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Do I have a Smart Meter?
DO I HAVE A SMART METER?
No, Pike County Light & Power doesn't use smart meters. You have an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meter. AMR is a technology that allows your meter to be read remotely, safely, and accurately. Special devices known as Encoder Receiver Transmitters (ERT) are installed on meters to send their readings to handheld devices that meter readers carry.
AMR meters are fully compliant with local, state and national standards, and are widely used by other utilities throughout the country. They emit less radio frequency (RF) than other typical RF devices found in homes, including cell phones, radios, TVs, microwave ovens, cordless phones, tablets, Wi-Fi networks and baby monitors.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AMR METERS?
AMR meters provide greater customer convenience by allowing meter readers to take readings without having to enter homes and yards, as long as they're in close enough proximity to the meter. It's less intrusive to our customers, and allows for more actual reads and less estimated bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of AMR meters?
AMR meters provide greater customer convenience by allowing meter readers to take readings without having to enter homes and yards, as long as they're in close enough proximity to the meter. It's less intrusive to our customers, and allows for more actual reads and less estimated bills.
Will AMR interfere with TV, personal computers, or other electronic equipment?
It's rare for AMR to interfere with the operation of any other equipment.The AMR equipment operates in a very low-power frequency band reserved especially for this purpose.
Are AMR meters the same as smart meters?
No, AMR meters don't have the functionality to provide two-way communications the way smart meters can. Smart meters are more sophisticated than AMR meters and provide two-way communication between your home or business and the utility, allowing you to see near real-time details of your energy use. They also enable greater service reliability and allow the utility to see if you lose power during a storm. Smart meters require an automated meter infrastructure (AMI) and so are also referred to as AMI meters.
Can AMR meters be converted to full smart meter capacity?
No, the AMR meters were designed only for one-way communication and don't contain the technology required to operate as smart meters.
Does AMR technology and equipment meet industry and Federal Standards?
Yes, AMR technology is designed to function at very low power levels and is in widespread use throughout the U.S. including areas of the PCL&P service territory. We use AMR equipment that has been tested and is compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) standards.
Does Pennsylvania approve the use of AMR meters?
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approves all meters used by utilities, and has approved the AMR meters used by PCL&C and other utilities. New York State has among the most stringent requirements on all electric and natural gas meters.
