Can SoCal Gas Co charge an ongoing monthly fee for the "advanced" meter installed under SoCal initiative? opt out is double fee

the meter allows SoCal Gas to read meters from the office without sending out field technicians for a manual read; thus saving SoCal Gas money and time. Indicated above is that if you join the Opt Out program, the monthly fees are double. Additionally, there is an inital fee; more than double for people who opt out. This program serves no value to households other than being able to log onto your "account" to view your usage.