Stimulus-Funded Smart Meters Could Mean Job Cuts, Maine Union Officials Say

Billions of dollars in Smart Grid stimulus funds have been doled out for the Smart Grid, clean green renewable energy and jobs. Now union officials say a Maine utility's smart meter deployment plans could actually cost jobs, not create them. We can't help but wonder if this is happening — or will happen — elsewhere as the massive meter rollouts continue.

Central Maine Power Company's plans to replace existing meters with smart meters for about 600,000 customers has hit a snag: Union officials have warned that the new meters could mean 141 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the automation. They'll present their case to the state Public Utilities Commission Wednesday.

Central Maine Power Company (CMP) got a $96 million Smart Grid Investment Grant to help pay part of the $190 million meter rollout. While the utility says the project will create 200 short-term installation jobs, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837 doesn't see it that way.

"We're concerned, to start with, that $96 million in federal stimulus money is going to be used for this advanced metering infrastructure system that could lead to layoffs of 141 workers at CMP," Matthew Beck, IBEW Local 1837 staff organizer, was quoted as saying in the Portland Press Herald. "I thought stimulus funding was supposed to create jobs, not eliminate jobs."

Beck said those potential layoffs include 85 meter readers who also perform other duties for the utility as they make their rounds, such as watching for damaged power lines and home break-ins and other chores during power outages like standing guard over downed lines.

CMP plans to complete its rollout over the next two years. CMP President Sara Burns said in a press release that the project will give customers real-time information on their electricity use and choices for supply and cost, will enable the utility to run more efficiently and be good for the environment.

Total IBEW membership is more than 700,000 members.

From the source ...

·         Portland Press Herald

Related SGN channels ...

·         Metering

·         Smart Grid Stimulus Awards & Projects

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