After numerous complaints about the health hazards from the new PG&E SmartMeters, PG&E has finally issued guidelines for customers who want to say no.

The SmartMeters are digital devices that use radio signals and customers have voiced concerns about low level radiation. People have also complained about the inaccuracies of the meters and how their bills dramatically increased after installation.

What the changes will allow is a "radio-off" option, where the wireless component will be disabled. To cover the costs of the disconnection and the additional cost of having the meter readers go out each month, PG&E says it has to assess additional fees.

Customers have three main options. One is they pay a disconnect fee of $235 upfront and then an additional $20 each month. Second option is customers pay a disconnect fee of $270 upfront and then $14 a month thereafter. A third option is based on how much gas and electricity is used in any given month.

As to whether the meters are accurate or not, the California Public Utilities Commission did reveiw this issue and found that meter inaccuracies existed in a very small percentage. So if you do have one of these meters, you're not removing the meter, just the radio frequency part of it.

Consumer advocacy groups are protesting the installation of any new SmartMeters and want the CPUC to issue an immediate halt. As yet, the installation is still going as planned.

However, for those who are concerned about the potential health risks, they now do have an option.