Oregon PUC approves reduction of meter reading fees

Pacific Power’s filing to reduce monthly meter reading fees for Oregon customers who have opted out of using smart meter technology has resulted in reduced fees for all opt-out customers.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) reviewed Pacific Power’s filing recommended moving all opt-out customers to a $10 monthly meter reading fee, a decrease of $26 a month for most opt-out customers.

Pacific Power’s request would have discontinued the triannual meter reading program, under which opt-out customers had been offered a lower monthly fee for having their meters read manually three times a year and paying estimated monthly bills.

The PUC approved Pacific Power’s request to reduce the meter reading fee from $36 to $10 each month for smart meter opt-out customers on a monthly meter reading program, effective Dec. 4, 2019, and declined the utility’s request to eliminate the triannual meter reading option for opt-out customers.

Pacific Power was directed to reduce the cost of that option from $9 to $3 per month, effective Dec. 4, 2019.

“We value the public comments we continue to receive on this topic and the engagement of the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, which give us the customer perspective on these important decisions,” PUC Chair Megan Decker said. “Today’s decisions will benefit Pacific Power customers who have opted not to use smart meter technology, but recognize that a considered transition may be possible in the future.”