The Public Utility Commission told Oncor Electric Delivery not to charge customers who want their smart meter tested.
Customers across North and Central Texas are blaming the digital meters for high power bills. But Oncor says higher bills are the result of this winter's unusually cold weather.
Customers can request a free meter test once every four years. Additional tests cost $25.
Oncor says it has so far conducted more than 2,000 tests of smart meters for customers who have asked, the Dallas Morning News reported. About half of those customers have been billed for the test, according to the newspaper.
The PUC said Thursday the four-year period should reset when a home gets a new meter. Oncor said people who have paid for a meter test will be refunded the $25 fee.
The cost of the one "free" test every four years is built into a customer's rate.
The PUC has ordered independent testing of the controversial smart meters. Oncor also launched its own tests this week in hopes of demonstrating the meters' accuracy.
Previous Coverage:
- Oncor Tries to Zap Smart Meter Worries With Testing
- Residents Fight Smart Meters
- State Orders Independent Testing of Smart Meters
- Blame Weather, Not Smart Meters for High Bills: Oncor
- Realtor Sounds Billing Alarm Over Smart Meters
- Oncor Fails to Give Notice for Smart Meter Installation ... Again
- Smart Meters Can Be Hacked: Security Experts
- Oncor Customers to Pay for "Smart Meter" Mistake
- Oncor to Ask Uncle Same to Pay for Smart Meters
- Oncor Wants Customers to Pay for $93 Million Mistake
- Oncor Smart Meters Will Cost You -- For 11 Years
