BGE 'Smart Meter' Plan Meets Opposition
A plan to give Baltimore Gas and Electric customers in Maryland smart meters is coming up against some opposition.
The Baltimore Sun is reporting some consumer and senior advocate groups like AARP are opposing BGE's request to expedite the review process by state regulators.
The company says a faster legislative-style hearing next month would allow it to meet the October deadline to apply for federal stimulus grants for smart grid improvements.
However, AARP has filed a letter of opposition to what it calls the "fast-track" process because there are a lot of questions that still need to be answered, such as a "time-of-use" pricing scheme.
The state's Office of the People's Counsel, which represents consumers, as well as staff for the five-person commission, have also recommended that commissioners hold a full hearing.
If smart meters are approved... BGE says it will give rebates to customers who conserve when energy demand is highest... Saving billions over the 15-year life of the meters. But some experts question BGE's prediction as to how much customers will save.
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