Dive Summary:

• The Maryland Public Service Commission has announced that it will give energy customers a choose on smart meters, but hasn't yet decided whether to allow a complete opt-out or to make the alternative a smart meter installed in a way that limits radio frequencies.
• The panel will hold more hearings before deciding which option to give customers; an additional proposal could see smart meters that use "alternative methods" for data collection.
• No timetable has been announced for a decision, but two of the panel's five commissioners are opposed to an opt-out program and feel that an alternative meter installation is the best plan.

From the article:

The panel will hold more hearings before deciding which option to allow for those with concerns about smart meters: sticking with the existing analog meter, or having utilities "minimize or eliminate" emissions by special request with such measures as installing the meter farther from a customer's home or using alternative methods of communicating meter data.

Opponents of smart meters cite privacy and safety concerns in addition to fears about health risks. Proponents — including the utilities — say the meters are safe and provide both electric providers and customers with useful information. ...