Utilities sometimes in middle as enthusiasm, wariness circle each other in smart grid push

摘要

With few consumer advocates supporting advanced meters and some actively trying to block them, it may be a small wonder that smart meters and time-based rates are being used with any frequency at all in the US. Consumer advocates in several states are saying utilities are not doing a good job at all of convincing them of the need for advanced meters. In Maryland, Oregon and elsewhere, utilities are seeking permission from state regulators, sometimes successfully, to make large investments in advanced metering infrastructure. Sometimes that comes with the support of consumer advocates, as at PPL Electric Utilities, and sometimes it comes over the objections of those advocates, as was the case for Portland General Electric in Oregon.