D.C. Councilwoman Yvette Alexander wants Pepco to explain its smart meters program after concerns from some residents that the meters might be violating their privacy.
Alexander, who represents D.C.’s Ward 7 and chairs the Public Services and Consumer Affairs Committee, said in a statement that she has received “numerous complaints from Pepco customers” and has asked the city’s Public Service Commission to “investigate any health, safety and privacy issues related to the installation of the smart meter.”
The smart meters were deployed in September 2010, but Pepco has not provided a clear opt-out policy to consumers, Alexander said. In several other states, commissions and legislatures have approved opt-out policies after the deployment of the smart meter.
“It is essential for the PSC to take a long, hard look at the concerns raised by the residents and to determine if there is anything that Pepco can do differently to better serve its customers,” said Alexander.
