PUC will audit CMP smart meter savings
The Maine Public Utilities Commission will commission a third-party audit of Central Maine Power Co.'s smart meter program to review its management after the company revised what had been expected as ratepayer savings to increased ratepayer expenses.
The Portland Press Herald reported that two PUC commissioners, with Chairman Tom Welch recusing himself, voted Thursday to move ahead with the staff recommendation that the commission order an audit of the program.
The audit recommendation came after the company estimated that instead of saving $25 million over the 20-year life of the smart meter equipment, the program would cost customers around $80 million over the 20 years.
The PUC agreed with the Maine Public Advocate that ratepayers should not shoulder that cost. CMP disagrees, the paper reported.
The smart meters, which allow power companies to track power use data without sending out staff to read meters, are viewed as a component in creating a more dynamic and responsive power grid.
If the commission-ordered audit finds the change in the cost estimate for the program is due to mismanagement on the part of CMP, the company could be prevented from recovering some of those costs from rates.
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