We support smart metering and we also fully support your individual right to choose.
If you’re a residential customer, you may choose to opt out of a smart meter. If you do, an older technology meter will remain in place (or be reinstalled) at your home. You will not be able to take advantage of programs and benefits like Budget Assistant, which rely on two-way communication technology.
Our Meters: Features and Benefits
| Smart Meter versus Opting Out | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature or Benefit | Smart Meter | Opting Out |
|
24/7 Access to Usage Information |
Yes | No |
|
Budget Assistant Alerts |
Yes | No |
|
Bill-to-Date |
Yes | No |
|
Projected Next Bill |
Yes | No |
|
Save Power Day Incentives |
Yes | No |
|
Remote Activation |
Yes | No |
|
Set-up Charge |
Included | $50* |
|
Monthly charge |
Included | $10** |
*Income-qualified customers pay a $10 set-up charge for operational activities.
**Income-qualified customers pay $5 monthly charge for meter reading.
As a residential customer, you may exercise the opt-out alternative choice by calling us at 1-800-810-2369 to enroll.
Yes, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has established an initial set-up fee of $50 and an ongoing monthly charge of $10 to opt out of the smart meter. If you participate in income-qualified programs like California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), the initial set-up fee is $10 and the ongoing monthly charge is $5. These associated opt-out fees will be added to your monthly bill.
Fees and program options are subject to change by the CPUC.
California’s standard for metering is now smart meters. The CPUC has determined that those customers who choose the non-standard service should pay the costs for non-standard service. The cost covers manual meter reading and associated operational and billing activities.