Addressing an issue reserved from a general rate case proceeding, the Michigan Public Service Commission has accepted an electric utility’s plan for offering residential customers an opportunity to opt out of the company’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program. The utility, Consumers Energy Company, had previously been authorized to commence deployment of smart meters throughout its service area. However, in response to complaints that exposure to the radiofrequency emissions of the AMI equipment could give rise to health and safety risks, the utility had been instructed to develop an opt-out plan, premised on cost-of-service principles. (Case No. U-17087, Mich.P.S.C.) For more analysis, subscribe to URN. http://www.fortnightly.com/utility-regulatory-news-0
