SMART METERS Q & A.
As part of ongoing system improvements, many electric utilities in Alaska and across the
United States have replaced analog meters with smart meters in the last eight years. The
replacement reflects the electric utilities’ commitment to modernize the electric grid to
consumers and to help the utilities operate more efficiently and improve service
restoration.
WHAT IS A SMART METER?
A smart meter is an advanced meter that measures electric usage more often than
conventional meters and sends that information more quickly to the customers and
electric utilities. Through two-way communication, smart meters also can monitor the
electric distribution system to ensure it is functioning properly.
Smart meters have the following basic functions: measure the electricity used; remotely
coordinate electricity consumption; and interface with electric utilities to identify outages
and provide real-time visibility into the operational status of an electric distribution
system.
HOW WILL I BENEFIT FROM THE USE OF SMART METERS?
· Smart meters can help your utility restore your service faster during
power
outages.
· Smart meters can help you better understand how much electricity
you are using
throughout the day.
· Smart meters can reduce meter-reading costs and help detect theft
of electricity.
HOW COULD A SMART METER HELP ME SAVE ON MY ELECTRIC BILL?
Customers can use the information from smart meters to shift their usage to different
times of the day when electricity costs less to produce during off-peak hours. By using
electricity more efficiently, customers can see real savings on their electric bills. For
example, rather than running the dishwasher right after dinner when electric prices are
higher, customers can run the dishwasher later in the evening during off-peak hours.
ARE THERE HEALTH CONCERNS WITH SMART METERS?
While some have raised questions about the safety of smart meters, it is important to note
that the radio frequencies on smart meters are at a much lower level than other devices
that consumers already use everyday (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones, and
cellphones). Additionally, based on extensive research, the World Health Organization
(WHO) concluded that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields do not produce any
known adverse health effects. The WHO is promoting further research on this issue.
WHEN WILL I HAVE A SMART METER?
Check with your electric utility company. Most electric utilities in Alaska have already
started replacing the traditional analog meters with smart meters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Date Issued: 10/26/2018