Dive Summary:
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has refused to agree with Sebastopol, California's ban on smart meters, which was adopted by local regulators last week; there is a $500 fine for any violation of the ban.
- PG&E has spent $2.3 billion on its smart meter installation program and said it "cannot agree to a moratorium;" the utility is regulated by the state's Public Utilities Commission.
- While some residents were indifferent to the ban, others in the community felt that banning the smart meters was a preemptive approach against as yet unknown health side effects.
From the article:
City Manager Larry McLaughlin said it would remain in effect until the council takes further action.
“It starts today and it will last indefinitely,” McLaughlin told the council and 14 people attending the meeting.
Asked by Councilman John Eder what happens to residents who want SmartMeters removed from their homes, McLaughlin, who is also the city’s attorney, said the measure “cannot compel removal of meters already installed.” ...
