The Arizona Corporation Commission met this week to discuss the continuing examination of the safety and health concerns regarding smart meters. The Commissioners directed a re-opening of the pending docket, for 30 days, in order to solicit any submissions of health studies that have been conducted regarding the health issue.
The investor-owned utilities, regulated by the Corporation Commission, have deployed smart meters throughout their service territories. The utilities have touted the smart meters as a net benefit because they are able to perform “remote meter reads” and they encourage customers to track their own energy usage. Smart meter proponents cite cost-saving and energy conservation gains. However, the Corporation Commission has conducted hearings in which several ratepayers have raised safety and health issues caused by smart meters. In order to ensure that smart meters are conforming to the public interest, the Commission has sought to investigate these concerns. The Commission will incorporate the findings in a final decision that will culminate in a set of guidelines.
In the course of due diligence, the Commission wants to see if there are any compelling reasons to continue more fact-gathering after reviewing the submissions.
“We have heard from ratepayers who have raised various issues about smart meters. We will look at all related issues, thoroughly,” said Commission Brenda Burns. “We want to make sure their concerns are addressed.”
“This step will help Commissioners do their due diligence by ensuring we have as much data as possible on this important issue,” said Chairman Bob Stump.
“It is the commission’s intent to gather accurate information relative to smart meters in order to ensure privacy protection and the public’s health and safety,” said Commissioner Gary Pierce.