PG&E granted authority to charge fees for opting out of Smart Meters

The State of California has granted PG&E the authority to charge fees to customers wishing to avoid having a Smart Meter installed in their homes. The Associated Press reports that the California Public Utilities Commission voted to grant PG&E the ability to charge customers an initial fee of $75.00, and a monthly fee of $10.00 to opt out of the Smart Meters Program. Low income customers will receive initial fees of $10.00, followed by a monthly fee of $5.00.  Critics of Smart Meters argue that exposure to the radio frequencies and radiation from wireless electricity can pose health risks.  PG&E has maintained that the wireless utility meters are safe.