Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Berlin council tables smart‑meter opt‑out policy after debate over fees and PSC timing
Summary
Town staff reviewed a proposed opt‑out policy for electric and water meters that would allow customers to refuse two‑way smart meters. Council members agreed to advance water opt‑outs but tabled electric fees and tariff language pending staff follow‑up and PSC timing; councilers discussed reducing the one‑time installation fee from $75 to $25 and keeping the $17 monthly charge.
Berlin town staff presented a draft advanced‑meter opt‑out policy that would let customers decline two‑way smart meters for electric and water service.
Town Administrator Mary Bolan said the town must follow the Maryland Public Service Commission process for electric meters but can implement water‑meter opt‑outs locally. Electric Director Tim Lawrence told the council the draft mirrors policies other utilities use and showed model fees: a $75 one‑time…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
