BUFFALO, N.Y. — Come January, NYSEG will start installing so-called "smart meters" for its estimated 190,000 electric customers in Western New York.
NYSEG spokesperson Shelby Cohen explains that a smart meter essentially reads itself and it securely transmits customer usage data with an actual, accurate reading. This in place of actual meter readers who check that meter every other month with a home visit.
Cohen says they hope that customers can more accurately assess their usage to help with expenses. She said they will also allow the utility firm to determine when and where there are actual power outages that are currently reported by homeowners.
Cohen said she is aware that some people question the privacy factor and may worry the meters can be hacked. She claims that NYSEG does its utmost to protect customer information just as it does currently with billing and accounts.
Cohen says the costs of the meters were already passed along with a previously approved rate increase for customers from the Public Service Commission. If someone does not want a smart meter, they can keep their current meter but must pay an opt-out fee of $13.47.
The NYSEG spokesperson also disputed claims that smart meters could allow the utility to control power distribution and reduce power during a brown-out period, as is done in some states such as California. She said technically they already have the capability.
Cohen also feels some people may actually confuse smart meters with smart thermostats, which can be monitored and controlled under a voluntary customer program to perhaps save money on electric bills. She says smart meters are strictly data relay devices.
NYSEG will hold customer workshops on the smart meters next month. There is also information at their website.