BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- An independent eye will take a look at SmartMeters, the highly vilified electrical meters deployed by Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

The California Public Utilities Commission declared "extraordinary circumstances" Friday to quickly hire an independent consultant to test the SmartMeters, according to a news release from State Senator Dean Florez' office.

In October, dozens of PG&E customers showed up to a public hearing in Bakersfield to voice their concern over SmartMeters. Many of the customers claimed that the SmartMeters don't work properly and are responsible for their sky-high energy bills.

PG&E representatives maintained that the SmartMeters are not the cause of the increase, blaming it instead on summer heat and rate increases.

A class action lawsuit has also been filed against PG&E over allegations that the SmartMeters inflate electric bills.

Florez asked CPUC president Michael Peevey for independent testing of SmartMeters and a moratorium on new installations. While he was disappointed that the CPUC declined to enact a moratorium, Florez said he was happy about the independent testing.

"I also believe the public needs assurance that this testing will look at how these meters work in real life, in real homes, with comparisons to historical figures using traditional meters," Florez said in the news release. "Clearly the off-the-line factory testing that has occurred has not been sufficient."

It's unknown when the independent testing will begin.