State Utility Regulator Steps Into Smart Meter Controversy - Fox 2 News Headlines

State Utility Regulator Steps Into Smart Meter Controversy

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  • State Utility Regulator Steps Into Smart Meter Controversy

  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:55 GMT
    Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
    Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:39 GMT
    PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised - are some
    PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised.
  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:33 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:33:52 GMT
    If you want your PECO meter or equipment inspected, officials there want you to give them a call. The number is 1-855-741-9011.
    If you want your PECO meter or equipment inspected, officials there want you to give them a call.


    The number is 1-855-741-9011.
  • Tapping in to a PECO electric meter is a dangerous and sometimes deadly practice.
    Tapping in to a PECO electric meter is a dangerous and sometimes deadly practice.
PHILADELPHIA -

It was a fire in a Bucks County home two weeks ago, and other issues related to PECO's smart meter program, which have drawn Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission into PECO's smart meter controversy.

Michael Cappeto of Upper Makefield said the "only thing that changed in his home was we had a new meter put in."  Cappeto says that meter was installed in July. On August 12th. the meter, the electric box and sections of his home all caught fire.

PECO says it is investigating this fire and eight other overheating incidents involving the new digital meters.  The utility says there have been 15 fires and meltdowns of the 186,000 meters installed to date.

Now, the Commonwealth's Public Utility Commission, in a letter obtained by Fox 29 Investigates, wants answers. 

The letter, dated last Friday, and sent to a top PECO official, lists 17 areas where the Commission wants to know more. 

The PUC asks the energy giant what it did to make sure its meter vendors were providing safe and reliable equipment and instillation. The Commission also wants to know how many meters have overheated and what type of training was provided to PECO and contractor installers.

PECO spokesperson Karen Muldoon Geus says "the smart meter issue in general is very important to us. The safety of our customers and employees is absolutely paramount." 

Muldoon Geus adds PECO's technical staff is putting together a response and the utility will meet the Commission's 10 day deadline to reply.

PECO has placed the installation of 1.6 million smart meters on-hold while it investigates problems with the program.

  • PECO Smart Meters

  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:42 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:42:09 GMT
    It was a fire in a Bucks County home two weeks ago, and other issues related to PECO's smart meter program, which have drawn Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission into PECO's smart meter controversy.
    It was a fire in a Bucks County home two weeks ago, and other issues related to PECO's smart meter program, which have drawn Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission into PECO's smart meter controversy.
  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:55 GMT
    Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
    Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
  • Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:39 GMT
    PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised - are some
    PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised.
  • Jeff Cole Reports

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:43 AM EDT2013-05-14 10:43:34 GMT
    Is this little device a ground-breaking tool to fight crime, or is it an over-the-top intrusion of your privacy?
    Is this little device a ground-breaking tool to fight crime, or is it an over-the-top intrusion of your privacy?
  • Wednesday, May 8 2013 4:26 PM EDT2013-05-08 20:26:44 GMT
    You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
    You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
  • Tuesday, May 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 14:21:17 GMT
    The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
    The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
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