Residents press Huntsville Utilities and council on smart‑meter opt‑out policy; utility board delays vote

Several residents urged the Huntsville City Council on Aug. 28 to support a legal opt‑out for smart meters and to press Huntsville Utilities to guarantee analog‑meter alternatives for those who seek them.

Speakers including Donald Campbell and James Francchini described their work with a small group of residents meeting with Huntsville Utilities to craft an opt‑out policy. Francchini said a utility board vote on an opt‑out policy was postponed after robust questions from board members and that city and utility staff will continue to work with the resident group on revisions.

Donald Campbell told the council he has drafted sample local legislation that would make opt outs enforceable by municipal code and said he would provide copies to council members. Campbell and others said their central concerns include health effects from radio‑frequency emissions, the ability to submit monthly meter reads voluntarily, and whether customers will face a monthly “opt‑out” fee.

Utility staff told residents the company’s draft policy allows customers to submit a photo of the meter reading but that the company is not guaranteeing the return of mechanical analog meters; the company’s plan includes a fee for customers who opt out of the automatic meter infrastructure, according to resident statements.

Residents said they will continue meetings with Huntsville Utilities and requested that the council consider local code changes if the utility’s final opt‑out policy does not address the group’s concerns.

No city ordinance was introduced at the Aug. 28 meeting; several residents said they would provide sample legislation and continue the collaborative process with the utility.