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Posted by: thepinetree on 12/18/2009 09:00 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 12/18/2009 10:05 AM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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Local Law Firm Tackles "SmartMeters" ~By John Hamilton
Arnold, CA...Many of you may recall we ran a couple of articles on PG&E customers in the Valley Springs area that had exorbitant and unexplained increases in month to month billing after their "Smart Meters" were installed. Many more local residents chimed in stating they had also seen increases that in some instances were several times previous bills. Our area was not alone and the uproar of the meters was seen in many, many places. intense debate over the "SmartMeter" program last summer that had reports of customers bills showing enormous spikes. Local law firm Milward & Vogt is co-council in a burgeoning class action suit filed in Kern County that is seeking redress for PG&E customers and adjustments to the program...
We had the opportunity to sit down with attorney Michael Milward at his office in Arnold last week and get an update. They are co-councils in this issue with Attorney Michael Louis Kelly and his Southern California firm of Kirtland & Packard, LLP.
Milward and Vogt have been working on this case with clients all over Northern California. Their firm has been in communication with PG&E's attorneys and meetings may take place before year's end.
Some quotes from Attorney Milward from our conversation last week...
"PGE explains they are the result of normal rate increases. Our research shows that their cumulative rate increases over the relevant period is in the range of 16%. Nowhere near the increases of 400 - 500 % that some customers have experienced."
"PGE explains that the weather has been warmer (air conditioning bills) or even unusually warmer. Our research shows a temperature increase over the relevant period, (last couple years) as ½ of a degree."
PGE uses an incremental measurement called “cooling degree days” which, oddly are not days but some sort of internal measurement. Our research shows that the number of cooling degree days as recorded by PG&E were 1549 in 2007, 1675 in 2008 and 1,590 in 2009. PG&E has attempted to explain the increase in customer invoices due to weather changes (demanding more energy). Presumably, the greater the number of “cooling degree days”, the greater the need for energy and, consequently, higher bills. You can see that the number of “cooling degree days” were less in 2009 than 08. Yet the controversial bills largely occurred in this calendar year after smart meter installation."
PG&E can be reached at 1-800-743-5000 and Milward & Vogt can be reached at 209.795.0271
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