Smart Meter
United utilizes some of the most advanced technology available in automated meter infrastructure (AMI) processes. Also known as smart metering, AMI has been a stalwart of United’s infrastructure for more than a decade. While other utilities have recently dipped their collective toe in the AMI pool, United is a seasoned veteran in the technology. However, because those other utilities recently began implementing AMI, it has raised misperceptions about the merits of the technology.
People are often most afraid of what they can't see, or don't understand. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) seems to fit both criteria—more so as smart metering use becomes more prevalent across the nation. Even though United successfully implemented the technology more than 10 years ago, electric consumers everywhere have been inundated with a long list of urban myths and misinformation that question, among other things, whether the meters are accurate, whether they invade consumer privacy, whether the data they transmit is secure or whether they may emit harmful radiation, just to name a few of the more widely circulated theories.
The Facts About United's Automated Metering Infrastructure...AKA Smart Meters
Below are facts about United’s AMI (smart metering) to address United members’ questions. Additionally, we have produced a video featuring a United Professional Engineer, who covers many of the misperceptions about smart meters. Simply click on the image above and the video should play.
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United Cooperative Services has a long history of providing the best possible service and reliability to its membership. Part of that service value is evident in the innovations we employ, including smart meters, to bring our members reliable, affordable electric service.
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Considered a pioneer among the industry, United introduced smart meters to the membership more than 10 years ago.
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The first generation of smart meter was called a TS1 and was able to communicate usage to the cooperative on a daily basis.
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Usage information is not delivered wirelessly, by radio or cellular communications. While those methods have been confirmed as reliable meter communications options by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, United has successfully used an alternative method. We use a technology called Powerline Carrier. This allows your meter usage to be delivered securely and directly right over the cooperative’s power lines.
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One of the most common misperceptions consumers have today is that a utility can now see a consumer’s usage patterns throughout the day. This is completely untrue. United’s smart meters deliver usage data on a daily basis. This means that there is no way to determine when a member starts the laundry, turns on a hair dryer or starts the dishwasher at a specific time. The smart meter also can’t determine whether the kilowatt-hours were due to a hot water heater, toaster or a television set.
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Another misperception is that information can be hijacked because the usage information is transmitted wirelessly. First, United members’ usage information is transmitted directly over the power lines, not wirelessly. That said, we agree with the Public Utility Commission’s endorsement of the other types of meters that do transmit wirelessly and have proved to be secure. However, United does not use them.
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The reasons for using smart metering are many. However, one benefit that United members have enjoyed for more than a decade is a huge financial savings since the co-op doesn’t have to send people to a residence to read a meter.
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As the cooperative has grown, the smart metering has prevented the need to add costs in the form of more employees and more vehicles to go out and obtain usage data.
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The savings derived in the smart meter technology have contributed to United avoiding a rate increase since 2003.
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Today, United uses a second generation of smart metering technology, called the TS2.
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Like the TS1, these meters communicate a meter’s usage back to the cooperative securely and directly over the cooperative’s power lines.
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Earlier generations of AMI (smart meters) provided one-way communications between our members’ meters and our data capturing systems, but the TS2s allow for two-way communications and provide essential data to help our members identify areas in which they can reduce their energy use.
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The technology is helping members through the cooperative’s extensive free energy audit program. Before United’s energy auditors visit a member’s home, they obtain data that shows electricity consumption on a daily basis. This is beneficial when usage spikes irregularly and enables the energy auditor to narrow the scope of his search for the energy hog within a member’s home.
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Our energy experts have conducted more than 5,000 free home energy audits. The data available through our smart meter technology has led to the discovery of failing appliances, such as stuck heating elements and well pumps that create extremely high usage. This has saved those members thousands of dollars.
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Another benefit is that the two-way communications allows United to be notified more quickly in the event of a service problem or outage. This helps service restoration efforts to be reduced and for our members to get back to enjoying their electric service more quickly.
United welcomes questions about its metering infrastructure as it serves as another opportunity to arm our members with real facts—as well as to educate them about the many cost benefits they realize because of United's use of the proven technological advancements.
