California regulators Wednesday unanimously moved to accommodate a small, but increasingly vocal segment of residential utility customers that have rebelled against advanced meters in their homes and apartments.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an alternative that allows customers that pay a one-time fee and monthly charge to retain their analog meters, which must be read manually and provide no two-way communications with their utility company.

Conservation group the Environmental Defense Fund praised the CPUC for its action and cited studies that conclude that there are no health problems related to exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields, such as the ones emitted by smart meters. Separately, the CPUC independent consumer unit, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates, urged that the regulators force utility shareholders — not ratepayers — to pay for customers opting for analog meters.

The latest decision is “interim,” pending further proceedings on the smart meter alternative by the CPUC, which last month altered a proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) that called for higher charges for analog-only customers (see Daily GPI, Jan. 18).

The action came after two hours of testimony by more than 60 consumers, who complained about various maladies tied to the advanced metering systems and asserted they should not have to pay extra for current meters. Following the CPUC action several filed out of the hearing noisily chanting, “We say no fee, charge the utility.”

Although the decision applies to all smart meters — gas and electric — it is the advanced meters for electric customers that have caused controversy for a small portion of PG&E’s customers. The analog meter option for residential customers took effect immediately. Customers electing to retain or return an analog meter would be assessed an initial fee of $75, along with a subsequent monthly charge of $10. For low-income customers the initial charge would be $10, followed by a $5 monthly fee.

CPUC President Michael Peevey said providing the opt-out provision is not a reversal of the state’s massive transition to new meters that began five years ago. He said more than 25 states now are transitions to the use of smart metering systems for energy utility customers.

“The costs approved [now] are interim to allow residential customers to begin selecting the opt-out option immediately,” a CPUC spokesperson said. “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 will be addressed.”

“We are in the beginning [in California] of implementing this national vision and when we are done the final manifestation of this vision will be a fully empowered energy consumer,” said Peevey, noting that it is impossible to have consumers like that without information transparency. “A consumer cannot alter his or her behavior until they are informed in a more meaningful way.”

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