As part of the ‘opt-out’ proceeding, the CPUC is focusing on what the ‘opt-out’ program is costing the utilities (in terms of providing jobs to meter readers etc.). The regulators generally consider that the party whose actions create costs should be responsible for paying those costs. We agree! The utilities however, have been twisting this, arguing that those ‘pesky’ people claiming they’ve been injured or are electro-sensitive should be responsible for the added costs of an analog meter opt out program, since they are responsible for added costs in the program (a program that has been forced on the public with no advance debate or consultation we might add). Joanne Fletcher of Burbank Water and Power (BWP) has referred to opt outs as “inefficiencies” created by those who want to opt out. As such, she said that costs should be paid for by the parties creating the “inefficiencies.”
What do you think?
Nina Beety asks: “What about our costs that have resulted from the ‘Smart’ Meter program?”
Below is a chart with some of her examples to get you started tracking the costs imposed on you by the ‘smart’ meter program. Download the file in excel format here, and bring these costs to the five public hearings scheduled by the CPUC around California this month.
She asks:
How many other costs? Add them up and let the PUC’s and PSCs, and your elected officials know how the smart meter program has affected you financially. No one is reimbursing us for these horrendous, permanent costs. And if all of our past, present and future costs, as well as the costs to everyone in California, as a result of this program were balanced against their numbers, not only would the total far outweigh theirs, but anyone moral and rational (not to mention fiscally responsible) would stop this program.
Our numbers have to go into the balance sheet.
Editor’s Note: Energy companies like PG&E are only able to make such large profits because the costs of the way they do business are externalized onto individuals, communities and the environment. In other words- we pay for costs that result from their activities. What if we started making corporations pay for the true cost of their business activities? Would they make different decisions?
COST ALLOCATION MUST BE PAID BY GREEDY PG&E EXECUTIVES AND SHAREHOLDERS for FORCING THEIR DANGEROUS CANCER CAUSING SMARTMETERS ON OUR HOMES, EXCLUSIVELY SO THEY COULD STEAL MILLIONS OF $$.
NO ONE WANTS THEM AND THERE IS NO LAW FORCING ACCEPTANCE.
PG & E HAS ACTED LIKE TERRORISTS, SO THEY MUST PAY TO HAVE THE ENTIRE MICROWAVE MESS REMOVED. BY THE TIME ALL OF THE LAWSUITS ARE COMPLETED PG & E WILL BE BANKRUPT, and THOUSANDS WILL DIE FROM YEARS OF HARM.
PG & E executives/shareholders and the CPUC are guilty of massive premeditated crimes against millions of innocent customers and their families, and will be criminally charged.
PG & E is also guilty of double charging: payment for having analog meters read monthly are already factored into each bill, so charging again with an illegal “opt-out fee” for something NO ONE EVER OPTED INTO, is ILLEGAL: EXTORTION, TORTURE, and CRAMMING:
IT is time for all of these criminals to serve jail time, or get the electric chair.
ALSO-WHERE ARE OUR REFUNDS FOR THE SMARTMETER PROGRAM MONEY ALREADY STOLEN FROM US YEARS AGO?
Haven’t these psychopaths made enough money to LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE!!! Wait until they have ringing in their ears 24 hours a day and terminal illness from rf exposure, then they will see the monster they have created.
I think that Michael and Nina are right on, hitting the nail on the head. These PG & E executives/shareholders and the CPUC have all the characteristics of psychopaths, engaging in criminal behavior. They are wrecking our lives, our health, communities and environment. They are openly breaking many laws and must be stopped or we and our children have no future.
I just estimated my total costs (using this sheet as a guide) since July of 2012 when they installed the smart meters. The costs are approaching $4,000 so far. This isn’t including the cost I will incur by “opting out” of the smart meter program, or for any private electricians I have yet to contact regarding whether my “refurbished analog” meter is truly only analog. I’ve had to move, buy tons of shielding supplies, and have had many health setbacks and subsequent diagnostics and doctors visits since this all started. It has made my life exceptionally challenging. I, and many others, deserve at least a settlement for all of this hardship that was FORCED upon us. Is there any type of class action lawsuit yet? I am documenting every step of the way, this is criminal.