September 2, 2010 | 4:07 PM | By

CPUC says Smart Meters are Accurate

FILED UNDER: Government & Business, CPUC, Smart Meters, Technology

Today the California Public Utilities Commission announced the results of an independent evaluation of PG&E’s Smart Meter program.  The audit, conducted by The Structure Group, found that the meters — and the associated billing — are accurate. However, it did fault PG&E’s customer service practices for exacerbating the problem of Smart Meter-related complaints about high bills.  The New York Times Green blog has more on the audit.

Over the last year, complaints about Smart Meters have been increasing.  Last month, the town of Fairfax passed an emergency ordinance putting a moratorium on the installation of Smart Meters, citing concerns about accuracy, safety, and privacy.  Last week the city of Watsonville followed suit, and the issue is being hotly contested in Santa Cruz County.

Earlier this summer, Sasha Khokha reported on consumer concerns about Smart Meters in the Central Valley on KQED’s The California Report.

  • Mary Johnson

    I received a large bill for July – 2 times more than the previous 3 years. I wrote emails, made phone calls. The phone operators were very nice and agreeable but made me feel like a doddering old lady who didn’t understand numbers. I’ve spent the last 3 weeks, lying on the linoleum floor on days above 100 degrees to avoid using the AC. I use fans – which one operator told me use huge amounts of energy. I checked my meter: 3 fans on high for 30 minutes made no change in the kilowatts used. Give me a break – I am a high school science teacher. Something made the Smartmeter “spin” beyond my average usage at home, raising a normally 170 to 200 dollar bill to over 400 dollars. Neighbors had similar stories. What subsidary company of PGE checked their Smartmeters? I am currently reading my meter daily, trying to keep track of usage. The next bill had better be back to normal. If I were to install just one small solar panel, then it is my understanding, my home would be placed back on the old meters. I am seriously considering it.!! Call me ANGRY at PGE.

  • Tim

    That subsidiary company would be the CPUC. PGE brags about “owning” them. If there is too much evidence the CPUC and a few judges will let PG&E file bankruptcy again right after they pay their management millions in payola.