Lawmakers oppose bills on smart meters
Members of a legislative committee on Monday opted against a pair of bills that would have given the Legislature more power over how and when Central Maine Power Co. installs smart meters for its customers.
The Utilities and Energy Committee voted 9-0 against a bill that would have imposed a one-year ban on CMP's controversial installation of the wireless meters, arguing that the Maine Public Utilities Commission should be the one to make that decision, according to the Portland Press Herald. The committee also tabled action on another bill that would let customers opt out of the smart-meter installation, since the PUC is currently deliberating on that issue.
The PUC in January launched an investigation into whether CMP should allow customers to refuse a smart meters following complaints over the meters' safety and health effects. CMP has been allowing customers to opt out pending a decision from the PUC, but has said that alternatives to the wireless meters would be too costly and negate the benefits of the system. Talks among CMP, state officials and opponents of the smart meters to reach a compromise on the issue have reportedly broken down, leaving the parties awaiting a ruling from the PUC, according to the paper.
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