Advanced Meters

Advanced Meters use state-of-the-art meter technology that provides two-way communications between your meter and PWC using secure wireless network technology. This is known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI.

Advanced Meters make it possible to ‘talk’ to PWC over a secure communications system. This exchange of information allows us to give you better service, such as the ability to provide faster power outage notice so that repairs can begin quickly and faster response to service requests like connections. Plus, you’ll have timely information about your energy and/or water consumption use so you can make decisions that can lower your bill. Advanced meters offer many benefits:

Faster, more accurate detection/more responsive resolution to issues such as a power outage or water leaks.
Enhanced access to your account information so you can make informed decision about your utility services.
Remote meter reading which reduces traffic in your neighborhood and the need for PWC personnel to enter your property.
Expanded customer options including pre-paid services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PWC using Advanced Meters?
PWC is using Advanced Meters to continue to provide customers with reasonable rates and better service – like more reliable delivery of energy, better power-outage detection, more responsive problem resolution, and remote meter reading.

What are the benefits of Advanced Meters?
Because Advanced Meters communicate electronically, they reduce traffic and vehicle emissions in your neighborhood caused by reading the meter or turning meters on and off. They also help provide better service – like improved delivery of energy, better power-outage detection, faster problem resolution and remote meter reading. Customers have access to detailed usage information and improved reliability.

Does the radio frequency from Advanced Meters pose a health risk?
Wireless technology is prevalent in our every day lives. Everything from cell phones to wireless internet routers to baby monitors and garage door openers use radio frequency to operate. The Federal Communications Commission sets radio frequency levels for Advanced Meters and PWC meters comply with those standards. Radio frequency levels measured from Advanced Meters are well below the approved limits established for the general public.

Radio frequency from Advanced Meters have been studied and found to emit very low fields and then only intermittently. Any exposure to humans would be extremely small. Below is a comparison of advanced meters to common household appliances:

Source – Exposure Level
FM radio or TV broadcast signal – 0.005
Advanced Meters at 10 feet – 0.1
Cyber Cafe (Wi-Fi) – 10-20
Laptop Computer – 10-20
Cell Phone held up to ear – 30-10,000
Walkie-talkie – 500-42,000
Microwave at 2-inches from door – 5,000

To learn more about the health impacts of advanced metering, please visit the following links:

Will the communication system interfere with my home or business equipment?
Advanced Meters should not adversely affect the stability or performance of home wireless networks. The FCC regulates all electronics to prevent one type of electronic equipment from interfering with other electronic and wireless devices that operate in the same frequency band.

Will a meter reader come to my home to read the meter?
PWC employees do not need to come to your home to read Advanced Meters, but they will need to access meters for periodic safety and quality assurance inspections and maintenance.

Will advanced meters automatically notify PWC when there is an electrical outage?
Advanced meters provide information that help alert PWC about outages.

How accurate are the meters?
Advanced Meters are extremely accurate and are subject to strict design standards when they are manufactured. PWC has a procedure to select and test meters before and after putting them into service to confirm they operate satisfactorily. In addition, all Advanced Meters must meet standards and requirements set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Because Advanced Meters are not mechanical meters, they will maintain their accuracy loner because there are no moving parts to degrade over time.

Will my new meter make my bills higher?
Some customers have reported that bills are higher with Advanced Meters. This may be because Advanced Meters are likely to be more accurate than the analog (or mechanical) meters PWC used to install. Studies have shown that mechanical meters are likely to be slower because of older mechanisms that have slowed down or even stopped.

Will my account and usage information remain confidential?
PWC’s system is and will continue to be in compliance with standards on cyber security and privacy. These include standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Our systems comply with all federal and state regulations. Advanced Meters and the associated communications system are encrypted and equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access.

Will PWC be able to tell what I’m doing in the privacy of my home?
No, PWC will collect how much energy and water a customer uses, but we’ll have no way of knowing what appliance he/she was using during that time.