PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state’s consumer advocate says Maine’s largest utility is “bullying” some homeowners to have so-called “smart meters” installed on their homes against their will.

Eric Bryant, senior counsel in the Public Advocate’s Office, is asking the Public Utilities Commission to “admonish” Central Maine Power Co. and direct it to stop intimidating customers into accepting the meters.

CMP says it isn’t forcing anyone to have smart meters installed if they don’t want them. According to the Portland Press Herald, the PUC is now negotiating with CMP and its customers to find an alternative for people who don’t want the meters.

CMP last September began the two-year job of installing 620,000 meters in Maine, which emit wireless signals.

Critics say the meters pose health risks, but CMP disputes that claim.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://stage.pressherald.com