BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Last Monday, Sen. Dean Florez held a town hall hearing regarding PG&E's SmartMeter program.

During the meeting, Florez asked why PG&E didn't have third-party evidence that the meters are working effectively.

Following a Bakersfield hearing at which dozens of residents testified to severe utility bill spikes following the installation of Smart Meters, Florez wrote to both the CPUC and PG&E to ask for their commitment in resolving a number of issues raised.

CPUC president Michael Peevey on Thursday responded with a letter agreeing with Florez on the need for independent testing of Smart Meters, but completely ignoring the Senator’s call for a moratorium on installation of new Smart Meters or further rate increases until such testing is completed. Peevey also offers to establish an “internal task force,” as opposed to a Citizen Oversight Board as Florez requested.

PG&E has yet to provide a response to Florez’s letter.

Florez To Take SmartMeter Fight To Fresno

The company agreed they could have an independent auditor look into it.

“The PUC has relented on some key points, including conducting independent testing and responding more quickly to customer complaints, which will benefit consumers in the long-run. But they seem intent on continuing to place Smart Meters in the homes of millions of Californians before we get any real answers on the reliability of this new technology,” Florez said, adding, “At least the PUC gave us the courtesy of a response. Now I see what PG&E’s customers have been experiencing.”

The California Public Utilities Commission said it will require PG&E to obtain such a third-party technical test and validation of the meters.

The decision came after consumer complaints, as well as inquiries from Sen. Florez and Bakersfield Sen. Roy Ashburn.