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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 installation charge (payable in three monthly installments under the proposed tariff) and a $17 monthly manual‑read surcharge used by comparable utilities.
Council members pressed staff on whether the town could charge a customer who later requests smart‑meter installation and whether fees should cover vehicle travel, staff time and administrative cross‑checks. Several council members argued the $75 one‑time fee was excessive and favored lowering it to $25 while retaining or increasing the monthly charge to reflect recurring manual‑read costs.
After discussion the council directed staff to revise the policy language and return with clarifications about: whether retroactive charges or installation charges are allowable for electric meters pending PSC approval; a precise administrative cost estimate to support whatever one‑time fee is proposed; and the proposed tariff language the town will file with the PSC. The body agreed staff may enroll electric customers who request opt‑out service but not collect electric fees until PSC approval. The council signaled it was comfortable moving the water side forward sooner and tabled final action on the electric tariff to a future meeting.
Next steps: staff will revise the draft opt‑out policy and bring tariff language and cost justifications back to council prior to seeking PSC approval for electric charges.
