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Maryland utilities customers will have more options when it comes to smart meter installation at their homes and businesses.
The Maryland Public Service Commission ruled Monday that public interest requires that Baltimore Gas & Electric, Potomac Electric Power Company and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative provide customers with an additional option related to smart meters, according to a ruling on the commission's website.
Customers have complained about the health consequences that they believe will occur as a result of radio frequency emissions from the smart meters. The commission found no "convincing evidence" to support that claim, but acknowledged a "good-faith belief" to the contrary from customers.
As such, the commission will conduct additional proceedings to determine if customers will have the option to retain their analog meters or mandate that smart meters be installed in a radio frequency-free, or near radio frequency-free, manner, according to the ruling. Customers choosing the alternative option would have to assume the additional costs.
Utilities companies must provide proposals related to the costs of the smart meter options by July 1.
Until a decision is made on which option will be made available to customers, the utilities companies will continue to honor a moratorium on installation for those customers who have informed the companies that they do not want a smart meter, the ruling reads.
