The realization that building the Smart Grid would be very difficult, even more than conservative planners had guessed, started to sink into the collective consciousness of the industry in 2009 and 2010. Consumers began objecting to smart meter rollouts in California (Pacific Gas and Electric Company), Texas (Oncor) and Maine (Central Maine Power) and consumer advocates stalled a Smart Grid rate case in Maryland (BG&E) – one that promised to bring in an additional $200 million of federal stimulus funding. As these conflicts were resolved, consumers discovered a voice on Smart Grid in state regulatory proceedings and the utility industry began to organize to recognize these changes, such as launching the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative in March 2010.
