Customers Give SmartMeters Failing Grade

California energy regulators say they will soon begin investigating new Pacific Gas and Electric Co. meters that some customers have blamed for higher energy bills.

The California Public Utilities Commission said Monday it expects to name a consultant later this week to probe the accuracy of the meters.

The digital SmartMeters send information about a household's gas and electric use to the company through wireless signals.

Some customers have complained about soaring gas and electric bills after the devices were installed. But PG&E says the meters are accurate and blames the higher bills on hot weather and rate increases.

The utility commission's announcement comes after state Sen. Dean Florez complained that it had been slow in launching the probe. The commission denies that charge.


(3/9/10) (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)