Well, the “smart meter” man was here today, and it’s all so exciting.

I get to choose whether I want guaranteed radiation emissions or pay Central Maine Power 50 bucks up front, then 12 bucks a month for the next four years. Hmmmmm … I need a minute to think about this.

Oh, and look at all the jobs CMP gets to do away with. Now that’s what I call progress.

What’s even worse is the fact that the Public Utilities Commission, our local heroes at large, has proclaimed this form of bullying to be a great compromise. Go figure. And here I was thinking that the PUC might actually work for the consumer population.

When CMP bigwigs and the PUC get together for lunch, I wonder if they brown bag it like the rest of us. Not likely. Pockets in pockets, that’s the American bigwig way.

But let’s face it, if I had choices as to who would be my service provider, CMP might be forced to be competitive. Instead, it is a monopoly, lining its pockets at the cost of those of us who appreciate our need for electricity.

So CMP is going to get my money for not having a “smart” meter, but I’m going to keep one more person employed there.

For shame on the state of Maine.

Melody Weeks

Fairfield