AGENDA ITEM #2
TOWN OF FAIRFAX
STAFF REPORT
March 1, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation from PG&E regarding Smart Meter Implementation __________________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Receive presentation from PG&E Staff Mark Van Gorder regarding planned Smart Meter implementation in Fairfax.
BACKGROUND
On August 4, 2010, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 752 to place a moratorium on Smart Meter installation in Fairfax. On February 5, 2014, the Council adopted Ordinance 775 prohibiting Smart Meters. On February 1, 2017, the Council adopted Ordinance 805 to extend the prohibition on Smart Meters. On December 4, 2019, the Council adopted Ordinance 840 to further extend the prohibition of Smart Meters.
In April 2017, the Town Council received the attached letter from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which regulates PG&E’s activities. The letter states that the CPUC, not the Town, has regulatory authority over PG&E, that the Town may face certain penalties if it attempts to enforce its Ordinances prohibiting Smart Meters, and the letter references a previous letter sent in 2010 by the CPUC to the same effect. CPUC staff were also invited to the March 1, 2023 Fairfax Council Meeting, but declined to attend and suggested residents review the CPUC’s website on the benefits of Smart Meters.
DISCUSSION
Vice Mayor Coler requested that PG&E representatives provide information about the Smart Meter PG&E program, which PG&E plans to implement in 2023. Attached are PG&E’s presentation slides. Within the presentation, and a letter that PG&E plans to mail to Fairfax customers, PG&E describes the process customers may use for opting out of receiving a smart meter. Town staff have heard from residents who wish to receive a smart meter and from residents who do not wish to receive a smart meter from PG&E.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
A. 2017 Letter from CPUC
B. PG&E Presentation Slides
Public
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Town of Fairfax
March 1, 2023
Public 2
Agenda
1 Smart Meter installation
timelines
2 Copy of Customer
Communications
3 General FAQ
Public 3
Overview of Smart Meter installation timelines
Communication Touch Points Timing
Initial Customer Communications - First letter 30-days prior to work Follow up/Reminder Communications - Second letter 15-days prior to work Automated phone call to customer 48-hours prior 2-days prior to work Installation beginnings April 3, 2023
Expected completion of all installations April 22, 2023 Public 4
Examples of Communication
Initial Customer Letter Field card examples
Public 5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• When will meter installations stop?
• Does PG&E follow up with property owners to confirm they want to Opt-Out?
• Some customers do not want to use the online option. Who answers the Opt-Out phone number?
• Who is installing SM in Fairfax - PG&E or Contractors. Do they carry badges identifying as PG&E representatives? Will they have collateral explaining the work they are there to do with the Opt-Out number? Public
Thank You