Jul 22 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Genevieve Bookwalter Santa Cruz Sentinel, Calif.



City leaders voted 4 to 1 Wednesday to join Santa Cruz County and San Francisco in asking the state to halt the installation of new power meters with wireless technology until a study of their accuracy is complete.

Council members reminded the audience of about 30 that the decision to have PGandE install SmartMeters across the state came years ago and is supported with federal stimulus money. The city's request for a moratorium, while well intentioned, was unlikely to have much effect, they said.

Mayor Jim Reed said constituents should talk to their state and federal representatives, who craft legislation that affects power companies, and the Public Utilities Commission, which regulates them.

"The Public Utilities Commission has oversight over PGandE. Scotts Valley has none," Reed said.

 Added Councilman Dene Bustichi, "the City Council didn't do much of anything tonight other than giving you a forum to speak your mind."

After the vote, PGandE spokesman Matt Nauman said the company began installing meters in Scotts Valley this week, as scheduled.

While PGandE supports the investigation into SmartMeters' accuracy, "We don't believe a moratorium is necessary, and the California Public Utilities Commission has agreed with us," Nauman said.

SmartMeters are Wi-Fi power meters that are meant to replace analog technology dating to the 19th century. PGandE officials say the new meters will

allow them to track power consumption hourly while helping customers understand how and when they use power, thus allowing them to conserve more. SmartMeters can be read remotely, eliminating the need for meter readers.

But the meters have been dogged by controversy since customers across the state complained that bills seemed to skyrocket after meters had been installed. Some of the increases have been attributed to rising rates, and in May PGandE admitted as many as 23,000 installed SmartMeters could be creating billing glitches. In March, the state Public Utilities Commission hired an independent group to evaluate the billing problems. San Francisco's city attorney in June asked state regulators to halt meter installation there until the report is finished, a request that Santa Cruz County and now Scotts Valley have joined.

Audience members clapped and cheered for the city's decision, which was only opposed by Councilman Randy Johnson. Many in attendance voiced concerns about the unknown medical effects of wireless technology.

"I don't want to be radiated, I don't want to be overcharged, I don't want to be pushed around by any big company," said Loraine Caton, 80, of Scotts Valley.

"Our advice to PGandE is, don't get rid of those old meters, because you're going to need to put them back," said Scotts Valley resident Josh Hart.

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