A lot of misinformation has shown up in print lately about the PG&E Smart Meter Program. The main theme I”ve read is that PG&E is behind this program to gouge consumers. Let”s set the record straight.
California”s public utilities are governed by the California Public Utilities Commission. The Smart Meter Program is mandated by the CPUC as a part of a larger California goal of reducing the amount of power plants in the state, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from gas-fired plants. To achieve these goals pricing for electric and gas usage will necessarily rise.
Decreasing power consumption is one of the purposes of Smart Meter technology. Pricing for electricity will be based on hourly rates each day, driving consumers to change their usage habits through higher bills if they don”t change their usage habits. In addition, future uses of the technology will enable the state to control energy consuming appliances such as air conditioners and water heaters during times of high energy demand.
Nobody likes paying higher utility rates. But to blame the regulated utility companies, in our case PG&E, completely misses the culprit for Smart Meter technology. The utilities are regulated and cannot simply raise rates for their own profit. It is not a case of “people vs. profits” as some have written. The real driving force behind the Smart Meter Program is the green movement that is driving the State of California”s energy policy. But don”t take my word for it, go to the CPUC and California Energy Commission websites and look for yourself.
Higher energy bills are coming folks, but it is not the fault of the utility companies. It is our elected officials that have set this up, and we are going to pay for it. But its all worth it right? After all, we”re saving the planet right?
Albert F. Bernal
Clearlake
