3. PG&E's Application
PG&E's electric SmartMeters include two low-power radios embedded in the meter that are capable of both transmitting and receiving a signal through the radio. One radio is used to communicate with PG&E over its SmartMeter electric mesh network. This radio communicates to local collectors called Access Points which communicate that information back to PG&E's system. The second radio is currently off and would be used only if the customer affirmatively decides to implement an integrated Home Area Network (HAN). PG&E's gas SmartMeters have a single radio, which is used to transmit a low power radio frequency signal to a Distribution Collection Unit (DCU). The DCU collects data from local meters and then communicates back to PG&E's systems.
PG&E proposes to offer the following opt-out options to customers:4
1. Radio off - Residential electric and gas customers would be eligible to request that the wireless radios embedded in the SmartMeter be "turned off" (deactivated).
2. Relocation - Electric customers may request that PG&E relocate the electric SmartMeter to a different location on the customer's property.5
PG&E estimates the costs to implement the radio off option to be $113.4 million for the years 2012 and 2013, assuming 148,500 customers will elect to opt out.6 It proposes that these costs be recovered from those customers choosing to opt-out of a wireless SmartMeter through the assessment of an up-front fee covering all or a portion of PG&E's immediate costs of implementing the opt-out option, monthly fees covering ongoing monthly expenses and an "exit fee" upon termination of participation in the opt-out option.
4 PG&E Testimony at 1-5 - 1-6.
5 The relocation option is an existing option and shall continue to be offered pursuant to Electric Rule 16. Under Rule 16, relocation costs could be between $2,500 and $11,000 depending on the specific characteristics of the relocation. Relocation costs would be paid by the customer requesting this option.
6 PG&E Testimony at 3-2.
