Kauai Island Utility Cooperative members who do not want to have a smart meter installed will be able to continue exercising that option under a resolution approved by the utility’s board of directors.

Yesterday’s unanimous decision formalizes a policy that the KIUC has been following since installation of smart meters, also known as advanced meters, began in April. The new technology allows the KIUC to record consumption of electric energy remotely without the having to send an employee out to read the meter.

The policy allows KIUC members to “defer” the installation of smart meters for the time being. The resolution said that as the smart meter project nears completion the “deferral policy” will be converted to an “opt-out program” that will charge a fee to cover the cost of customers without a smart meter. Any fee would be subject to review and approval from the PUC, according to the KIUC.