Huffman Introduces Bill to Require Smart Meter Opt-Out

https://sananselmofairfax.patch.com/...-meter-opt-out
Huffman Introduces Bill to Require Smart Meter Opt-Out
Bill would allow customers to not receive the new wireless meter; would also require a wired alternative.

Assemblymember Jared Huffman announced today that he is introducing a bill that would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to provide a way for consumers to opt-out of PG&E's Smart Meter program.

The inability of residents to not receive the new digital, wireless meters has been a sticking point for critics who are concerned abouthealth, security, privacy and accuracy issues around the Smart Meters. Huffman's bill, AB 37, would require the CPUC to provide an opt-out alternative for customers who do not wish to have the meters installed and it would require utilities to provide a wired alternative to the wireless meter.

"I think it's going to represent a pretty significant improvement over the status quo," said Huffman. "There will be people who think it doesn't go far enough."

PG&E has said in recent weeks that it is considering the possibility of a wired alternative to the wireless meter, which works through a series of radio and cellular networks. Read about how the meters work here.

However, the CPUC has long maintained that the deployment of 10 million meters throughout California is part of a national smart grid that requires all consumers to be included and, therefore, has not allowed people the option of opting-out of the program. The CPUC also denied a petition to place a temporary moratorium on the deployment of the meters while these issues were examined.

Earlier this summer, Huffman also requested a study from theCalifornia Council on Science and Technology to look into the health issues surrounding the meters and the radio frequency and electro-magnetic frequencies standards established by the FCC. Though the meters meet current FCC standards, the question from the EMF Safety Network, which filed a petition with the CPUC, has been whether those standards are sufficient. Huffman said, from what he has heard about the work being done by the California Council, that the new study "is not going to conclusively resolve this debate."

That study is expected to be released later this month in draft form, but Huffman said he believed the question of individual choice was a separate issue, which is why he felt compelled to bring forward this bill before the study was completed.

"The question is for individuals who believe their health is at risk to have a choice," said Huffman.

The bill next goes to the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee in early spring. From there, it could move out of committee for a vote. Huffman said he has not only received positive input from colleagues, but also from the CPUC. He said the commission was receptive to working with the legislature on an appropriate opt-out option.

Currently, 7.5 million meters have been installed throughout California and are continuing to be installed. Installation began in Marin this year and, except for in Fairfax, has continued on schedule and is expected to be completed throughout the county by 2012. PG&E is voluntarily temporarily delaying installation in Fairfax. The Fairfax Town Council additionally passed a one-year moratorium on the meters, which PG&E has suggested has no legal authority over the utility.

"The best I can do is move this bill forward as quickly as I can," said Huffman.

Currently, those who have concerns are encouraged to call PG&E and asked to placed on a delay list in order to delay the installation of their meters.