1. There are approximately 130 million households in the U.S. How many smart meters had been installed in the U.S. by 2011?

2. What are smart meters?

3. What are the pros and cons of installing smart meters in every home?

4. a) Why do customers who wish to opt out of Maryland electric companies' smart meter installation have to pay a fine?
b) How much do customers have to pay if they don't want a smart meter installed in their home?

5. a) What is the Maryland Public Service Commission? (see "Background" below the questions)
b) Why does MPSC commissioner Harold Williams oppose charging customers to opt-out of the smart meter installation?

6. a) The reporter writes in para. 21: "Legislation is being considered in the Maryland Senate and House that would prohibit utilities from charging fees based on a customer’s choice of a smart or analog meter and that would prohibit disclosing data to a third party without the customer’s written consent - except for billing and to support 'customer choice' - and would penalize utilities for violations." Do you support this legislation? Explain your answer.
b) If given a choice, would you want a smart meter in your house? Why or why not?
c) Ask a parent the same question.

7. Read the "Background" below from a group opposed to smart meters. Do you think this group expresses legitimate concerns? Explain your answer.