Baltimore smart meter proposal rejected

Smart meter

Using smart-meters to reduce electricity consumption is an idea that is taking off in the United States but not, it would appear, for the city of Baltimore.

It would appear that a plan implemented by Baltimore Gas & Electric to install 1.2 million smart meters in the city has been rejected by Maryland's Public Service Commission. In a statement, the Commission stated that "the Proposal would not, in and of itself, enhance the electricity transmission grid or the Company's distribution 'backbone,' and therefore it doesn't justify the proposed customer surcharge by BG&E."

It went on to say that apart from the cost, the "Proposal contains no concrete, detailed customer education plan, includes no orbs or other in-home displays, and provides for grossly inadequate messaging, in our view, to trigger the behavior changes contemplated under the Proposal."

According to Green Tech Media, the proposal's rejection will be a big blow for BG&E who have already said they are "deeply disappointed, frustrated, and frankly surprised, by the Maryland Public Service Commission's decision to deny our application to deploy advanced energy meters." The utility also says that the decision jeopardizes the state's ability to meet the O'Malley Administration's energy efficiency goals under EmPOWER Maryland.

There is a chance the idea could be resubmitted, but it would have to be without a cost recovery plan using a surcharge and must include a business case that is not centered around mandatory TOU pricing. However even if this is accepted, it would be years before it is implemented, dragging out America's electricity inefficiency.

For the industry, putting in place smart utilities and a grid is an uphill struggle, with the need to educate the public a priority. However for BE&G it is also a matter of cost, as they will have to come up with another way to keep their $200 million in government stimulus funds. They could be reallocated if their proposal is once again rejected.

Relevant articles:

Are utilities ready for a smart grid? | Could virtual power plants help grid innovation? | NYC's $220m Governors Island development

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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