California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Judge Amy Yip-Kikugawa and President Michael Peevey have issued two proposed decisions in the smart meter opt-out proceeding. Here’s a recap of what they state:
- Give 37 million dollars to Investor Owned Utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E and So Cal Gas) for providing the opt-out program.
- Adopt permanent fees for residential customers who “do not wish to have a wireless smart meter”.
- Continue the same interim fees of $75 initial fee, plus $10 a month, and $10 initial fee and $5 a month for low income.
- Local governments and multi-unit dwellings may not collectively opt out of smart meter installations.
- Charging an opt-out fee does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- They will not address health and safety impacts in this decision.
- Assess fees on a per location basis, for example if you have two or more meters on your property, that will be one fee, per utility company.
- If you have two utilities, they can both charge you fees.
- Peevey proposes putting a cap on the opt-out fees at 3 years.
- Both Peevey and Yip-Kikugawa refuse to consider a no fee option.
- ALJ Amy Yip-Kikugawa’s Proposed Decision
- Michael Peevey’s Alternate Proposed Decision
“It is in everyone’s interest to promote moving to smart meters.” -Amy Yip-Kikugawa, CPUC proposed decision
A proposed decision is not necessarily the final authority. In 2011 the proposed decision stated the opt-out meter for PG&E would be a radio-off smart meter. After strong public opposition the final decision allowed for the analog meter.
What you can do:
Send your comments by email to ALJ Amy Yip-Kikugawa: ayk@cpuc.ca.gov and to Michael Peevey’s advisor Manisha Lakhanpal: ml2@cpuc.ca.gov You can also request to meet with the Commissioners in person.
Go to the CPUC meetings. A current list of CPUC meetings is here. The CPUC is located at 505 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA.
To learn more about this issue read the EMF Safety Network brief.