Texas Staff Seek Comment on Smart Meter Opt-Out Questions

Staff of the Public Utility Commission of Texas have sought comment on a series of questions exploring the feasibility and effects of offering a smart meter opt-out in the Texas electric market (40190).

Among other things, Staff seeks comment on:

• Does the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) currently have authority to require an opt-out program without further legislative action?

• If the PUCT does not have authority for a general rule creating an opt-out program, could an opt-out program be created through specific amendments to the smart meter settlement agreement with each utility deploying smart meters?

• If an opt-out program were adopted by the PUCT, what alternatives could be offered to customers that do not wish to have a standard smart meter installed? At minimum, please consider the following alternatives: (a) analog meter; (b) digital non-communicating meter; (c) digital meter with communication function turned off; (d) digital meter that communicates less frequently (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly).

• While the feasibility of a potential opt-out program is being considered, should customers who do not want smart meters installed at their premises be able to defer installation until a decision on the opt-out program is made?

• Would an opt-out program affect resource adequacy in ERCOT?

• Should a TDU customer who opts-out of receiving a smart meter pay the AMS Surcharge?

• With respect to the Discretionary Service Charges (DSCs) that have been lowered as a result of savings associated with AMS deployment, should customers pay the DSCs associated with the additional costs of providing those services to customers without smart meters, regardless of whether the customers have opted-out?

• What is the incremental cost to the TDU of each customer who opts-out of receiving a smart meter?

• How should customers who opt-out of receiving a smart meter pay for the incremental cost incurred by the TDU? Please discuss the possibility of: (i) a one-time fee; (ii) a monthly fee; (iii) an initial fee combined with a monthly fee

• How would 15-minute settlement and use of load profiles be impacted?

• Explain all impacts to REP processes and systems as a result of having an opt-out. Please discuss the costs associated with any REP process or system changes that will be required to accommodate a customer that chooses to opt-out.