Chelan PUD Offers Advanced Meter Opt-Out for Monthly Fee

Chelan PUD customers who do not wish to have advanced meters will have an opt-out choice, but it comes with a monthly cost of $25.

Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of the opt-out rules with PUD Commissioner Randy Smith saying that matches what he had heard from community members.

"If they want to opt out, that's great, but they need to pay the extra cost that will be incurred because they are wanting to opt out."

Commissioner Ann Congdon was the lone dissenting vote citing concerns about health and being fair with costs.

Four people from the community also spoke bringing up others issues including cost and privacy.

Commissioner Steve McKenna said board members were trying to balance the needs of everyone.

"I don't feel that individuals who want to opt out should pay the cost entirely. I don't think that's in the best interests. On the other hand, I don't think those individuals in the county that are either indifferent or that, believe it or not, embrace this technology should have to subsidize entirely those that choose to opt out."

In a presentation to the board, PUD staff estimated the cost of a non-advanced meter as between $30-80 per month for those that opt out.

The $25 charge is designed to cover costs of manually reading and maintaining non-standard meters. Low-income seniors and people with disabilities will be eligible for a discount of 50 percent.