Over the past few years, Oncor has purchased 898,000 meters as part of their plan to upgrade to automated meters that can be operated from a central location, rather than sending out a service technician. But the Public Utility Commission announced last week these meters don’t meet state standards.
The meters in question cannot be used as part of the new program to install smart meters at residences because they lack certain capability. Still, Temple plant manager Toone said the term “obsolete” was misleading. The meters will find a home, and are not a waste of customers’ money.
“They are not obsolete. The capability for automatic disconnect is not necessary in some applications, and these meters can be used there, such as at traffic lights, police stations, metered street lights, railroad crossings and electric gates,” Toone said.
The issue came to a head last week when The reported Oncor was seeking approval to charge customers $93 million for these meters. This could mean a higher electric bill.
Before the PUC failed to approve these meters last week, Oncor customers already faced a $2.21 per month surcharge for the next 11 years to pay for these units. If Oncor gets their $93 million request, that surcharge could increase.
An outspoken critic of the rate hike, Salado resident Howard Crowell said this was Oncor trying to stick it to the customer to pay for its incompetence.
Toone said here in Bell County, the smart meters should be installed by the end of the year. And they will be ones approved by the PUC.
Through their system of transmission lines and other delivery vehicles, Oncor delivers electricity to most of Bell County regardless who you buy your kilowatts from.
