Smart Meters - Public Service Commission

Smart meters are a new type electrical meter that will measure your energy
usage, like the old ones do now. But, it will send the information back to the
utility by wireless signal (radiofrequency/microwave radiation signal)
instead of having a utility meter reader come to the property and manually
do the monthly electric service reading. So, smart meters are replacements
for the older ‘spinning dial’ or analog electric meters. Smart meters are not
optional, and utilities are installing them even where occupants do not want
them.
In order for smart meters to monitor and control energy usage via this
wireless communication system, the consumer must be willing to install
power transmitters inside the home. This is the third part of the system and
involves placing power transmitters (radiofrequency/microwave radiation
emitting devices) within the home on each appliance. A power transmitter is
required to measure the energy use of individual appliances (e.g., washing
machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, etc) and it will send information via
wireless radiofrequency signal back to the smart meter. Each power
transmitter handles a separate appliance. A typical kitchen and laundry may
have a dozen power transmitters in total. If power transmitters are not
installed by the homeowner, or otherwise mandated on consumers via
federal legislation requiring all new appliances to have power transmitters
built into them, then there may be little or no energy reporting nor energy
savings.
Smart meters could also be installed that would operate by wired, rather than
wireless means. Shielded cable, such as is available for cable modem (wired