Marin Community News

Many residents in Fairfax and San Anselmo have received letters from PG&E indicating a “smart meter” will be installed at their residence in the next few weeks.

The July 21-27th issue of the Ross Valley Reporter has provided a number at PG&E where residents can be placed on a “delayed action until further notice” list.  The number is 1-866-743-0263.

We gave this number a try and found that we could request a delay on the installation.  However, we were also told that while they would do their best to delay the installation they would eventually install the smart meter unit.  We would also apparently receive a letter prior to the installation with more information.

Read the Ross Valley Reporter article on Smart Meters here.

If you live in Fairfax, you most likely received a letter this last week announcing the installation of gas and electric Smart Meters in your neighborhood.  This installation will take place over the next several weeks and PG&E claims it will “empower you to take greater control of your energy consumption, use less energy and save money.”

The announcement has sparked a great number of concerns by Fairfax residents and town officials.  The Fairfax Town Council has sent a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission asking for a suspension on the installation until an independent study has been completed on the effectiveness of the meters.  Moratoriums have also been called for by the Marin Association of Realtors and the County Board of Supervisors.

Read more about the Town of Fairfax moratorium here:

Fairfax seeks ban on ‘smart meter’ installations  – 07/08/2010

Fairfax balks at arrival of ‘smart meters’ – 07/19/2010

Read more about the Marin Association of Realtor’s moratorium here:

Marin real estate agents call for moratorium on ‘smart meters‘