Posted by Fog Top on
URL: https://www.es-forum.com/Need-Help-with-Neighbor-s-Smart-Meter-tp4037027p4037031.html

That new metal box may be a DRU - demand response unit - which utilities use to turn off the appliance - usually HVAC units or irrigation pumps in my state - when there's too much demand on the grid.  Usually the utility gives a discount on electric rates if the customer chooses to use one.

Is California mandating that DRUs be installed with the newly mandated heat pumps?  You might have to find the CA code on this and read the fine print.  I never heard of a DRU until smart meters came on the scene, so perhaps they do have to have a smart meter in order for the utility to communicate with the device.  But I used to have a 23 year-old heat pump which worked fine without a smart meter.

I'm going to ask this question to some PG&E customers in an EMF group and will post here if any respond.

Gosh, I wish this group was still accessible by responding through email which was easy.  I'm not a fan of Facebook, so here I remain, but wish more people posted.