New Brunswickers who refuse a smart meter installation will now see a new charge on their monthly electricity bills. Starting September 1, N.B. Power is applying a $4.65 monthly fee to accounts that opt out of the smart meter program.

Thousands Still Refuse the Upgrade

In March, the utility reported that 17,000 customers refused the new meters. Officials planned to convince half of those households to accept the upgrade. As the deadline arrived on August 31, approximately 14,800 customers still declined the installation. These households will now pay the monthly opt out fee.

The Reason Behind the Fee

N.B. Power states the fee covers the logistical burden of keeping older technology active.

“These fees reflect the additional costs associated with maintaining manual meter reading and supporting a separate metering system for a relatively small number of customers,” N.B. Power spokesperson Elizabeth Fraser McAllister told CBC News.

Fraser McAllister noted that customers have the option to opt in for a smart meter at any time.

How Smart Meters Change the Grid

N.B. Power plans to install up to 388,000 communicating smart meters across the province. This multi year effort upgrades the electrical distribution grid and changes how the utility collects data.

Instead of sending a meter reader to your home once a month, the utility collects your consumption data electronically in real time. This constant communication allows N.B. Power to instantly identify and locate power outages. It also lets you track your daily electrical consumption so you adjust your habits and prevent large monthly bills.

Pushback and Controversy

The rollout faces ongoing resistance. Many residents remain wary of the new technology. The tension recently escalated when a man was convicted of assaulting an N.B. Power worker he believed was installing a smart meter on his property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the N.B. Power smart meter refusal fee?
The fee is $4.65 per month.

When does the new fee take effect?
The fee begins on September 1.

Is it possible to change my mind and get a smart meter later?
Yes. N.B. Power allows customers to opt in for a smart meter installation at any time.

Why is N.B. Power charging this fee?
The utility says the fee covers the extra costs of manual meter reading and maintaining a separate system for customers without smart meters.

What are the benefits of a smart meter?
Smart meters provide real time data collection. This helps the utility locate outages instantly and allows you to track your daily electricity use.