The majority of comments at a public pulse-taking about a La Plata Electric Association meter-reading fee addressed anything but the announced topic.
The stated goal was to hear customer reaction to LPEA plans to charge for reading analog meters now that self-reporting gadgetry is in 73 percent of the cooperative’s 41,000 meters.
At the Thursday event, it seemed all 70 members of the attending public spoke, many of them numerous times.
A frequent comment was the impression that the switch from analog to Advanced Metering Infrastructure – or so-called smart meters – that started in late 2013 was done without informing customers.
Several people said they learned about smart meters from neighbors or only because they were at home when an LPEA technician arrived to switch out the analog meter.
The alleged secrecy eroded public trust, they said.
About 300 LPEA customers have chosen not to have the latest meter-reading technology installed.
A number of speakers cited health problems, which they said started as soon a smart meter was installed.
One speaker pledged to bring a class-action lawsuit; another invoked United Nations Agenda 21, often cited as a threat to local rule or a plan to impose strict gun control; several said LPEA is in the pocket of General Electric, which manufactures smart meters; a number said imposing a fee on recalcitrant customers is extortion.
Catcalls punctuated responses by LPEA’s new CEO, Mike Dreyspring.
Dreyspring said AMI systems are being installed because parts for older meters are no longer available and that more information is required to manage complex electrical distribution grids.
He said LPEA is looking for ways to reduce a staff-recommended monthly charge of $50 to read analog meters.
Among potential solutions: hiring line-locator companies in the field already to read meters; allowing customers to read their own meter, with periodic inspection by LPEA; initiating a graduated fee system.
LPEA board members will address the issues in coming months, Dreyspring said. Board members Jack Turner, Heather Erb and Jeff Berman attended.
Sixty-two people attended a similar listening session Wednesday in Pagosa Springs, which reportedly was more confrontational.
daler@durangoherald.com
