A ruling on Thursday by state regulators now allows SDG&E customers to opt out of the company’s new digital smart meters, but the choice comes with a price tag.
The ruling declared that, if they wish, customers can keep their original, spinning-dial meters instead of the smart meters as long they pay a $75 upfront fee, plus an extra $10 fee each month thereafter.
The charges, in part, will pay for the cost of maintaining the older meter equipment and having SDG&E employees physically come out to check the analog meters. The new digital meters are read remotely.
This meter option comes after some customers complained about possible health effects that might stem from the wireless signals coming from the smart meters.
The opt-out fee plan is expected to start within the next 20 days.
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