More Proposition 80: Would Ban Smart Meters

Proposition 80 is just plain odd. Apparently, it contains a provision banning time-of-use rates and "smart" electric meters. The proposition's backers claim telemetric metering must be banned because it would be unfair to charge folks such as senior citizens higher rates during peak hours.

Never mind that smart meters are the only effective way to get consumers to be mindful of their electricity use during peak hours. It's a basic economic principle that the price of a commodity conveys information about how precious that commodity is. Disconnect consumers from the true prices of the electricity they are consuming and they will consume too much electricity. Shortages are guaranteed to follow. We Californians have a lot of experience in this department.

I've heard allegations that the real reason the ban on "smart" meters was added to Proposition 80 is to protect the jobs of human meter readers. I'm not sure I buy that explanation. Unless I see clear evidence otherwise, I have to assume Proposition 80's backers have good intentions. You know what they say about good intentions...