On Thursday, the Public Utility Commission approved a plan by electric delivery provider, Oncor to conduct independent tests of the “Smart Meter.”

According to Oncor spokesman, Chris Schein, the side-by-side test between the new Smart Meter and traditional meter could begin as early as Monday.

Schein said they have started to compile a list of 24 volunteers in the Killeen-Temple area to take part in the test.

The move comes after hundreds of Bell County residents complained when they noticed a jump in their electricity bills. They believe the newly installed Smart Meters are to blame for their bills doubling or tripling in some cases.

State Sen. Troy Fraser’s office received so many complaints from his constituents that it prompted him to submit a letter to the Public Utility Commission on Tuesday.

The side-by-side test between the new Smart Meter and traditional meter could begin as early as Monday.

Among the other request include side-by-side tests between the traditional meter and the “Smart Meter.” They’ve also requested a suspension of monthly fee payment by customers while the tests are conducted.

Oncor officials have always contended higher consumption is to blame for a rise in electric bills.

“Our research and one-on-one conversations with these electric customers indicate that in nearly every case, the factors driving higher electric bills in Killeen –Temple area are extreme winter temperatures and inefficient electric heating source,” Oncor Chairman and CEO Bob Shapard said in a letter to the PUC.

In the letter, Shapard proposed a plan to the PUC in hopes of putting doubts about the new “Smart Meters” to rest.

“We have developed a Smart Meter Verification Plan to provide the independent testing and information we believe electric customers may need to come up to their own conclusions about smart reader accuracy and factors driving higher electric bills this winter,” he said.

Under the plan proposed, Oncor will conduct independent tests of a sample of meters in the Killeen Temple area. Those residents will not have to pay the fees required to have their meters tested.

In addition, they proposed free independent testing for customers in Killeen and Temple who contact Oncor by 5 p.m. on March 12.

They also recommended that the PUC allow free in home monitors be distributed to 100 homes. The in-home display monitor can display how much electricity is being used in your home in real time.

According to Oncor, more than 760,000 “Smart Meters” have been installed in their service area.