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  1. Home
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  5. Advanced Metering System Project - Louisiana

Advanced Metering System Project- Louisiana

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SWEPCO is deploying advanced digital meters to Louisiana retail customers.

SWEPCO filed a request with the Louisiana Public Service Commission on April 25, 2022. Under the plan, SWEPCO proposed to begin installing smart meters for 234,000 customers.

SWEPCO is committed to modernizing the electric grid – for greater reliability, enhanced customer service, innovative tools to help customers save energy and money, and a future that embraces more clean energy, electric vehicles, and other advances in technology. Advanced digital meters, also known as smart meters, are part of SWEPCO’s grid modernization.

The proposed AMS system uses advanced metering and secure wireless technology to provide timely and accurate meter reading data. Customers can use this data to better understand and manage their electricity.

SWEPCO will conduct an outreach program to inform customers about the new metering system and how they can use it to manage their energy usage and costs. SWEPCO will notify individual customers prior to installation at their home or business.


FAQS

What is an advanced digital meter, and what are its benefits?

An advanced digital meter, sometimes called a smart meter, uses advanced metering and secure wireless technology to communicate between the meter and the utility and provide timely and accurate meter reading data. As SWEPCO adds new home energy management tools, the AMS meters will give customers more information to manage their energy use and costs. The AMS meters also will enable future capabilities like faster response to new service connections and other service requests, as well as automatic detection of power outages for a quicker start to repairs.

Why is SWEPCO replacing the current metering system for Louisiana customers?

AMS will replace SWEPCO’s current Automated Meter Reading system, which requires driving by customers’ premises for monthly meter reading, and physical visits to the locations for connection/disconnection or other meter service. SWEPCO’s current version of AMR meters are no longer being produced, and systems are becoming obsolete. SWEPCO’s deployment plan is consistent with Louisiana legislation that encourages AMS deployment as rapidly as practical to allow customers to better manage energy use and control costs.

Will customers be able to use information from the AMS meters to manage their energy usage?

Yes. Many electric meters provide monthly total energy usage, but AMS meters capture data at 15-minute intervals, providing customers a much more detailed look at how they use energy. They can make more informed decisions about how and when to use energy in order to save energy and money. As SWEPCO implements new home energy management tools, customers will be able to access their information by smart phone, tablet or laptop.

When will the future capabilities regarding service requests and outage detection be available?

Service request capabilities will be available for Louisiana customers shortly after the AMS deployment starts. SWEPCO anticipates having outage detection for all AMS customers by the end of deployment.

Will customer account and usage information remain confidential?

Yes. The meters and the associated communication system are encrypted and equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. SWEPCO is required to comply with all federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information. State law prohibits SWEPCO from providing customer information to outside third parties without the customer’s express permission.

Will the communications system interfere with home equipment?

No. All communications equipment meets criteria set by the Federal Communications Commission and should not interfere with any equipment inside a home or business.

Are these meters safe?

Yes. AMS meters use radio frequencies (RFs) to communicate. RFs emitted by digital meters are well below that produced by other common household devices like cell phones, microwaves, baby monitors and home WiFi networks. The RFs are also well below the limit set by the Federal Communications Commission. The American Cancer Society has found no link between smart meters and cancer.

More information: SmartGrid Consumer Collaborative’s “Radio Frequency and Smart Meters”

Can a customer “opt out” if an advanced meter is not wanted?

Residential homeowners in Louisiana can decline a smart meter for a one-time cost and a recurring monthly fee of $22.45. The fee goes towards the costs associated with sending a SWEPCO employee to read the meter. Customers will be required to sign a contract with SWEPCO for the non-standard meter and pay the one-time up-front fee, which ranges from $119.02 to $220.73, depending on the option elected. Opt out fees for non-standard metering will be charged to a customer who opts out of AMS, does not pay Rider AMSCRF and requests a non-standard meter.

*Note: Customer may pay the up-front fee over two months, if requested on the non-standard meter fee form.

What are the limitations of having a non-standard meter?

As the capabilities of AMS meters are enabled in Louisiana, customers with a non-standard meter will not have access to their near-real-time energy usage information through SWEPCO’s home energy management tools. Other future capabilities – like faster response to new service connections and other service requests, as well as automatic detection of power outages for a quicker start to repairs – will not be available.

How will the new meters be read?

AMS meters will be read automatically with no need for monthly visits by meter personnel. The non-standard meter will require meter personnel to drive to the vicinity and collect data with an on-board receiver in the utility truck.

Will customers pay for the meter?

AMS surcharge for customers that will take effect on September 28, 2023. The surcharge is $3.24 per month for residential customers for the first four years and $2.75 for the next four years. The monthly surcharge for other rate classes, such as commercial and industrial, is $6.40 and expires after four years.

Installation Q&A

When will the installation take place?

Installations will be complete across SWEPCO’s Louisiana service territory in 2025.

Will my power be interrupted during the installation?

You will experience a brief power outage when we replace the meter. We expect the power outage to be no longer than a few minutes.

What kind of notice will be provided to customers?

SWEPCO will conduct an outreach program to inform customers about the new metering system and how they can use it to manage their energy usage and costs. SWEPCO will notify individual customers prior to installation at their home or business. Notification may include postcard, email, phone or a door hanger.

Will personnel need to enter my property to install the meters?

Yes. We will need access to customers’ existing meters and will notify customers in advance of the installation schedule. We will work with customers regarding any concerns about access for the meter change-out.

Do I need to be home when you install the new meter?

No. A meter technician will leave a door hanger if access or other conditions prevent the meter exchange. Arrangements for special circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to do anything special to get ready for my new meter?

You will be notified in advance when we will be in your area. To be ready, please clear access to your meter. Be sure there is a clear path to the meter and the area is free of other objects and debris. If you have a locked gate or other restrictions that would prevent our technicians from accessing the meter, please be sure to contact us.

Who will install the meters?

Most installation will be completed by contractors working for SWEPCO. More information will be provided prior to installation. Technicians will not need access inside your home and will not ask you for money or personal information.

Is there an installation fee?

No. Customers should be wary of any unverified communications received over telephonic, written, or electronic means requesting customer identification, banking or payment information, or subscription services for AMS product costs. If you receive such communications, or are approached by a party other than SWEPCO, please verify by calling SWEPCO to report the contact at 1.888.216.3523.

Who do I contact if I have questions about installation?

Meter installation

In the Natchitoches area, (including Hornbeck and Mansfield): Keith Addison, kaddison@aep.com, 318.238.5719
In Shreveport area, (including Bossier City, Haughton and Vivian): Alan Graham akgraham@aep.com, 318.673.3351

Customer service

In Natchitoches area, (including Hornbeck and Mansfield): Belinda Berry, bberry@aep.com, 318.238.5706
In Shreveport area, (including Bossier City, Haughton and Vivian): Steve Brocato, svbrocato@aep.com, 318.673.3551

News Releases

  • SWEPCO to install Smart meters in North and Central Louisiana (09/22/2023)

Documents

  • Postal del Cliente Español

Third Party Meter Access

Third parties may access a customer's meter by entering their account number and submitting a request for access.

  • Third Party Resources


Related information...
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