What's Up With Smart Meters?

You’ve probably gotten the notice that NYSEG’s “Smart Meters” are coming your way. Understandably, any change involving tech these days brings its share of passionate supporters and change-weary skeptics.

Since the beginning of “utility time” we’ve had analog meters- the boxes on the sides of our homes that transmit power from the grid. These meters track how much power we’re using. Our monthly bills are based on readings either by a NYSEG meter reader, an utility estimate, or a customer reading.

Smart meters are digitally-based and measure energy use more frequently.

They communicate directly with the utility via 2-way wireless communication. About 80% of rate payers nationwide now have them.

Why Do We Need Them? The race to decarbonize our energy grid requires more than building solar and wind farms- it requires greater efficiency in energy usage and distribution, especially as the grid tilts toward greater electrification. Smart meters are an essential tool in the modern energy management toolbox.

Smart meters and their data can enable the following:

• optimize the distribution of energy resources

• predict/prevent power outages.

• Issues can be resolved with quicker response times. Technicians can often fix problems without having to visit the property.

• Real-time energy use allows a utility provider to identify peak demand periods and offer incentives to reduce energy use during those times.

• In most cases, customers with smart meters who move can start or stop their service without having to schedule a field visit.

Do Smart Meters Cause Billing Errors? Because smart meters transmit real-time use data, NYSEG will charge consumers based on their actual usage rather than relying on estimates or manual readings. NYSEG will provide customer access to their smart meter data through an online “Energy Manager Tool.” (Customers who choose to “opt out” of a smart meter are billed an extra fee of $13.47 per month to cover continued labor costs associated with analog meter reading.)

Local news reporting has featured WNY residents who claim their bills have increased since the installation of smart meters. According to NYSEG, the error rate is less than half of one percent out of 2 million bills per month. In reality, higher bills were found to reflect a recent delivery rate hike of 62% over 3 years, discrepancies between previous estimated and actual readings, or seasonal increased usage caused by A/C units, pool pumps, and dehumidifiers.

Will Smart Meters Invade My Privacy? Some residents are resisting the change to smart meters due to privacy and cybersecurity fears. Since smart meters are connected to the internet they can be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.

NYSEG’s website states they have “implemented policies and controls based on proven security best practices, that specifically address protecting data/ information in transit to and from the meter and our systems and at rest. Multifactor authentication and strictly enforced password requirements prevent unauthorized access to customer information and any equipment in the home or business.”

NYSEG further assures that no customer data will be sold. This fact alone, should help protect consumer’s privacy. Many people voluntarily risk far greater security exposure through daily use of social media such as Facebook, phone apps, and location trackers that frequently sell & exploit personal data.   

Do Smart Meters Cause Health Problems? Other residents cite health concerns associated with wireless communication technologies/radio frequencies. However, the RF energy emitted by smart meters is well below limits set by the FCC. TVs, Wi-Fi routers, and cell phones have higher RF levels than smart meters- and they’re used more frequently, longer, and in closer proximity to our bodies.

ACES Conclusion - While any concern about possible bill increases should be reported to NYSEG, the advantages of smart metering outweigh the potential negatives. Updated smart energy systems will result in reduced electrical demand. This will ultimately decrease greenhouse gas and other air emissions. Moving forward, smart metering is one more vital piece needed to complete our energy supply puzzle.

By Susan Russell

ACES Board Member