Texas residents are paying for smart meter installations all across the state. Is it worth the cost? The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is considering an opt-out for smart meters but not everyone thinks it should.
Bruce Wike of Dallas is strongly opposed to an Opt-Out option for smart meters. He sent the PUCT a letter outlining his reasons. He hopes the PUCT will “DECLINE to create an Opt-Out program for the 1/10 of 1% – the delusional people with ill-founded objections.”
He made it clear if the PUCT decides to have the Opt-Out program that every resident should pay their share. The phrase “No free rides” was repeated twice and bolded in the letter.
Wike added at the end, “If you create an Opt-Out for them, then I want to opt out, too. Please come and get my smart meter and take that $2 charge off my monthly bill.”
In a letter, Francisco O. Rios told the PUCT, “My electric bills from CIRRO Energy contain a fee of $3.40 monthly for an ‘advanced’ meter charge from TNMP (Texas New Mexico Power).” He Goes on to ask for a refund.
Plano, Texas resident, John D. Grinnell wishes to Opt-Out for several reasons, one of which regards his disabled son’s health. Grinnell’s letter, however, doesn’t mention any fees associated with Smart Meters but questions system’s security.
Wike’s comment saying “delusional people with ill-founded objections” seems laughable to a father’s desire to protect his son. He could have been questioning the knowledge of those for the Opt-Out program. This may be based on the fact RF radiation for smart meters is a fraction of most household appliances or cell phones.
The debate over smart meters is far from over. Each side represents valid points.The PUCT has hard questions to answer on both sides of the argument.
Donny Eisenbach
Donny has been writing about the deregulated energy markets since early 2007. His knowledge has helped consumers lower their electricity cost.
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