Panel Sets Opt-Out Fees For Smart Meters

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Public Service Commission has set fees for Maryland's utility customers who do not want smart meters installed in their homes or businesses.

The commission announced the fees on Wednesday for Maryland customers of four utilities. They will become effective for the first full billing cycle after July 1.

The fees are a one-time, upfront fee and a monthly fee. The upfront fee will be payable in three monthly installments.

The upfront fees are $75. The monthly fees are $11 for BGE customers; $14 for Pepco customers; and $17 for customers of Delmarva Power and Light Company and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.

The commission says the fees are substantially lower than those proposed by the utilities.

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