PG&E’s smart meters are coming to my Bernal Heights street — and I don’t want one. I’m not really that worried about getting zapped by radiation from the radio transmitter — the whole house is abuzz in wifi anyway. But it seems as if everyplace that the new meters have been installed, people are unhappy; bills go up at random, complaints aren’t answered etc. And honestly, I’m not sure I want PG&E to have such detailed information about my electricity use. Bottom line: I don’t trust PG&E. And I’d rather wait until the CPUC is done with its hearings on the matter and has issued some guidelines.
Okay, maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I ought to just accept that the private electric company is going to know every time I turn on a lightbulb. But for now, I’ll wait.
And there’s a way to get out of it. All you have to do is call 877-743-7378. It’s a 24-hour line. I was only on hold for about four minutes. I told the person I didn’t want a smart meter; she asked why, and I told her I didn’t trust PG&E. She told me I would be put on the delay list and no new meter would be installed until the CPUC issues new rules.
So I’m probably good for another year or two. 877-743-7378. Give it a try.