Massachusetts residents bracing for higher energy bills may soon face additional costs if they choose to opt out of new “smart meter” installations. Eversource, the state’s largest utility provider, announced plans to levy a monthly charge on customers who decline the upgrade from traditional electricity meters, a move that is drawing scrutiny as the state pushes for wider adoption of the technology.
The rollout of smart meters, which began this summer, aims to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure. These devices replace older “induction” meters – relying on a spinning metal wheel to measure electricity usage – with digital technology that transmits energy consumption data wirelessly. According to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the broader initiative, outlined in The Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act, is projected to save ratepayers $10 billion over the next decade.
While the administration touts potential savings, the opt-out fees are raising concerns about equity and consumer choice. Eversource’s plan includes a $34 monthly fee for manual meter reading, coupled with a one-time $42 service charge for the meter exchange. These charges are designed to cover the costs associated with physically reading the older meters, which require a technician visit, as opposed to the automated data collection offered by smart meters.
National Grid, another major utility provider in Massachusetts, also offers an opt-out option, albeit with a different fee structure. Customers choosing to retain their traditional meters face a one-time $33 change-out fee and a $26 monthly meter reading fee. Like Eversource, National Grid justifies these charges by citing the increased operational costs of manual meter reading.
The push for smart meters isn’t unique to Massachusetts. Many states across the country have already adopted the technology, citing benefits such as improved grid reliability, more accurate billing, and enhanced energy conservation. Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper highlighted this trend, stating that “all across the country people have already rolled out these meters and people are really enjoying them and understanding they can help them save money on their electric bills.”
However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. A recent case reported by WCVB highlighted an instance where a newly installed smart meter failed to accurately register a Massachusetts resident’s electricity usage, underscoring potential technical issues with the new system. This incident, while isolated, raises questions about the reliability of the technology and the potential for billing errors.
The financial implications of opting out extend beyond the direct fees. Eversource emphasizes that customers who choose to forgo smart meters will miss out on potential benefits, including bill forecasting tools and faster outage detection. Smart meters automatically relay outage information, allowing utilities to respond more quickly to disruptions. They also provide consumers with real-time data on their energy consumption, potentially enabling them to identify areas for savings.
Eligibility for the opt-out program is limited. Eversource will only allow customers classified under rates R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 to opt out. These classifications, detailed on page two of an electric bill under “Total Charges for Electricity,” generally apply to standard residential customers. Customers on time-of-use (TOU) or commercial rates are ineligible. Only the customer of record – the National Grid account holder – can initiate the opt-out process; landlords cannot opt out on behalf of tenants.
The timing of the opt-out decision is also crucial. Customers must receive a notification via U.S. Mail informing them of the impending smart meter installation before they can request an exception. Once the smart meter is installed, the opt-out option is no longer available.
The introduction of smart meters and the associated opt-out fees represent a significant shift in how Massachusetts residents manage and pay for their electricity. While the state aims to modernize its energy infrastructure and deliver long-term savings, the financial burden placed on those who choose to retain their traditional meters raises questions about accessibility and consumer autonomy. The debate highlights the complex trade-offs inherent in large-scale infrastructure upgrades and the need for careful consideration of the impact on all stakeholders.
