The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) made a ruling on Wednesday February 5, 2014. That ruling is in the following ICC press release dated February 6.
"ICC Approves Charge to ComEd Customers
Who
Decline Smart Meter Installations
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Wednesday approved
a new tariff to be applied to bills of ComEd customers who either don’t provide
the utility the necessary access to install new smart meters or who refuse the
new smart meters.
The Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) requires ComEd
to install smart meters, for all customers over a 10 year period. ComEd has filed
a deployment schedule with the ICC to meet the requirements of the EIMA. As
part of the deployment plan, ComEd also provided its customer communication
plan that ensures customers receive adequate notice before the smart meter
refusal charge would appear on their bills.
The Commission set a monthly customer charge of $21.53 for
customers, which was at the low end of a range of potential fees submitted by
the utility. The Commission determined
that the charge is reasonable and reflects additional costs required to read or
service the older model, analog meters. Smart meters are capable of sending
customer usage data electronically, eliminating costs associated with reading
meters manually.
ComEd is required to complete installation of the meters for
all customers in its service territory by 2022. In its order the Commission stated, “If
customers make the decision to refuse an AMI meter now and incur monthly
charges associated with this choice it should be with full knowledge that this
refusal is simply deferring the inevitable.”
The order directed ComEd to ensure customers know that if
they decline a smart meter or fail to allow the utility access to their property
for the meter installation, they will pay the additional charge for non-AMI
service, but the smart meters ultimately will be installed as provided for in
the law."
When are the Smart Meters coming?
According to ComEd, rollout of the new smart meters is scheduled to occur in Wheaton in 2015. These schedules are subject to change.
What Will The Meter Cost Me?
Nothing. The meters are a part of normal ComEd service and maintenance of their electrical grid system. However if a customer refuses to allow the installation of the smart meter or prevents the utility from access to install the meter, there will be a monetary charge to that customer of $21.53.
What's a "Smart Meter?"
The ComEd Smart Meter is an updated version of your electric meter. It replaces the one you currently have. It will send information back to the utility about your electricity consumption. According to ComEd's website "Smart meters are digital electric meters that collect energy-usage information and securely send it to ComEd. In addition to eliminating estimated bills, smart meters give you access to more information about your electricity usage. You can then make changes that can help conserve energy and reduce your electric bills."
Are There Benefits to the Customer?
According to ComEd "Nearly all estimated bills will be eliminated." Improved information may allow the customer to "Take personal control over energy use." In my opinion, it remains to be seen if there will be any tangible cost savings for the customer.
What Will The Meter Cost Me?
Nothing. The meters are a part of normal ComEd service and maintenance of their electrical grid system. However if a customer refuses to allow the installation of the smart meter or prevents the utility from access to install the meter, there will be a monetary charge to that customer of $21.53.
What's a "Smart Meter?"
The ComEd Smart Meter is an updated version of your electric meter. It replaces the one you currently have. It will send information back to the utility about your electricity consumption. According to ComEd's website "Smart meters are digital electric meters that collect energy-usage information and securely send it to ComEd. In addition to eliminating estimated bills, smart meters give you access to more information about your electricity usage. You can then make changes that can help conserve energy and reduce your electric bills."
Are There Benefits to the Customer?
According to ComEd "Nearly all estimated bills will be eliminated." Improved information may allow the customer to "Take personal control over energy use." In my opinion, it remains to be seen if there will be any tangible cost savings for the customer.
What's ComEd's Installation Process?
Currently, this is what the utility is telling customers about the installation process.
- You will be notified by mail when installations are scheduled for your area.
- A uniformed ComEd meter installer with appropriate identification will perform the installation at no cost to you.
- Please be sure there is nothing blocking access to the meter.
- Installation typically takes about 10 minutes.
- Expect a brief interruption to your electric service.
For More Information
Go to the ComEd smart meter website, here:
Clicking will open a New Window> ComEd Smart Meter Website
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