Florez meets with PUC president on SmartMeter concerns
| Wednesday, Oct 07 2009 07:28 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Oct 07 2009 07:58 PM
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Michael Fagans / The Californian Senator Dean Florez addresses the audience and PG&E representatives during hearings on PG&E billing and smart meters at the Kern County Board of Supervisors chambers on Monday night in Bakersfield.
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State Sen. Dean Florez called upon the California Public Utilities Commission to stop Pacific Gas and Electric Co. from installing more SmartMeters and implementing any rate increases until meters can be thoroughly tested by independent technology experts.
He also wants the automated units' accuracy tested against traditional meters.
The Shafter Democrat met with PUC President Michael Peevey in San Francisco Wednesday afternoon to discuss a letter outlining 10 policies and proposals he wants considered. His request came on the heels of Monday's Senate hearing in Bakersfield, during which customers questioned soaring bills and SmartMeters.
"I wanted to deliver it to the president of the PUC personally because I wanted him to understand the severity of the problem we are facing in Kern County," Florez said. "I think he heard our case loud and clear."
PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said the utility wants to take time before it responds.
"We're continuing to address our customers' concerns," Boyles said. He said the utility's tests have found no widespread problems with SmartMeters.
Among other actions, Florez requested:
* PG&E be required to monitor at least 10 percent of installed SmartMeters and check for accuracy against historical average use.
* A citizen oversight board be created.
* Utilities visit the customer to test the meter within 48 hours of a complaint.
* Customer complaints be addressed within three working days, with reports going to the PUC.
* Keep PG&E Answer Centers open until at least 10 percent of SmartMeters have been randomly tested.
* Satisfaction surveys for customers.
* Utilities notify customers when power use triggers higher rates.
Florez said he asked that Peevey and the PUC respond to his requests in 10 days. Peevey was not available for comment Wednesday after the meeting.
Via e-mail, a PUC spokeswoman said Florez's visit was appreciated.
"We are looking into the matter and look forward to working with the senator's office on a strategy to address the issues," spokeswoman Terrie Prosper wrote.
Boyles at PG&E said the utility will continue holding customer "answer centers." They will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the PG&E offices at 1918 H St.
