OG&E customers voiced concerns Monday night about a new technology coming to the area. Smart meters will eliminate the need for meter readers.
Customers can expect electric bills to go up. OG&E will install smart grid technology this year, meaning customers will have to pay about an extra $1 per month. “They’ve already installed mine,” said Jean McClellan-Chambers, a customer, “They didn’t give me any indication.”
The new technology allows customers to monitor usage at any time. OG&E can read your meter without sending an employee to each home. “Fewer trucks, less fuel for those trucks, less operations and maintenance cost for those trucks,” said Ken Grant, managing director of customer solutions at OG&E.
Customers concerned about safety worry the new machines put out too much radiation. “We’re in a wireless society,” said Gary Hammer, a customer, “We get a ton of that stuff. We don’t need anymore.”
OG&E says tests show the new meters are safe.
Customers also worry their personal information may be compromised. “There’s not private customer information on the meter,” said Grant, “We’re just reading energy usage like we always have.”
OG&E says customers have to upgrade. “They said there was no opt out option even though there is in other parts of the country. Why it isn’t here, I don’t know,” said Hammer.
Federal stimulus money will fund half of the $360 million upgrade. OG&E contractors were scheduled to begin installing the new meters last month.
