A smart meter installed in 2010 at a house in Killeen. (File)
EL PASO (December 14, 2012)--The Public Utility Commission has decided to develop a set of rules to allow to opt out of the smart meters that have been installed in millions of Texas homes and businesses.
PUC spokesman Terry Hadley said an opt-out would leave already installed smart meters in place, but would disable the devices' radio frequency capabilities.
Draft rules will be written and submitted for public comment.
After that, the PUC will vote again on whether to adopt them.
Smart meters allow for remote metering via radio frequency, providing information on energy consumption at peak times and make it much cheaper to read.
Some consumers oppose the new meters, citing possible health hazards and privacy concerns.
It is likely consumers who opt out will have to pay to have their meters read.
