Lansing, MI, U.S.A. --- (METERING.COM) --- September 14, 2012 - The Michigan Public Service Commission has directed all the state’s investor-owned utilities to make available an opt-out option, based on cost-of-service principles, for their customers, if or when the provider elects to implement AMI.

This follows recommendations made in an earlier staff report, which was prepared following public comments on smart meters received by the PSC.

The PSC also accepted the staff report. Noting that issues concerning customer data collection, privacy and cybersecurity are complex, the Commission said it will open a separate docket to deal with these issues. Company-specific information will be solicited on cybersecurity planning, standards and policies for the utilities currently implementing AMI or planning to implement these systems. The Commission will also request utility input on customer data collection and privacy standards, required rulemaking or rule amendments and interim measures to be undertaken while the rulemaking process proceeds.

The Commission noted that Detroit Edison has already filed its opt-out proposal, with the proceeding under way. Consumers Energy Company, the only other regulated utility currently installing AMI, was directed to include its opt-out tariff proposal within 60 days or in the company's next general rate case filing, whichever occurs first.