Santa Cruz County asks state officials to do more to stop PG&E SmartMeters

County leaders Thursday told state regulators they would do all they could to halt the installation of PG&E's SmartMeter until public concerns about the technology's safety and accuracy are addressed.

The pledge, which comes despite the county's questionable authority over the energy giant, was made during an uncommon and contentious meeting between local officials and a representative of the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates state utilities. The PUC requested the meeting after the county decided earlier this week to pursue a moratorium on SmartMeters without state consent.