[BCUC - BC Hydro - Opt-out] Smart Metering Program Update: Meter Choices Program - Regulatory Application to the B.C. Utilities Commission Requesting Amendment to BC Hydro’s Electric Tariff re Opt-out Fees - October 07, 2013 From: "Smart Meters" Sent: Monday, October 7, 2013 Subject: Smart Metering Program Update: Meter Choices Program Smart Metering Program Update October 2013 Meter Choices Program In July 2013, the Provincial Government announced the Meter Choices Program, offering customers who have not yet received a smart meter a choice between: - a standard smart meter at no cost; - a radio-off meter, for a one-time set up fee and monthly operating fee; and - keeping an old meter for a monthly fee. Today, BC Hydro submitted a regulatory application to the B.C. Utilities Commission requesting an amendment to BC Hydro’s Electric Tariff to reflect the fees associated with the Meter Choices Program. This application outlines the proposed costs for customers who choose a radio-off meter or to keep an old meter. What is the cost of each option? Smart meters are now standard BC Hydro equipment provided to customers at no cost. The costs for non-communicating meters are expected to be: - radio-off meter: a set-up fee of $100 and a monthly fee of $20; - keeping an old meter: a monthly fee of $35 Why is there a cost? Smart meters work together with a modernised grid to create a communications network that supports the electricity grid. If BC Hydro does not exchange all the meters, additional infrastructure will be needed to bridge gaps in the communications network so the modern grid can work as planned. Fees for non-communicating meters offset the expense of: - adding the necessary additional infrastructure; - setting up and maintaining separate metering and billing processes; and - manually performing services that are now automated by smart meters. When will the fees be implemented? BC Hydro will bill customers using the fee schedule approved by B.C. Utilities Commission. These fees will be added to customers’ bills starting: - December 2, 2013 for those choosing to keep an old meter; or - April 1, 2014 for those choosing a radio-off meter. If the B.C. Utilities Commission has not completed their review by December 2, 2013, then an interim rate will likely apply. If the final fees differ from the interim rate, then BC Hydro will adjust customers’ bills accordingly. For more information, please visit bchydro/meterchoices or call 1 800 409 8199. Sincerely, ____________________________________________ Smart Metering Program Team BC Hydro Office: 1-800-409-8199 Fax: 1-778-452-6945 Email: smartmeters@bchydro bchydro ____________________________________________
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 01:00:01 +0000
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