February 7, 2012 (San Diego)—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this week voted to allow Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) customers to have smart meters replaced with older analog meters, for a $75 installation fee plus a monthly fee of $5 to $10, depending on income. Ratepayers must inform PG&E by May 1 if they wish to opt-out.
Commissioners have not yet ruled on whether to allow San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) or other utilities’ customers to opt out, but are expected to make a similar ruling later this month. SDG&E has proposed even higher opt-out fees of including an initial $175-$200, an exit fee of $50 and a monthly fee of $15 to cover meter readings, the North County Times reports.
Susan Brinchman of La Mesa, who has been a leading voice statewide seeking to eliminate smart meters due to health concerns, said the ruling doesn’t go far enough to protect public health. “We may get analogs only if we can afford them, but total relief is not on the horizon, particularly for those with co-located or other meters close to their homes or apartments,” she said. “Pulsed radiation still will fill our neighborhoods, homes and workplaces. This is totally wrong.” –Susan Brinchman, Director and Founder, Center for Electrosmog Prevention, La Mesa…
Read the full article online at: http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/8642
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