The number of households in New Brunswick declining the installation of an N.B. Power smart meter has risen significantly to around 17,000, which is ten times higher than the rejection rate reported by the utility just a year ago. N.B. Power is currently finalizing the deployment of up to 388,000 new “communicating” smart meters as part of a comprehensive project to modernize its electrical distribution system in the province.
The utility aims to enhance its ability to collect real-time individual customer consumption data electronically, replacing the traditional monthly readings by meter readers. These smart meters enable constant communication with the power utility, facilitating immediate identification and precise location of outages. Customers can monitor their daily electricity usage to manage their consumption effectively and potentially avoid high monthly bills.
Despite the benefits, smart meters have sparked controversy. Some online critics raise concerns about alleged health and safety risks associated with the devices, question their accuracy, and object to the collection of electrical consumption data as an intrusion on privacy. Notably, Moncton resident Clarence Maillet is among those who have opted out of having a smart meter installed and is displeased with the proposed special charge to retain his current meter.
In response to the increasing number of opt-outs, N.B. Power is proposing adjustments to its opt-out plan, including tripling the costs for customers who reject smart meters. The utility plans to manually read meters that have not been upgraded six times a year for customers who opt out, imposing a special meter-reading levy of $4.65 per month starting in April. N.B. Power asserts that the additional expenses associated with more frequent meter readings are necessary to ensure fair cost recovery and provide improved service to all customers.
The changes in the opt-out plan come as N.B. Power faces higher resistance to smart meters than anticipated. While initially only a small percentage of customers declined the new meters, the rejection rate has escalated significantly as installations progress. N.B. Power remains optimistic that opposition will diminish over time as people become more accustomed to the technology and efforts are made to address concerns and educate customers who have opted out.