If you have a meter that records your electric, water or gas usage at home, chances are you’ll be getting a smart meter soon. More than 27 million smart meters have already been installed throughout the U.S. as part of a federal energy program to modernize how homes and businesses across the U.S. can use energy and water more efficiently. Concord Utility Services has helped utilities install over a million meters over the past 8 years. Below are tips on what homeowners can expect when someone comes to install a smart meter.

Many customers may not be aware of the many benefits associated with smart meters. The smart meter gives more control over electric and  water usage – some meters allow customers to see how much energy and water is consumed. This information can be used to actively manage daily usage and to save money on  electricity and water bills.

Unlike analog meters, smart meters will help utilities continuously identify potential issues “at the box”.  Smart Meters provide two-way communication between the meter and the utility.  Smart meters are a critical part of utilities’ efforts to modernize the grid and to give their customers more control over their usage.  Concord Utility Services ensures smart meters are installed safely at every home.

Some customers may be concerned about privacy.  These customers will actually benefit from having a smart meter, since utilities are not required to have access to customers’ property to collect meter reads.  Instead, the smart meter communicates remotely with the utility.

Here’s what can be expected during the smart meter installation:

• A smart meter technician will come to your home, knock on your door, and introduce themselves as an employee of Concord Utility Services, who is an approved contractor working on behalf of the utility.
• The technician will inform you that they will be performing the meter exchange, which on average takes about 10 minutes to perform.
• Once you are ready, the technician will start the exchange and let you know when the exchange is completed.  
• The technician is available to answer any questions you may have about your smart meter and how to use it to get the most energy or water savings possible.
• If you were not at home during the installation, the technician will leave an informational door hangar that will will notify you that the installation was completed and inform you on what to expect from your smart meter.

Concord Utility Services works closely with utilities to establish formal meter installation procedures.  Every meter technician has received extensive training prior to performing meter installations. The training includes safety procedures that help the technician identify unsafe conditions that may have been evident in existing equipment as well as the actions necessary  following such a discovery.
 

For more information on smart meters or money saving, conservation programs in your area, please email us at info@concordus-inc.com.