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Avoiding 'smart' electric meter could mean bigger bill

Aug 29 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Mark Williams The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio

        

Aug 29 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Mark Williams The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio

American Electric Power Ohio is asking permission to charge customers $31.80 a month if they choose not to have a "smart meter" installed and continue to have their electric meter read manually.

The power company says in a filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that the charge reflects the costs of having someone come to a person's home to read the meter.

AEP wants to install the new meters in 900,000 homes and businesses in Ohio. With the new meters, information about customers' electric usage is automatically relayed to the utility, and the utility will be instantly notified about power failures.

Utilities have the right to impose a fee on those who choose not to accept a smart meter. Utilities are being required to file their proposed charges for those who opt out with the PUCO.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, which represents utility consumers, has argued that the fee AEP is seeking is excessive and has recommended to the PUCO that it be cut to $10.49 per month for most of the affected customers.