Consumers Report “skyrocketing bills” After “Smart” Meter Installation; Utility Defends Meters, Recommends Energy Audits

By B.N. Frank

Opposition to utility “smart” meters (electric, gas, and water) has been ongoing in the U.S. and worldwide since companies started deploying them over ten years ago. Reported issues have led to lawsuits (see 1, 2, 3) and inspired a documentary film. Installation sometimes results in unexplainably higher bills, which is what’s happening with Xcel’s “smart” meters in Colorado. Coincidentally, Xcel is also the utility company that took control of consumers’ “smart” thermostats in August.

From The Denver Channel:

Lakewood homeowner’s Xcel bill increases 1,500% after smart meters installed

Xcel says new meters are accurate

By: Jaclyn Allen

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — More Xcel customers are reaching out to Contact Denver7 concerned about skyrocketing bills after their smart meters were installed.

One Lakewood homeowner said his case is unique after his Xcel bill for a storage garage increased by 1,500%.

Not much has changed in Tom Boyle’s Lakewood storage garage in the last 30 years, including his Xcel bill, which usually costs about $7 a month. It powers two light bulbs, a well pump, his sprinkler system, and two battery chargers.

“Then, the new meter got put in,” Boyle said. “And it went from and 4 kWh for $7 a month to 724 kWh for $112. Suddenly, two light bulbs pulled more power than an entire house of people. It’s ridiculous.”

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Utilities encourage and/or force consumers to accept “smart” meters in order to remotely control and/or ration energy use (see 1, 2) as well as collect consumer usage data 24/7 to sell and/or share with 3^rd parties including police departments. Costs associated with these controversial devices are often passed onto customers as well (see 1, 2).

Proponents maintain that “smart” meters are essential for “energy efficiency” despite reports and studies that have proven otherwise (see 1, 2). They also continue to ignore the numerous significant and sometimes life-threatening issues associated with these meters – billing errors, cybersecurity risks, explosions, fires (see 1, 2, 3, 4), harmful radiation emissions, higher bills, installation mishaps, mechanical issues, and short life spans.

Activist Post reports regularly about “Smart” Meters and other privacy invasive and unsafe technologies. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites: