Meters

The meter number, meter diagnostic information and energy data is transmitted to Benton PUD through secure signals.  Personally identifiable information is not transmitted.

Installation of advanced meters began in 2009 and ended in 2012.  Over 51,000 advanced meters are now installed and make up 100% of Benton PUD's meter population.  The advanced meters are now considered Benton PUD's standard equipment.  In 2016, a portion of the meters were upgraded.

No.  Meters will be periodically checked by Benton PUD personnel and need to remain in an easily accessible and visible location.

The system we installed offers significant benefits to our customers including increased operational efficiencies, lower costs, and quicker outage restoration.  Customers are also able to select their bill due date.  Further, because our meters are read remotely, customer privacy is improved as there is no longer a need to enter our customers' properties each month to read the meter.

Our advanced meters helped enable additional services for customers, including an online portal that offers tools to manage energy usage and a mobile phone app.

Benton PUD's Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) is a technology that enables two-way communications to read, disconnect and connect meters remotely and to detect individual customer outages quickly using wireless communications network.  Information from the AMI system can be used to improve electric system performance, customer service and operational efficiency.

According to the American Public Power Association, advanced meters are the new norm for our industry.  Nearly 60 million advanced meters have been deployed in the U.S., covering 50 percent of U.S. homes.  This percentage is expected to rise significantly over the next three years.  Why?  Advanced meters are playing a critical role in shaping the electric grid of tomorrow and enabling the integration of new technologies and innovations across the grid.