Another utility, Pepco in Washington D.C., is refusing anyone the right to opt-out of a “smart” meter.
‘“There is no-opt out provision in D.C.,” Pepco spokesman Bob Hainey said when asked about Loikow’s allegation. “That’s the bottom line.” ‘
‘“Pepco has a responsibility to be more reliable (in fixing outages) regardless,” says Louis Davis, Jr., senior state director for AARP’s D.C. office. While his group is “cautiously optimistic” about smart meters, he says the power company has yet to make a convincing case that the new technology will lead to lower bills. ”
“…pocketbook issues: Smart meter installation is expected to usher in “dynamic pricing,” which would raise the price of electricity during peak usage hours, like summer afternoons when air conditioners are running at full blast. That might encourage the general public to conserve, but it would be tough on the elderly, who are most likely to be home during afternoon hours.”
“Pepco says it hopes that higher afternoon prices would convince more people to, say, put off that load of laundry until after 10 p.m., lessening the stress on the system. Environmentalist say that reduction in stress would reduce the pressure to build new power plants.
“That’s still a few years away, says Kane. Her commission, which would have to okay such a plan, rejected Pepco’s first dynamic pricing proposal a few years ago.”
Seems that the DOE grants may be the reason the utilities are refusing to allow an Opt-Out (where a ratepayer can keep their analog meter)?