Some questions for PG&E we haven't yet received satisfactory answers on
| Thursday, Oct 29 2009 09:04 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Oct 29 2009 09:04 PM
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The reliability of PG&E's SmartMeters has been questioned by a state senator, media statewide and Kern County ratepayers. Just in case Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and the California Public Utility Commission neglect to solicit my thoughts regarding independent testing, I decided to share my opinion with them via a medium that is sure not to get lost in the mail. Here goes:
* Before commencing with the independent testing, take some time to solicit input from ratepayers as to what needs to take place to make them trust this independent testing. I can personally provide examples of inconsistencies in PG&E responses. The results of the independent testing would be meaningless without taking the time to foster trust.
* There are two manufacturers of SmartMeters, Landis and G.E. I would be interested in a comparison of complaints received and reliability findings for each manufacturer.
* Please do not limit the testing to the meter alone. I would suggest testing the reliability of the transmission of data from our homes and businesses to the billing offices. I asked a PG&E employee in person about the possibility of cell phone interference. This employee offered a slight smile and a shrug of the shoulders as a response. This response did not add to my comfort level.
* What controls are in place to ensure the data transmitted and the data billed are not altered in any way?
* I was told by PG&E that the SmartMeters are much more accurate than the meters that had to be manually read. Well, if the SmartMeter enables PG&E to collect more because the meters are now more accurate, then should not the rates go down? I understand that ratepayers will receive a credit. But I was told this credit was for savings realized on contracts PG&E entered into before fuel prices went down. No one ever stated that the credit was due to the more accurate SmartMeters.
* PG&E tested 50 of the 250,000 SmartMeters deployed in Bakersfield. I would suggest expanding this sample for the independent testing.
* Bakersfield was selected as the testing site for the SmartMeters. Why? Maybe Bakersfield is on the southern end of the service area? I do not know. But I am very interested in knowing why a site with such extreme high temperatures was selected as the test site. There are many of us who think PG&E started where they could get the most return out of their investment.
My plea to the CPUC commissioners: Please take the time to come to Bakersfield and listen to us. We have information to share with you. We need you to really listen and care.
My plea to all of our elected state representatives: State Sen. Dean Florez appears to be the only one listening to his constituents. Maybe everyone else has just returned from vacation and will act on behalf of ratepayers upon their return? I will not hold my breath.
My plea to the community: Don't give up. I have been told that individuals cannot possibly make a difference with all things political. I refuse to accept that. We can make a difference. But, you have to get involved. Don't leave it to someone else to do. Call your elected representatives and the CPUC.
I care. Do you?
Georgina Lorenzi of Bakersfield is an accountant and public employee.
