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California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: A.11-03-014

CPUC APPROVES ANALOG METERS FOR PG&E CUSTOMERS
ELECTING TO OPT-OUT OF SMART METER SERVICE

SAN FRANCISCO, February 1, 2012 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today modified Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Smart Meter program to include an analog meter option for residential customers who do not wish to have a wireless Smart Meter installed at their location.

Customers electing to retain or return to an analog meter will be assessed an initial fee of $75 and a monthly charge of $10. Customers enrolled in the CPUC's low income program (California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)) electing to opt-out will be assessed an initial fee of $10 and a monthly charge of $5.

Said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey, "The standard for metering has been transitioning worldwide from the older technology of analog meters to today's Smart Meter technology. We are not reversing that transition by allowing for an analog opt-out, but we are recognizing that certain customers prefer an analog meter."

Added Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, "Today's decision provides a choice to customers who would like to opt-out of PG&E's Smart Meter installation program at a much lower costs than originally proposed. It is a great example of how public initiative and participation can result in better regulatory policy."

The costs approved today are interim to allow residential customers to begin selecting the opt-out option immediately. The costs are subject to adjustment upon conclusion of a second phase of this proceeding where issues concerning the actual costs associated with offering an analog opt-out option will be addressed.

The September 21, 2011, Assigned Commissioner's Ruling directing PG&E to establish a delay list is no longer in effect and all customers on the delay list will be transitioned to a wireless Smart Meter unless they elect to participate in the opt-out option.

The proposal voted on is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/AGENDA_DECISION/158309.htm.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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