I sent a letter to the PUC protesting the smart meter program and this was their response...
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Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your comments and
concerns relating to Smart Meters. The California Public Utilities
Commission (Commission) is committed to ensuring that consumers have safe, reliable utility service at reasonable rates, protecting against
fraud, and promoting the health of California's economy. Your input is
important and is provided to the Commissioners and the Executive
Director of the Commission.
Development of a modern electric and gas system for California,
utilizing advanced meter technology (Smart Meters), was designed to be
consistent with existing state policies on renewable energy, distributed
generation, combined heat and power, demand response, and other programs already in place. Beginning in July 2006 the Commission authorized the state's investor-owned utilities to replace conventional customer meters with the installation of Smart Meters as the first step in achieving the state's goals to enhance electric and gas system reliability, give consumers information to better manage their energy usage and save money, reduce costs for utilities and protect the environment.
Smart Meters are simply new meters manufactured using today's
technologies. Among other advantages with this modern technology, Smart Meters allow utilities to identify power outages more quickly and
therefore restore power more quickly, leading to less disruption at your
home or business. In addition, if each consumer uses energy more
wisely, everyone benefits through lower rates and a cleaner environment.
Because of your questions and concerns, and those of other consumers,
the Commission is investigating the accuracy of PG&E-installed Smart
Meters. The Commission has hired an independent third party consultant
with expertise in Smart Meters to conduct an evaluation of Smart Meters
in PG&E's service area. The test program will, among other things, test
if the meters are measuring and billing accurately and reliably. The
results of this evaluation will guide the Commission in determining if
there should be any changes to the Smart Meter program.
At this time, there is no provision for a moratorium on installation or
for a customer to decline Smart Meter installation because, as stated
above, that installation is the essential first phase of improving
California's energy system. Please see the attached press release and
frequently asked questions for additional information on Smart Meters,
including questions related to Smart Meter testing and why Smart Meters
were approved for the state's utilities.
The CPUC provides a free online subscription service to allow you to
follow a particular proceeding or industry. By using the subscription
service, you can follow issues regarding Smart Meters. You can access
the subscription service at www.cpuc.ca.gov/subscription.
Sincerely,
Public Advisor's Office
