Riverside warehouse on SCE Schedule TOU-GS-2-B. Smart meter battery failed in April 2025. SCE estimated usage for 5 months until September when they finally replaced the meter. The estimates were way off - based on pre-pandemic usage when the warehouse was busier. Client got a $23,000 catch-up bill. Shouldn't smart meters last longer than 3 years?
SCE smart meter battery died - 5 months estimates
APS smart meters have 20-year battery life rating. 3 years seems like premature failure. Was it installed properly? Environmental factors like extreme heat can shorten battery life.
Had similar issue with APS in Mesa. Meter installed in direct sunlight hit 140°F+ daily. Battery failed after 2 years. APS replaced it under warranty and credited estimated billing differences.
This meter was installed in a shaded area, normal conditions. SCE admitted it was defective but says customer is still liable for actual usage. Seems unfair when it's their equipment failure.
SDG&E had class action over premature smart meter failures. Settlement included credits for billing disruptions caused by meter defects. Worth researching if SCE has similar issues.
Good point. I'm researching SCE's smart meter performance data. If there's a pattern of early failures, that could support a claim for billing relief.
Equipment failures should not create customer billing hardships. Document the meter's operating environment and installation date. Pattern of premature failures suggests design or installation defects that warrant billing relief.