Question of the Week: SmartMeter

PG&E has submitted a proposal that would charge an up-front fee, monthly fees and an exit fee for customers who want to opt out of the utility's SmartMeter program.

Opponents of the wireless devices, which are meant to reduce energy consumption by monitoring utility use and transmitting the information in real time, argue the radio frequency waves emitted by the meters are detrimental to their health.

PG&E's proposal would give customers the option of having PG&E turn off or disable the radios inside their SmartMeters, which would eliminate the radio frequency, according to company.

The utility proposed charging $135 to $270 up front to have an employee turn off the meters, plus a $14 to $20 monthly fee to keep it off. Customers could choose to pay a per-kilowatt-hour fee instead of the fixed monthly fee. PG&E would also charge customers an exit fee when they terminate service so future customers could use the SmartMeters.

Customers can also ask to have their SmartMeters moved to different locations on their property at estimated costs of $2,500 to $4,500 for overhead-meter customers and $6,000 to $11,000 for underground customers. 

What do you think about this proposed SmartMeter policy? Do you want to use the SmartMeter program? Would you pay to have it removed or relocated? Do you think the fees are fair? Do you think the radio waves are dangerous?

--Bay City News contributed to this report.