PG&E customers can opt out of Smart Meter

Residential electric and gas customers who have concerns about wireless technology can now choose either a new Smart Meter or a traditional analog meter, following the final decision made by the California Public Utilities Commission this week.

But going the analog route will require Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers to pay $75 initial setup charge and a $10 monthly charge.

According to PG&E, the additional charges will cover the costs of manual meter-reading and associated operational and billing issues.

Income-qualified customers will pay a $10 initial setup charge and $5 a month for the opt out program.

The utility company said it supports the commission's decision and will respond quickly to customers who opt out of the utility's SmartMeter™ program.

While PG&E stands by its determination that SmartMeters are safe, the program has been criticized by many who believe the new meters emit harmful amounts of radiation.

"We know personal choice is important to our customers when it comes to the meters on their homes," Helen Burt, PG&E's senior vice president and chief customer officer, said in a statement.

"This final decision in support of analog meters is a positive step forward for those who have concerns over wireless technology. We understand some customers have been waiting for this decision, and we are actively reaching out to those who have expressed their desire for a SmartMeter alternative."

PG&E claims that the new meter program will help customers save on their energy bills, and that it helps the enviroment.

So far, the energy company has installed nearly 9 million of the digital, wireless Smart Meters throughout its service area in Northern and Central California.

The company said it plans to remove the gas and electric SmartMeters from the homes of those who choose analog service.