Posts

Glitch in 57,000-Plus Smart Meters Prevents Them From Being Smart

/in , /by /NBC7by Tom Jones and Consumer Bob

Millions of dollars worth of smart water meters already installed in homes across the city of San Diego could have a glitch that prevents them from relaying water use wirelessly. And for more than two years, the city has no record of trying to fix or address the problem.  Last month, NBC 7 Responds and media partner Voice of San Diego first disclosed the “glitch”, which had never been discussed publicly by the Public Utilities Department. A department spokesperson told us the glitch, identified in Hersey Meters, was described as being “minor” and that “no corrective action was required”.

Full Story

Audit Of Water Department Billing Complaints Expected To Be Released Tuesday

/in , /by /NBC 7 (San Diego)by Dorian Hargrove, Tom Jones and Consumer Bob

A highly anticipated City Auditor report examining the city’s response to high water bills is expected to be released on Tuesday.  While the audit is just one of four investigations into a surge of complaints about fluctuating water bills, it will be the first opportunity for elected officials and the public to learn more about what caused the flood of complaints earlier this year.

Full Story

City Launches Internal Investigation Into Water Department Management

/in , /by /NBC7by Tom Jones, Dorian Hargrove and Consumer Bob

“I’m going to personally apologize for anything that’s been conveyed to the taxpayers of the city that has given the impression that there’s an issue of credibility and trust with the city and or the Public Utilities Department,” Johnnie Perkins said Monday, hours into his first day of work as the city’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure and Public Works. Perkins was responding to questions surrounding the findings of a joint NBC 7 Responds and Voice of San Diego investigation released last week, showing the city did not take action when informed of a glitch with one of its new smart water meter vendors.

Full Story

Deputy Director Of San Diego’s Water Department Retires

/in , /by /NBC 7 (San Diego)by Tom Jones, Consumer Bob and Dorian Hargrove

The Deputy Director for the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department has announced his retirement. Michael Vogl will be retiring from the city after more than 28 years of employment, a city spokesperson told NBC 7 Responds. “The City was made aware of his retirement plans in advance, allowing for appropriate transition of knowledge and responsibilities,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Full Story