Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Smart meter bills come with huge costs: A hearing on proposals for an opt-out provision and a moratorium goes on for hours


By Tux Turkel tturkel@mainetoday.com
April 5 2011

AUGUSTA — Proposed laws to allow customers to opt out of Central Maine Power Co.'s smart meter program or impose a one-year ban on further installations would kill the project and cost ratepayers tens of millions of dollars, CMP officials said Monday at a public hearing on the bills.

But others argued that legitimate concerns over health effects, privacy and cyber security should persuade the Legislature to put the program on hold until key questions are answered.

"At some point, we have to say, 'stop,'" said Sen. Larry Bliss, D-South Portland, who sponsored the bill calling for a moratorium. "These things might be making people sick."...continued.....