General Questions
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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.
- • Detailed usage information that can help you make better decisions about your service.
- • Connecting and disconnecting service without an APS employee having to visit your home.
- • The environmental gains of fewer cars on the road.
- Reading your smart meter
- Smart Meters: Myth vs. Fact
Smart meters enable direct communication between the meter and APS, allowing an improved level of customer service today and enhanced customer service possibilities in the future. Implementation of smart meter technology – being installed at a rate of about 18,000 meters per month – is providing benefits any electric user can appreciate:
The meters, which have been installed around the metro Phoenix area, Flagstaff, Yuma, Prescott and other areas within APS’s service territory, utilize wireless technology to communicate usage to the utility. This communication eliminates the need for APS personnel to physically visit the meters to obtain the meter reading.
APS places a high priority on the security of customer account information. We do not sell customer smart meter data, and we consider all customer information to be confidential. APS complies with the Arizona statutes, as well as the rules and regulations set forth by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), that govern the use of customer information by utilities.
The usage data collected is intended for customers to make choices that enable them to pay the least amount possible for their electric service and to assist APS efficiently deliver electricity.
We are committed to responsibly providing secure, reliable data through the use of our smart meters. The meter does not store or transmit any personally identifiable information. In addition, we continue to work with smart meter vendors, electric utilities and governmental agencies to refine security standards and practices to ensure that security remains at the highest level.
The usage data collected is intended for customers to make choices that enable them to pay the least amount possible for their electric service and to assist APS efficiently deliver electricity.
We are committed to responsibly providing secure, reliable data through the use of our smart meters. The meter does not store or transmit any personally identifiable information. In addition, we continue to work with smart meter vendors, electric utilities and governmental agencies to refine security standards and practices to ensure that security remains at the highest level.
Why does the meter reading surcharge remain on the bill even after a smart meter has been installed?
Even when all of our customers are utilizing smart meter technology, there will always be a meter reading component of the bill. We’re still reading the meter, but with technology vs. an employee. Reading smart meters still requires investments in software, technical support and cellular expenses. Thorough analysis of these costs will be captured so that we can adjust the surcharge for a fully deployed smart meter environment.
How accurate are smart meters?
APS rigorously tests its meters before they go into the field.
- Meters are pre-tested by the vendor at the factory prior to shipment.
- APS performs extensive independent tests on a sample of meters from each meter shipment to ensure proper programming, data components, and that they are measuring accurately, etc.
- APS also performs side-by-side testing of new and existing meters to ensure the accuracy.
- In addition, APS has a policy of randomly checking meters in the field for accuracy.
- Meters are pre-tested by the vendor at the factory prior to shipment.
- APS performs extensive independent tests on a sample of meters from each meter shipment to ensure proper programming, data components, and that they are measuring accurately, etc.
- APS also performs side-by-side testing of new and existing meters to ensure the accuracy.
- In addition, APS has a policy of randomly checking meters in the field for accuracy.
Can a customer request a smart meter if one has not been installed yet?
No; we are replacing meters in entire areas at one time in order to minimize trips and resources. We plan to have smart meters installed in the major metropolitan areas of our service territory by the end of 2012, and installed in remaining areas by 2014.
