AMI Smart Meters: A first-hand look

As we move toward our company goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters for customers in several of our US service territories is one of the many actions we can take.

By integrating innovative technologies like this, we’re not only reducing our carbon emissions, but helping our customers see where they can take the initiative to conserve energy for their bill and the environment.

Over 1,200 smart meters have been installed in Upstate New York since April 24 and from October we plan to install at least 5,000 smart meters a week.

Our colleague Caitlin Kraus details her mother’s experience of having a smart meter fitted.

My hometown of Fabius, New York is getting a very exciting facelift; National Grid is gradually rolling out their new smart meters. In a town with more cows than people, this is a big deal. So, when I found out my mother was going to be one of the recipients of a new smart meter, I knew I had to stop by to see how the process went and learn a little bit more about this new technology.

How smart meters work

The smart meters provide customers with near real-time usage data and ensure more accurate billing and faster response to outages. They will also help with improving customer satisfaction by giving customers tools to better control their energy use. Customers can see their energy usage in the My Account portal.?

The Revelo? Smart Electric Meter has been approved for our 1.7 million customers in upstate New York. Customers may opt out, but they will be subject to a monthly fee as their meter will need to be read by a service technician. ?

The smart meter installation process

A few weeks before her meter was set to be switched out, my mom received some literature from the company on her new smart meter and what to expect. This included a mailed letter and a detailed brochure. A week before her appointment, the company called to inform her that someone would be coming out to change her meter and that she did not need to be home for the installation.

Ramon, the AMI technician who came out to do the installation, was professional and explained everything that he would be doing. The job itself was a quick and easy process; it took just 5-10 minutes, with a brief outage required to safely swap out the old meter and install the new one.

After installation, she was given a door hanger stating the meter was successfully installed and where she could get more information about smart meters. This door hanger will be placed on your door if you’re not home when the installation takes place.

A customer’s perspective

I took some time to interview my mom and learn a little bit more about why she, as a customer, opted for this new technology and what she’s looking forward to:

What was the biggest draw to having a smart meter?

I thought the idea of having a better understanding of my energy consumption would be beneficial, especially in the areas where we can do better about conserving energy.

Was the installation process simple?

Absolutely. It was quick, easy and the interruption of service was limited – only needing to reset the clocks on the stove and microwave. It took about 10 minutes from start to finish and I didn’t even need to be here. Ramon, the service tech, was polite and answered any questions I had, which I appreciated.

What are you most excited about with your new meter?

I love the thought of being able to see how much energy we’re using. We receive inserts in our bill comparing our energy usage to our neighbors, which is great, but I like that I can now see how my direct use impacts my bill.

Find out more about smart meters for US customers