http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/17RS/SB121.htm
Senate Bill 121
AN ACT relating to metering of electric service.
Create new sections of KRS Chapters 96 and 278 to define “smart meter” and to require utilities seeking to install smart meters to give notice to affected customers and the right to opt out of having a smart meter installed on the customer’s premises; specify that customers are not required to pay for any electricity necessary to power the smart meter.
From 14 News
March 10, 2017
Paige Hagan, reporter
HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) – We’ve heard your concerns over a sudden spike in energy bills.
Now, hundreds of outraged Kenergy customers are pushing state legislators to do something about it.
Kentucky Senator Dan “Malano” Seum introduced a bill that would allow people to “opt out” of the new smart meters that Kenergy customers are saying are causing their bills to surge.
We’re told hundreds in our viewing area called into Frankfort on Friday pushing for the bill.
Senate Bill 121 would “require utilities seeking to install smart meters to give notice to affected customers and the right to opt out of having a smart meter installed.” You can read the bill in its entirety here.
Hundreds of Kenergy customers in the region are saying their bills have doubled, and some tripled.
We sat down with Kenergy customers Valerie Gentry and her husband at their home in Henderson County.
The Gentry’s showed us hundreds of signatures they’ve collected from outraged customers. They tell us they’ve been in touch with an attorney, planning to take Kenergy officials to court.
“It’s a community issue, and it’s not just a few people. It’s thousands,” Valerie Gentry said.
Gentry created a Facebook page for concerned Kenergy customers. In just two weeks, it’s generated over 16,000 members also upset by their bills.
On the other hand, utility providers say cold snaps in December caused a spike in electricity use, while at the same time, they say, smaller bill credits, rate increases, billing and meter changes-all approved by the Public Service Commission-caused bills to increase.
But, the Gentry’s aren’t buying it.
“Usage is going even when you’re turning your breaker off. You’re paying for the meter itself just to be a smart meter,” Gentry said. “It hurts so bad, it’s a decision between feeding your kids or trying to borrow money to pay your bill, because, these bills are not cheap.”
The Gentry’s say they’re not giving up until they gets answers that make sense.
Public Service Commission officials say it’s up to the utility company to determine if it wants to offer an opt-out policy for the smart meters.
Kenergy does not have that policy.
Copyright 2017. WFIE. All rights reserved.
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Smart Meter Harm 