a county wide moratorium on opt-out fees and new smart meter installations. Others in Marin are reporting that they haven't seen fees either after opting out, or refused to opt-out of something they never opted in to. They haven't had a smart meter installed.

Liz

Dear Smart Meter Fee Fighters,

Thank you for contacting Stop Smart Meters! over the last few months with an update about your local battle against 'smart' meters and the associated fees being imposed to keep or replace an analog meter. We support each and every one of you who are doing your part to resist deeply unjust and discriminatory smart grid policies and the extortionate fees that utilities are using to force harmful devices into our communities.

Though hundreds- probably thousands- of people are refusing to pay the fees, not a single customer has reported that their services have been switched off simply for refusing to pay these fees. Despite multiple 15-day disconnect notices lapsing, people like Tom DeMarchi are calling the utility's bluff. Read his story at: https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/10/16/willits-man-refuses-fees-to-keep-his-analog-meter-pacific-gas-and-electric-co-threatens-to-cut-power-today/

In states without an 'opt out' people are being deprived of their basic human rights, and utilities are even pulling the plug on some families, simply for "opting out." Stop Smart Meters! raised over $500 through our Safe Power Fund for Mona Orkoulas of Nevada to obtain solar panels after NVE cut her electricity for having her smart meter replaced with a safe analog meter. Full story here: https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/09/12/smart-meter-or-no-power-at-all-power-company-sends-three-armed-men-to-disconnect-power-just-for-opting-out/

What You Can Do

1. If you are refusing to pay fees in CA, as soon as you receive a 15 day disconnect notice, lodge a formal fee complaint with the CPUC Consumers Affairs Branch- CAB (Call first, follow up with a formal complaint) The utility cannot legally disconnect your power while the complaint is in resolution process.
CA Consumer Affairs Branch 1-800-649-7570 https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/cimsapp/?key=39949189
More info and analysis on our website: https://stopsmartmeters.org/2012/10/28/how-to-resist-the-fees-and-keep-the-power-on/

**Keep us informed- e-mail us immediately if your power is cut.**

2. Join our new discussion group with fee resisters from all around CA and beyond to trade advice and plan further organized resistance to the fees. Wait for a separate invitation by e-mail and follow the instructions to subscribe. The website for the new group is at:https://groups.yahoo.com/group/ResistFees/

3. Plan to attend CPUC Public Hearings on Smart Meter Opt Out Fees (over the holidays- boo CPUC)

information about what to expect at public participation hearings posted at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/aboutus/Divisions/CSID/Public+Advisor/Public+Participation+Hearings.htm.

SANTA ROSA (PG&E territory)
December 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Steel Lane Community Center – Dohn Room
415 Steele Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

4. Visit FightTheFees.Org and contribute a photo

5. Donate to Stop Smart Meters! We depend on your contributions to support our work. See: https://stopsmartmeters.org/donate

6. Spread the word to your friends and family- warn them that smart meters are a hazard and encourage them to refuse both smart meters and fees. You can give them this flyer: https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/StopSmartMetersFlyerColor.pdf (https://stopsmartmeters.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/StopSmartMetersFlyerColor.pdf)

7. Educate yourself about the legal aspects of this smart meter protection racket policy, and familiarize yourself with those challenging it:

• Sandi Maurer, head of the EMF Safety Network based in Sebastopol, is fighting the opt out fees and suing the CPUC. She needs funds to do this:

More details: https://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=8490

• Sue Brinchman of San Diego based Center for Electrosmog Prevention is also fighting the fees:
https://www.electrosmogprevention.org/

• Edward Hasbrouck, SF resident and travel writer, has challenged PG&E's right to force a smart meter onto private property and challenged their right to charge opt out fees- see his blog for details on how the CPUC is grossly mishandling his legal protest:

https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/001987.html
https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/001997.html
https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002001.html
https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002006.html
https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002019.html

8. Go off the grid! Consider cutting the umbilical cord to your utility- it's easier than you think- more info here:
https://www.electricalpollution.com/OffgridSafely.html (https://www.electricalpollution.com/OffgridSafely.html)

Thank you again for taking action to stand up to the utilities- we look forward to connecting with you on the resisters e-mail group (see #2) and at the CPUC hearings in December. (#3)

Thanks again for standing up to injustice,

Josh

Joshua Hart MSc
Director, Stop Smart Meters!
https://stopsmartmeters.org

Stop Smart Meters! is a grassroots-funded campaign.
Please chip in if you can! https://stopsmartmeters.org/donate

Peace Voyager

11-03-2012, 12:39 PM

ubaru

11-03-2012, 03:05 PM

How did Marin manage that!?

I think we took it to the Supervisors who voted for it. You could get a copy of it from them and do the same in Sonoma.

ubaru

11-30-2012, 08:52 PM

Dear Stop Smart Meters! supporter:

As bad as the extortionate and punitive smart meter 'opt-out' fee policy seems at the moment, utilities in California are pressuring the CPUC to increase the fees, and take away the choice of an analog meter, forcing us to pay hundreds of dollars/ year for a digital 'radio off' meter with many of the same problems as the 'smart' meter. It's been revealed that utilities like PG&E have scrapped millions of perfectly functional analog meters- now they want to charge us for purchasing new ones. We refuse to be charged for the incompetence of for-profit, corporate utilities.

IT IS CRITICAL TO ATTEND THESE HEARINGS AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO ATTEND. Approach your family, neighbors, friends, and local elected officials now about attending and speaking at one of these hearings.

We are demanding:

-no-cost, purely electromechanical analog meters for water, gas and electric utilities
-the right for apartment complexes, and cities and counties to opt out
-the right for businesses- as well as residences to refuse smart meters

The CPUC has ignored widespread pleas from the public to schedule these hearings at a time when they would not conflict with the holidays. Many are speculating that these dates were chosen to diminish public turnout.

Don't let them get away with this!

If you cannot attend the hearings, please send comments (see below).

SANTA ROSA (PG&E territory)
December 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Steel Lane Community Center – Dohn Room
415 Steele Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

More information about what to expect at public participation hearings here: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/aboutus/Divisions/CSID/Public+Advisor/Public+Participation+Hearings.htm

Questions being considered in the Phase 2 opt out proceeding are:

1) Should more than one opt-*out option be offered to customers who do not wish to have a wireless SmartMeter (e.g., a digital, non-*communicating meter)? Should different fees be assessed based on the type of opt-*out meter selected by the customer and, if so, what is an appropriate level for such fees?

2) Should all costs associated with the opt-*out option be paid by only those customers electing the option, or should some portion of these costs be allocated to all ratepayers and/or to utility shareholders?

3) What fees should be assessed on customers who elect the opt-*out option and should the fees be assessed on a per meter or per location basis?

4) Should there be an "exit fee" imposed on customers who elect the opt-*out option and later return to a wireless SmartMeter?

5) Should the opt-*out option be extended to local governments and communities?

If you are unable to attend these hearings, you may submit written comments to the to the CPUC's Public Advisor's Office at the address noted below. Please refer to the application filing number, A.11-*03-*014 et al, when writing. Please state if you would like a response, otherwise no response will be sent. Your comments will become a part of the formal file for public comment in this proceeding. The Public Advisor's Office will circulate your comments to the five Commissioners, the ALJ, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), and to CPUC staff assigned to this proceeding. You may also write to the CPUC if you need advice on how to participate in this proceeding, or would like to receive further notices regarding the date, time, and place of any future hearing in this proceeding:

The Public Advisor California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2103 San Francisco, CA 94102 E-*Mail: [email protected]

Locations for these hearings are wheelchair accessible. If you need interpreters for language or for the hard of hearing, please contact the Public Advisor's Office at the following numbers at least five (5) working days in advance of the meeting date:

Telephone: (415) 703-*2074 or toll free: 1-*866-*849-*8390 TTY: (415) 703-*5282 or toll free TTY: 1-*866-*836-*7825

Joshua Hart MSc
Director, Stop Smart Meters!
https://stopsmartmeters.org

Stop Smart Meters! is a grassroots-funded campaign.
Please chip in if you can! https://stopsmartmeters.org/donate

sbridge

12-01-2012, 01:43 PM

There is a little white truck running around the West County with address list in hand switching meters. They switched many this past week.

BobHeisler

12-01-2012, 03:06 PM

The citizens of San Bruno have started a petition asking Gov. Brown to remove Michael Peevey from the board of the CPUC, citing incompetence in the handling of PG & E's responsibility for the deadly pipeline explosion two years ago. As a former executive with a utility company, Peevey is a shill for the industry and more or less rubber stamps whatever the utility companies want to do. I find the trend in government to appoint individuals from an industry to oversee that same industry at government agencies very disturbing. Peevey's unwillingness to stop the rampant replacement of analog utility meters with Smart Meters unacceptable. I've already signed the petition to have him removed and recommend everyone concerned go to the following site to put in your two cents as well:
https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-appoint-a-new-president-of-cpuc-immediately-2?utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition. Peevey is no friend of the California consumer.

ubaru

12-19-2012, 12:18 PM

Smart Meter hearing this Thursday Dec 20th, and how to submit comments if you can't make it.

California Public Utilities Commission will accept public comment on the
second phase of modifications (such as the opt-out option) to the Smart
Meter Program. The current opt-out option for customers who don't want a
Smart Meter, has a one-time $75 fee, and a monthly $10 fee to participate.

One issue is whether this opt-out option will be extended to governmental
agencies and apartment, condominium dwellers. The other issue is whether
the current fees are appropriate. (They want to raise the fees).

The meeting is this Thursday Dec 20th
2:00
Steele Lane Community Center Dohm Room
415 Steele Lane
Santa Rosa

If unable to attend, and you want to submit written comments, contact
866 849-8390
Public.Advisor@<wbr>CPUC.ca.gov

They scheduled this meeting right near the holidays to make it harder for people to attend. Let's let them know they can't get away with that!

oliviathunderkitty

12-20-2012, 05:00 PM

I have been charged a one-time $75 fee and am paying $15 a month for opting out. This seems ridiculous: $180 a year more and I'm getting nothing for it.

Smart Meter hearing this Thursday Dec 20th, and how to submit comments if you can't make it.

California Public Utilities Commission will accept public comment on the
second phase of modifications (such as the opt-out option) to the Smart
Meter Program. The current opt-out option for customers who don't want a
Smart Meter, has a one-time $75 fee, and a monthly $10 fee to participate.

One issue is whether this opt-out option will be extended to governmental
agencies and apartment, condominium dwellers. The other issue is whether
the current fees are appropriate. (They want to raise the fees).

The meeting is this Thursday Dec 20th
2:00
Steele Lane Community Center Dohm Room
415 Steele Lane
Santa Rosa

If unable to attend, and you want to submit written comments, contact
866 849-8390
Public.Advisor@<wbr>CPUC.ca.gov

They scheduled this meeting right near the holidays to make it harder for people to attend. Let's let them know they can't get away with that!

Sabrina

12-21-2012, 02:56 PM

And now the CPUC has just approved raises to all PG & E customers for the mistakes they should have corrected years ago in their gas pipelines. The CPUC is in bed with PG & E in the form of it's members owning huge stock in the corporation; totally corrupt.

Mudwoman

12-21-2012, 03:20 PM

SmartMeter update... OUTRAGED!!!

PG&E is attempting to collect their 'questionable' $75 opt-out fee without making a line item entry on our utility bills. (Watch your own billings carefully, if you've opted out.)

Even WORSE, PG&E is 'fudging' the bill by making it look like we used extra electricity in order to 'BURY' this extremely unpopular extortionist-style fee for equipment we don't have installed on our house, don't want installed, and never asked for.

My husband and I were some of the very early opt-out supporters due to concern about EMF health risks, potential computer / appliance equipment damage, house fire risks among other issues. I attended a PG&E customer education / protest meeting in Sebastopol with a friend. And have been following consumer rights issues on this from time-to-time ever since.

What caught my eye on our most recent bill we received yesterday were electrical Kwh running 267% higher than last year's DEC usage. Puzzling since we haven't changed anything:
~ no new equipment/appliances
~ no work-lifestyle changes
~ no extra folks living with us.
In plain terms, NO REASON for our electrical usage to skyrocket!

Called PG&E Customer Service (San Jose office) today. To my question about no line item, the woman I spoke to said "You received the 'short bill' by default. We'll mail the long 4-5 page bill. You'll get it in a few days."

Asked what our actual monthly usage was? I said do I simply subtract $75 from the $90.96 listed? "No." she answered "The opt-out fee has TAXES applied to it." She then informed me our 'actual usage' (which really is a processing fee, since our solar system generates electricity in excess of what we use) = $11.63. (Which you can see written on the bill in my handwriting)

My husband and I are wondering if PG&E's blatantly underhanded approach of FABRICATING FAKE USAGE KWH is the basis for a consumer class action suit? Any good lawyers out there? Not wise to protest onesie-twosie. We must gather together as a huge consumer group and hammer them with it.

Mudwoman

12-21-2012, 03:30 PM

SmartMeter update... OUTRAGED!!!

My husband and I are wondering if PG&E's blatantly underhanded approach of FABRICATING FAKE USAGE KWH is the basis for a consumer class action suit? Any good lawyers out there? Not wise to protest onesie-twosie. We must gather together as a huge consumer group and hammer them with it.

BTW, Solar Sonoma would like to convert our entire county to solar, so we can get rid of PG&E. Sonoma county already generates more solar electricity per capita than any county in the USA, so let's go for it and get rid of PG&E.

We converted to solar summer of 2011 to take advantage of sizable state & federal tax credits. Our superb solar system generated not only what our household / business uses, but an overage: $700 worth of FREE electricity for PG&E to use and resell (that by law they don't have to pay us for). And now, THIS! I'm fuming....

Peace Voyager

12-22-2012, 10:30 AM

Sorry I did not see you at this meeting.

I was speaker #59; all the speakers' testimony before me I concurred with. I spoke for the heart of the solution.

We know that PG&E operates as "legalized" organized crime. We know that the CPUC enables this, which is collusion. We are the only ones who can compel justice. Most of the media only reports on these stories, they don't investigate. In part because of the advertising money at stake, investments, collusion with regulators, government officials & utility operators.

Just look at the "reporting" from the Press Democrat, whose owners are paid lobbyist and consultants for PG&E. The reporter only cites what was said, not one bit of follow-up on any of the validity of the claims made by hundreds of speakers with their testimony to the Administrative Judge.

It is time all Californians petition our Governor to remove all CPUC commissioners; audit the CPUC, and overhaul it. We need all entities who have been watchdogs for the CPUC, PG&E, etc. to consolidate a petition and put it up on change.org or something like it.

Replacing these dangerous criminal operations with clean Publicly/privately owned power systems for all of California; and decommissioning all nuclear plants, are the next steps at hand.

Clean, Green Public Power (both in conduct of system operators & safety of transmission system) has the additional superior benefit of restoring California's economy. Especially when we create incentives for locally owned & operated clean power system manufacturing, installations & maintenance.

Too bad ya'll did not make this a deal breaker for everyone who you just helped get elected. Now you can compel them to earn their paychecks and benefits by delivering a local and state owned, well maintained power grid; and nuclear-free, carbon-free, State, County & City + privately owned clean/Green/fish friendly power production.

Just like we worked for real change in moving our money; we need to attract a groundswell to clean up our oversight and investments in energy production & transmission.

In this new era, it's up to us generate the shift in California-made, clean, responsible energy. :idea:

Speaking truth about power, to power*,

Colleen Fernald

www.sol-solutions.com (https://www.sol-solutions.com)

* (That would be - :waccosun: We The Wacco People of California)

Now this would be worth seceding for right!?

BobHeisler

12-22-2012, 10:32 AM

If you opted out of the Smart Meter program, you should have seen a separate charge appearing on the FRONT page of your monthly bill. On my November statement I didn't see the charge on that page. Think P G & E stopped charging the fee? THINK AGAIN. These conniving SOBs have removed the charge from the front summary page and buried it in the detail of your gas and electricity charges. I've never paid the fees and have marked my bill to subtract the fee from the total amount due.

Peace Voyager

12-22-2012, 10:40 AM

Speaking truth about power, to power*,

Colleen Fernald

www.sol-solutions.com (https://www.sol-solutions.com)

* (That would be - :waccosun: We The Wacco People of California)

Now this would be worth seceding for right!?

Whether you spoke or not, please send your comments re: being forced to pay to opt-out of Smart Meters to:

The Public Advisor
California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2103 San Francisco, CA 94102 E-*Mail: [email protected]

Telephone: (415) 703-*2074 or toll free: 1-*866-*849-*8390 TTY: (415) 703-*5282 or toll free TTY: 1-*866-*836-*7825

Peace Voyager

12-22-2012, 11:02 AM

Under the new "Corporate Personhood" PG&E should have been given the same responsibility and charged with involuntary manslaughter for their misconduct in not spending ratepayer fees on the San Bruno, (and elsewhere) gas transmission lines; but instead paying high salaries to criminal executive and dividends to shareholders.

:lightening::rip:
This model is deadly.

Fines from the CPUC are clearly not enough. This has been proven for decades, so Peevey and all the rest must be held for their liability as well as PG&E.
Instead, the ratepayers are to pay for these mistakes!?! :stoptheinsane:

We The People of the Republic of California, and customers of PG&E must enter a class action lawsuit.

:film: Time for a sequel for Erin Brocovitch. Win or lose, the screenplay can finance the lawsuit. Who's in?

In the words of the late, great John Lennon, "Power to the people"!:sunshine:

The citizens of San Bruno have started a petition asking Gov. Brown to remove Michael Peevey from the board of the CPUC, citing incompetence in the handling of PG & E's responsibility for the deadly pipeline explosion two years ago. As a former executive with a utility company, Peevey is a shill for the industry and more or less rubber stamps whatever the utility companies want to do. I find the trend in government to appoint individuals from an industry to oversee that same industry at government agencies very disturbing. Peevey's unwillingness to stop the rampant replacement of analog utility meters with Smart Meters unacceptable. I've already signed the petition to have him removed and recommend everyone concerned go to the following site to put in your two cents as well:
https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-appoint-a-new-president-of-cpuc-immediately-2?utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition. Peevey is no friend of the California consumer.

ubaru

12-22-2012, 06:16 PM

It is time all Californians petition our Governor to remove all CPUC commissioners; audit the CPUC, and overhaul it. We need all entities who have been watchdogs for the CPUC, PG&E, etc. to consolidate a petition and put it up on change.org or something like it.

Here's that petition:
https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-appoint-a-new-president-of-cpuc-immediately-2?utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

tomcat

12-23-2012, 04:59 AM

Mudwoman

12-23-2012, 09:35 AM

We live in Santa Rosa and had a Solar System installed two years ago. At the time, they installed a Bi-directional meter which was NOT a wireless smart meter. They said that the Bi-directional wireless smart meters for the Solar installations were still being developed. I'm not sure if they are even available yet, but we don't have one.
Is it possible that you are opting out of something that is not even available for you?
Tom:waccosun:

Tom ~ We opted out early on, BEFORE we had our solar system installed (summer of 2011). Spoke with PG&E's Solar Customer Service (1-877-743-4112) a few days ago about smartmeters for solar system customers. They now have them and intend to install solar system smartmeters, too, unless customers opt-out.

Plus PG&E has smartmeters for the gas lines. So, if you don't want one, opt-out. Or anticipate having smartmeters installed on your house.

~ Cynthe

Mudwoman

12-23-2012, 09:37 AM

Here's that petition:
https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-appoint-a-new-president-of-cpuc-immediately-2?utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

Thanks! Ubaru ~ Signed this yesterday and posted it on Facebook for folks there.

Mudwoman

12-23-2012, 11:07 AM

Under the new "Corporate Personhood" PG&E should have been given the same responsibility and charged with involuntary manslaughter for their misconduct in not spending ratepayer fees on the San Bruno, (and elsewhere) gas transmission lines; but instead paying high salaries to criminal executive and dividends to shareholders.

Fines from the CPUC are clearly not enough. This has been proven for decades, so Peevey and all the rest must be held for their liability as well as PG&E.

We The People of the Republic of California, and customers of PG&E must enter a class action lawsuit.

Time for a sequel for Erin Brocovitch. Win or lose, the screenplay can finance the lawsuit. Who's in?

I'm in. Beginning to investigate how to start a class action suit.

=============
In the meantime, for those of you who want more info ~ whether you're leery of smartmeters OR think those of us who are, are wacked...

Watch this excellent 30 min presentation by Curtis Bennett, a Canadian electrical pro whose business is to troubleshoot 'heating' issues regarding electrical uses.

Curtis Bennett was a skeptic until he started investigating smartmeters. Here he discusses the REAL dangers of EMF smartmeter frequencies: https://www.stayonthetruth.com/curtis-bennett---smart-meters.php

The compelling video runs 30min. You won't be bored:
@ 8 min - Mr. Bennett states humans are NOT compatible with smartmeters
@ 11 min - He discusses cell phone harm...60% of damage is done within first 6 minutes of using your cell phones.
@ 15 min - Brings up the issue of induced tissue heating (damage)

Mr. Bennett's company's devices visually measure the heating and inflammatory effects on human tissue for medical health services as well as other applications like checking function of electrical equipment and insulation issues in buildings.

Well worth watching! Your life, your children & elderly family members lives may depend on knowing this information.

Karl Frederick

12-24-2012, 12:31 AM

Though I'm on the same side of the SmartMeter issue as you are, Cynthe, I don't think Mr. Bennett's arguments do much to prove the biological effects of low level electromagnetic radiation. He repeatedly refers to himself as a "professional," and encourages his viewers to think he has special qualifications; he's using equipment which measures infrared radiation to highlight differences in temperature. The level of electromagnetic (E-M) radiation that is of most concern in the vicinity of cell phone towers, close to cell phones, and in areas of wi-fi and SmartMeter coverage, is not sufficient to directly cause appreciable tissue heating. Yet, there is evidence that it can cause cellular changes, and there are qualified researchers who have demonstrated reasonable cause for concern. Microwave News (https://microwavenews.com) is a respected source of information regarding the ongoing controversy about the biological hazards of microwave radio frequency energy.

I'm in. Beginning to investigate how to start a class action suit.

=============
In the meantime, for those of you who want more info ~ whether you're leery of smartmeters OR think those of us who are, are wacked...

Watch this excellent 30 min presentation by Curtis Bennett, a Canadian electrical pro whose business is to troubleshoot 'heating' issues regarding electrical uses.

Curtis Bennett was a skeptic until he started investigating smartmeters. Here he discusses the REAL dangers of EMF smartmeter frequencies: https://www.stayonthetruth.com/curtis-bennett---smart-meters.php

The compelling video runs 30min. You won't be bored:
@ 8 min - Mr. Bennett states humans are NOT compatible with smartmeters
@ 11 min - He discusses cell phone harm...60% of damage is done within first 6 minutes of using your cell phones.
@ 15 min - Brings up the issue of induced tissue heating (damage)

Mr. Bennett's company's devices visually measure the heating and inflammatory effects on human tissue for medical health services as well as other applications like checking function of electrical equipment and insulation issues in buildings.

Well worth watching! Your life, your children & elderly family members lives may depend on knowing this information.

Mudwoman

12-24-2012, 01:28 AM

Though I'm on the same side of the SmartMeter issue as you are, Cynthe, I don't think Mr. Bennett's arguments do much to prove the biological effects of low level electromagnetic radiation. He repeatedly refers to himself as a "professional," and encourages his viewers to think he has special qualifications; he's using equipment which measures infrared radiation to highlight differences in temperature. The level of electromagnetic (E-M) radiation that is of most concern in the vicinity of cell phone towers, close to cell phones, and in areas of wi-fi and SmartMeter coverage, is not sufficient to directly cause appreciable tissue heating. Yet, there is evidence that it can cause cellular changes, and there are qualified researchers who have demonstrated reasonable cause for concern. Microwave News (https://microwavenews.com) is a respected source of information regarding the ongoing controversy about the biological hazards of microwave radio frequency energy.

Thanks for posting the microwave news link here, Karl. It's a great resource. My husband and I have been following it for years.

The point Mr. Bennett's making (my take) is that human tissue is heated measurably after exposure to cell phone EMF radiation. And it doesn't take very long: 6 minutes. Does it not seem that way to you from the slides he discusses?

It's commonly understood both in the electrical safety code he cites and among health practitioners that chronic overheating of tissues (ie. inflammation) is destructive to the health.

He also states that the frequencies of the smart meter aren't low, but very high...levels much in excess of what human beings [and by implication, other creatures] and trees [other plants] can tolerate. I'm not an electrical professional, so I may not have understood his comments correctly...need to watch the video through another time or two, to get the facts right. So much to learn!

Sun Fire Plumbing

12-24-2012, 12:35 PM

BobHeisler

12-24-2012, 12:45 PM

You should've just signed up for the opt-out plan and made no mention of the nonpayment of the potentially unconstitutional fees. I never did and never have paid them.

What to do about it? In a word, wait. See full scoop above, #42

Sun Fire Plumbing

12-24-2012, 12:48 PM

I can see that silence would have been a wiser tact, thx

You should've just signed up for the opt-out plan and made no mention of the nonpayment of the potentially unconstitutional fees. I never did and never have paid them.

Mudwoman

12-24-2012, 01:38 PM

You should've just signed up for the opt-out plan and made no mention of the nonpayment of the potentially unconstitutional fees. I never did and never have paid them.

Bob ~ That's exactly what I did....just opted out a couple of years ago.

My protest comment about "potentially unconstitutional fees" has only been made here and on Facebook, after I received the "hidden fee" buried on our bill in what seems to be a fraudulently adjusted Kwh notation / not our actual monthly usage.

Keep an eye keened on your bill, if you still have the opt-out status. PG&E will be collecting the fee as soon as they can.

Mudwoman

12-24-2012, 01:40 PM

I can see that silence would have been a wiser tact, thx

Sun Fire ~ Silence only would result in the smartmeter(s) being installed. Unfortunately, we do have to speak up if we don't want the smartmeter.

Mudwoman

12-24-2012, 01:49 PM

I just called PG&E's 866 number to opt-out. No problem he said, and it'll cost you the $75 etc., etc, and I said I may or may not pay it, if I did it would be under strong protest. No problem he said, if you don't pay you'll be sent to the late collections accounting and they'll deal with you. So now I await my next months bill and see what I'm going to do.

And thanks to everyone here for their posts on this subject.
Gary

Gary ~ The threat of sending the $75 non-payment to collections is more a smoke screen for emotional manipulation than a 'real' threat. Unfortunately, most consumers are not aware of this and comply to their fear of a damaged credit rating.

I attended a credit ratings seminar many years ago in connection with our small business. The speaker said utility bills - telephone, gas, electricity, garbage, water services - are rarely (if ever) factored in to our credit rating scores. (Don't know why that is? Perhaps too many accounts are always in negotiation? Or the fees are too minor to deal with?) Past due bills certainly can be sent to collection agencies, but it's not anything to worry about.

ubaru

12-25-2012, 06:52 PM

Cynthe and anyone else, have you written your experience of your padded bill and complaints in general to the CPUC judge?

Still time to tell the CPUC judge your Smart meter complaints/comments

If you were unable to attend these hearings, you may submit written comments to the to the CPUC's Public Advisor's Office at the address noted below. Please refer to the application filing number, A.11-*03-*014 et al, when writing. Please state if you would like a response, otherwise no response will be sent. Your comments will become a part of the formal file for public comment in this proceeding. The Public Advisor's Office will circulate your comments to the five Commissioners, the ALJ, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), and to CPUC staff assigned to this proceeding.

The Public Advisor California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2103 San Francisco, CA 94102 E-*Mail: [email protected]

Please also copy it to https://smartmeterhelp.com a site where activists are collecting feedback about all smart meter problems, including billing.

ubaru

12-25-2012, 07:38 PM

Note:The Press Democrat got the facts wrong about the WHO (World Health Organization) again, other than that the article is accurate. What is true is that in May 2011 the WHO released data saying that non-ionizing microwave radiation is a possible Class 2B carcinogen in the same category as DDT, lead, chloroform, and engine exhaust.

PG&E gets earful over SmartMeters at Santa Rosa hearing

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=SR&Date=20121220&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=121229925&Ref=AR&Profile=1350&MaxW=445&border=0
(https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20121220/ARTICLES/121229925/1350?Title=PG-E-gets-earful-over-SmartMeters-at-Santa-Rosa-hearing) Michael Kyes, the mayor of Sebastopol, speaks during the public comment session at a PUC meeting on Smart Meters at the Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa on Dec. 20, 2012.
(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

By BOB NORBERG (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/personalia/BNorberg)
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 6:40 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 7:03 a.m.

Two hundred people turned out Thursday in Santa Rosa to rail against PG&E SmartMeters, complaining that individual opt-out fees are unfair, that cities should be able to get out of the program and that the wireless technology is a health threat.

"Do not impose a tariff to opt out, and allow communities to opt out," Fairfax Town Councilman Larry Bragman told an administrative law judge conducting a public hearing for the state Public Utilities Commission. "If you do that, you will drive more innovative solutions."

"It is unconscionable to extort money for safety, especially for people who cannot afford the cost of removal of this toxic device," said Ami Hartley.

Continues here: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20121220/ARTICLES/121229925/1350?Title=PG-E-gets-earful-over-SmartMeters-at-Santa-Rosa-hearing

BobHeisler

12-26-2012, 11:58 AM

Hi, Folks. This post isn't directly related to the SmartMeter issue, but does relate to future P G & E bills. I'm pasting a portion of an email I received this morning from Mark Toney, the Executive Director of TURN, The Utility Reform Network, which discusses utility bills:

"Great News! If you are a customer of PG&E, Edison, or SDG&E, you are going to save $125 over the next five years on your utility bills. Thanks to thousands of people who wrote letters, testified at public hearings, and signed online petitions, TURN’s campaign for Fair Utility Profits succeeded in pressuring the CPUC to reduce utility profit rates from 11.4% to 10.4%!

For too long, the CPUC has let utility companies collect windfall profits at customers’ expense.
In fact, with profit rates set at over 11%, California utilities were making out like bandits. Although they faced very little risk or competition, utility profits on investment were guaranteed- on customers’ dime- and higher than most companies, or even most utilities..."

Well, I don't think we can really take all that money to the bank, but at least it's a move in the right direction.

Sabrina

12-26-2012, 01:56 PM

If you could supply a link from TURN , that would be great.

[Here you go: https://www.turn.org/ -Barry]

Peace Voyager

12-29-2012, 12:48 AM

From TURN - The Utility Reform Network

https://www.turn.org/actions/tell-gov-brown-new-cpuc-leadership.html

Tell Governor Brown: New Leadership Is Needed at CPUC

The NTSB's investigation into the San Bruno explosion revealed not only that PG&E negligence caused the blast, but also that regulators bore responsibility. The report makes it clear that change is needed not only at PG&E, but at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as well

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Board’s investigation into the San Bruno explosion revealed not only that PG&E negligence caused the blast, but also that regulators bore responsibility.

The report makes it clear that change is needed not only at PG&E, but at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as well. (https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/746/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8168) A Toothless Watchdog

The current president, Michael Peevey, a former utility executive, has exercised leadership at the agency for close to 10 years now, years in which PG&E has seen profits, executive pay—and serious accidents—soar. Under Peevey’s watch, repeated and serious gas safety violations by PG&E did not result in a single fine, not even after the fatal explosion in Rancho Cordova in 2008.
Peevey's Commission has been guided by a misguided philosophy—regulation in the corporate interest. It has rubber-stamped millions in unjustified rate hikes, pushed PG&E into an overpriced and unpopular smart meter program and allowed energy efficiency to become a utility slush fund, all the while insulating PG&E from its mistakes with guaranteed high profits.

Time for a Change (https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/746/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8168)

What Californians need is a CPUC guided by the philosophy that puts customers first—regulation in the public interest. The public is wants stricter oversight and quality assurance, and wants PG&E held accountable for past failures. That means requiring shareholders, rather than customers, to shoulder the costs when PG&E has to play catch-up to fix neglected pipelines. And it means making sure PG&E doesn’t make one penny of profits on overdue safety investments. The NTSB findings cry out for a response from Governor Brown. Just days after the NTSB released its report, another explosion occurred on a PG&E gas line, this time in Cupertino. It is time for Governor Brown to step in and replace Michael Peevey with a new president who prioritizes the safety and pocketbooks of Californians over exorbitant profits and pay for utilities and their executives.
Send a letter to the Governor NOW:
New Leadership is Needed at CPUC (https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/746/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8168)

https://www.turn.org/media/k2/items/cache/d7a332411e14769f300879cf8b1d4da6_M.jpg (https://www.turn.org/media/k2/items/cache/d7a332411e14769f300879cf8b1d4da6_L.jpg)
TURN's History

TURN began at the kitchen table of pioneering consumer advocate Sylvia Siegel, a fierce advocate who was tired of seeing her electric bills go up year after year, and realized all Californians were getting ripped off by a Public Utilities Commission that rubber-stamped rate hikes. She taught herself the complex laws and rules of utility rates and quickly learned how to use them to the benefit of the public, rather than corporate profits.
In the past 35 years, TURN has identified and exposed corporate waste and lack of oversight, and driven common sense public policy to protect all Californians. TURN has grown into an organization known and trusted nationally for our expertise in energy and telecommunications issues, and our commitment to renewable energy that is affordable for everyone.
Plug in to Support TURN

Member support allows TURN to advocate for affordable and dependable utility services, and to stand up for consumers across the state as an independent and unbiased voice. TURN's effectiveness is largely due to the fact that we are not beholden to any corporate or government funding sources.
TURN is the only independent statewide utility consumer advocacy organization in California. By becoming a member, renewing your membership or making a sustaining donation, you can be sure that TURN has the resources we need to continue to fight for lower bills and a livable planet.
Got Bills? Join TURN. (https://www.turn.org/join)
PolicyVoice:

PolicyVoice (https://www.policyvoice.org) is a statewide project that works with community-based organizations, organizers, and leaders to build community power to keep energy, gas, and phone bills affordable in California.

Barry

02-20-2013, 05:58 PM

[I edited in this PD article that was published just after our digest cutoff.
Congrats to all the citizen activists who work so hard to accomplish this! :waccosun:
Barry]

https://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8107/201206081330.png
Sebastopol City Council OKs SmartMeter ban :Clap:https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130221/ARTICLES/130229912/1350?p=all&tc=pgall

By GUY KOVNER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 12:10 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 12:25 p.m.

The Sebastopol City Council voted unanimously Thursday morning to ban the installation of PG&E SmartMeters, effective immediately, with a $500 fine for violations.

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/keep90days/2013-02-21_12-47-24.png“I’m glad to see democracy in action. It’s heartwarming,” said Alan Horn of Sebastopol, one of at least eight people who urged the council to halt installation of the controversial devices.

The council, citing the “potential risks to the health, safety and welfare of Sebastopol residents,” imposed a moratorium on the meters that have prompted a barrage of protest in the liberal-minded city.

Although it is technically a temporary moratorium, City Manager Larry McLaughlin said it would remain in effect until the council takes further action.

“It starts today and it will last indefinitely,” McLaughlin told the council and 14 people attending a special council meeting at City Hall.

Asked by Councilman John Eder what happens to residents who want SmartMeters removed from their homes, McLaughlin, who is also the city’s attorney, said the measure “cannot compel removal of meters already installed.”

PG&E has said there are 21,000 gas and electrical meters at homes and businesses in the Sebastopol area and it has upgraded 7,100 of them to SmartMeters.

A utility spokeswoman said 1,100 customers have opted out of the change.

Councilman Patrick Slayter voiced the only council reservation on the meter ban, saying that some people are neutral on the issue and others want a SmartMeter.

“That freedom of choice also needs to be protected,” he said.

“I would be fine having one installed,” John Henel of Sebastopol told the council. “I don’t need you to protect me from meters.”

“We weren’t afraid of second-hand smoke either,” resident Dave Hubert said, referring to the time before smoke’s impact on non-smokers was documented. “This is being done as a precautionary approach.”

The ordinance says that “significant health questions have been raised” over the electromagnetic frequency radiation emitted by the wireless meters, which eliminate the need for meter readers.

McLaughlin said the ordinance does not distinguish between people who do or do not want SmartMeters.

Slayter also expressed concern that the $500 fine could be assessed against a PG&E employee or contract worker who is “just doing his job.”

The council took no action on his proposal to set the fine no higher than $1.

The council also voted to send a letter to PG&E and a SmartMeter contractor advising them of the moratorium.

A PG&E spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the measure.