Guide to Smart Meters and Opt-Out Fees

Most electric companies and one gas company in Maryland have installed new “smart meters.” These are also called Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) meters. About 2 million electric customers in Maryland now have smart meters.

If you don’t want a smart meter, you can say no (opt out), but you’ll have to pay a fee to your utility company. This option was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), which makes the rules for utility companies.

If you live in Maryland, you probably already have a smart meter.

The companies that have installed smart meters are:

  • BGE

  • PEPCO

  • Delmarva Power (DPL)

  • SMECO

What can you do if you think your meter is not reading correctly?

If you think your electric smart meter is not reading your usage correctly, you have options.

  • First, ask your utility to check your meter.

  • If you are not satisfied with their response, you can request a “Referee Test” on your meter for a small fee from the Public Service Commission.

  • A representative from the Public Service Commission will come to your property to test the meter.

  • You and the utility company will get a written report with the test results.

  • If the meter is found to over-register more than 2 percent, you may be able to get a refund.

Click here to request a Referee Test from the Public Service Commission.