Yikes. I bet the new-home builders love this. The law only applies to single family homes. Why are townhomes excluded? City to Require Electric Car Chargers in New Homes
Smart Meters: Putting Maryland Homeowners in Danger?
The Maryland Public Service Commission today announced that it will take more time to fully consider whether ratepayers of three local utilities may potentially opt out of installing smart meters in their homes. In so ruling, the commission at least partially acknowledged that the new smart meters may put residents and their homes in danger.
The story was reported by WJZ-13 television news in Baltimore.
Throughout the region, Potomac Electric Power Company, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative have been contacting customers over the last several months as a prelude to removing traditional electric meters from homes and replacing them with what the companies deem technologically advanced meters. The problem with the new meters, critics say, is that they are not an improvement and they put homeowners in danger.
A host of consumer advocacy organizations throughout the country have been critical of the new technology. Among the arguments they offer: the new meters are responsible for dozens of house fires and the meters invade the privacy of homeowners by transmitting usage and other data back to the utility companies.
Power company customers often assume they have no choice in the matter; the utilities do not explicit offer or publicize an opt-out option for the program. However, at least with respect to BGE's meter replacement program, customers at the moment may opt out of the program by taking certain steps.
(To opt out of the program, I contacted a rather unhelpful BGE customer service representative, who directed me to write a letter to a BGE mailing address she provided. She offered no guidance as to what the letter should contain, a deadline for submitting the letter or any guarantee my request would be honored.)
Today's Public Service Commission announcement indicated the state still has not decided whether the utility customers may permanently opt out of the meter-change program. Based on today's commission ruling, homeowners may temporarily request exclusion from the program while the commission weighs the long-term fate of the meter-change effort.
PSC To Conduct Further Hearings On Smart Meters « CBS Baltimore.
Jerry Kline is a Realtor with the Odenton, Md., office of Keller Williams Flagship Realty (1216 Annapolis Rd., Odenton.) For more information on the local real estate market, contact him at (443) 924-7418.
Old Homes v. New Homes: Home Shoppers Reveal Their Preferences
Home buyers who prefer newer homes tend to cite energy efficiency, the ability to customize the home to their needs, and lower maintenance costs as top drivers. Home Shoppers Reveal Preferences in Old vs. New
The Plusses & Minuses of Tankless Water Heaters
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Open House This Sunday – Waterfront Living on the Severn River!
When: Sunday March 11, Noon – 2 pm
Where: 1160 Oak View Drive, Crownsville, MD 21032 (MLS# AA7737900)
What: I’ll be showing this fabulous waterfront home on the Severn River. The property screams, “Bring your boat . . . bring your friends!”
This Sunday (March 11) from noon until 2 pm, come see this fabulous waterfront property in the Sunrise Beach section of Anne Arundel County – just minutes from Annapolis. Featuring incredible views, a professionally landscaped lot and an airy and sophisticated home, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with here. The property’s features include:
The Exterior
expansive views from multiple observation decks that lead to the water;
a variety of interior and exterior entertaining areas;
a boat house with 2 boat lifts;
water access with a mean low water level of 7’ to 8’; and
a low-maintenance, professionally landscaped yard.
The Interior
4700 square feet of energy efficient living space.
gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar and large island;
master bedroom suite with a large custom walk-in closet, vaulted ceilings and a private entrance leading to the water;
full in-law apartment with a private entrance;
three to five bedrooms;
large living room with vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting;
cozy study with built-in bookcases, recessed lighting and a marble fireplace;
four total fireplaces;
second bedroom with water views; and
tons of storage.
This wonderful home is offered to the market at $1,099,000. Call Jerry Kline of Keller Williams Flagship Realty for more information today! (443-924-7418)
Updated Garage Door Styles Can Do Wonders for Your Home
(New!)Garage Doors With the Look of Wood at a Budget PriceIn our ongoing “Why You Should Fake It” series, we look at garage doors that give you the look of wood at a price point that’s easier to swallow. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
12 Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home Office
12 Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home OfficeCut your power consumption, lighting, and heating and cooling costs when you work from home. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Down Payment Gift a Leg Up to Home Ownership, But Know Tax Rules
Down Payment Gift a Leg Up to Home Ownership, But Know Tax Rules
We explain the tax details around giving the gift of a home down payment. Read
Energy Efficiency: Pick Upgrades that (Actually) Drive Down Costs
A new study says home owners won’t see their utility bills drop until they’ve conducted four or more energy upgrades. Here are projects that will give you the greatest bang for your energy buck. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
