Regarding the meeting on Oct. 9 about LPEA’s proposed fee for non-smart meter reading: There were multiple options mentioned for lowering the proposed payment of $25 to $50 per month per meter. Yes, there was plenty of eye-rolling going on and that was done both by co-op members and the LPEA staff and board members in attendance.

There is a great deal of controversy regarding smart meters and anyone who takes the time to do some research will discover information that should give us all pause. And I am not referring to spying or Agenda 21, either.

There are many questions that need a straight answer, from LPEA and from the industry itself. Until those questions are answered, there are some of us who prefer a “wait and see” attitude. Many people were blindsided by the meter change outs, and many more may not care.

But for those who do care, it is not right for LPEA to try and inflict a punishing fee – possibly to deter others from exercising the right to “opt out”? – and it is not right to attack those who do have concerns, particularly if you have not bothered to do any of the research yourself on the information for both sides.

Yes, the meters are being installed, and in some locations, they are now being removed. Be glad that somebody is at least paying attention here.

Holly Cochran

Durango