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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today authorized Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to proceed with its proposed SmartMeter Program upgrade in order to give customers better access to information and greater control over their energy use and bills.

With the upgrade, PG&E's customers will receive advanced meters that include a Home Area Network enabling customers to access their energy usage on a real-time basis, rather than receiving such information at the end of a billing cycle. The improved system will also incorporate a remote connect/disconnect device on all meters, eliminating the need for PG&E to visit the location every time a customer moves in or out of their home.

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Today's decision to grant PG&E's upgrade plan makes PG&E's system comparable to those being used by San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison Company. The cost of the upgrade is set at $466,760,000.

With the upgrade, PG&E's customers will receive advanced meters that include a Home Area Network enabling customers to access their energy usage on a real-time basis, rather than receiving such information at the end of a billing cycle. The improved system will also incorporate a remote connect/disconnect device on all meters, eliminating the need for PG&E to visit the location every time a customer moves in or out of their home.

Today's decision to grant PG&E's upgrade plan makes PG&E's system comparable to those being used by San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison Company. The cost of the upgrade is set at $466,760,000.

"With PG&E's SmartMeters, customers will receive important energy usage and pricing information from the utility right away instead of waiting to the end of the monthly billing cycle when it's too late," said CPUC Commissioner Rachelle Chong. "The evidence so far shows that, given the right tools, customers will manage their energy use to save money and help the environment."

Added Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich, "The updates PG&E is rolling out here represent an important step forward in terms of functionality and will be crucial in our ability to help consumers change their behavior and reduce their energy needs."

SmartMeters are an important tool to enhance electric system reliability, reduce power purchases and individual consumer costs, and protect the environment.

Source: California Public Utilities Commission