Maryland Sets Smart Meter Opt-Out Fees

The Maryland PSC has established smart meter opt-out fees as follows:

Utility   Up-Front Charge   Recurring Monthly Charge
BGE          $75.00               $11.00
Pepco        $75.00               $14.00
DPL          $75.00               $17.00
SMECO        $75.00               $17.00

These fees are based upon the projected costs that each of the utilities will incur for allowing customers to opt out. However, the fees do not currently encompass costs associated with additional mesh network reinforcement devices.

The PSC ordered the utilities to file with the actual costs incurred after the percentage of opt-out customers stabilizes, at which time the PSC will re-evaluate the fees to be paid by opt-out customers