Hey homeowner, got your smart meter installed yet? Most likely, you have. According to B.C. Hydro, the agency has installed 93 per cent, or 1.7 million of the 1.8 million meters. But to ensure the remaining meters can be installed, the provincial government is extending the deadline under the Clean Energy Act from Dec. 31, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013. Shortages in qualified labour, equipment and specialized meters, plus customer concerns, prevented the agency from installing all the meters. The government claims the meters are expected to pay for themselves by delivering $1.6 billion in benefits over 20 years. These are savings B.C. Hydro will not have to collect from customers. The government also says research has shown up to a 15 per cent savings in energy costs.
