Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Meters

What is a smart meter?
A “smart meter” is a meter that provides two-way communication of information on energy use between your home and APS. Smart meters can be read and programmed remotely without sending a service person to your home.

How does APS obtain a meter reading from a smart meter?
We receive meter readings on a daily basis from our smart meters. The smart meter communicates with our system through cell phone and radio technology. Each night these meters send 24 hourly meter readings (from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.) for the previous day. If a meter cannot communicate one evening, the meter will store the readings in the meter and send all unsent readings the next time it connects to our system.

What are the benefits of having a smart meter?
The main benefit is the ability to access detailed information about your energy usage to help you manage your energy costs. Each day, your smart meter sends information about your energy usage, providing you with up-to-date views. This information can be found by logging in with your username and password and selecting the “Your Smart Meter” link on your “My Account” page. If you are not registered to view your account, you can register here.

Smart meters also offer many benefits to you and our environment such as faster restoration of service should you have an outage, next day service to change your rate or stop service, fewer estimated bills and decreased vehicle emissions because monthly meter read and field service visits are no longer needed.

When can I see the daily usage information my smart meter is communicating?
Smart meters begin tracking energy use the minute they are installed. At the end of its first month of operation, you will be able to access a detailed record of your energy consumption at aps.com – including usage since your last bill.

This information can help you identify when you are using your energy so you can have greater control of your energy costs.

Will there be any changes to my electric service once a smart meter is installed?
The only significant change to your service will be that once a smart meter is installed, it will not be necessary for a meter reader to physically visit the property each month to obtain a meter read. Service personnel may visit the meter periodically to confirm proper operation or perform routine maintenance. For this reason, we still require safe unassisted access to the meter.

Will I still be charged for a meter read fee on my bill once a smart meter is installed?
The meter read fee will still be charged on your bill to cover costs associated with retrieving your usage data. Even though a meter reader will not physically visit the property monthly there are still costs associated with the technology that is required to read the meter.

Can a customer request a smart meter if one has not been installed yet?
No. We are replacing the meters in entire areas at one time, to minimize trips and resources. We plan to have smart meters installed in all homes and businesses in our service area by 2013.

Log in and view your smart meter data | More Frequently Asked Questions