National Grid is rolling out smart meters in various regions across the country, including New York and western New York. The company has already installed 170,000 smart meters in Onondaga and Cortland counties and is currently installing them in the Mohawk Valley. In total, about 1.6 million electric meters will be upgraded.
The new technology provides real-time information on power consumption through a new app that can track individual appliances and identify “phantom power,” which can account for up to 10 percent of a home’s energy usage. This often overlooked power draw occurs when devices continue to consume power even when turned off.
To prepare customers for the meter installation, National Grid has been conducting outreach to inform them about the new technology. Customers will receive a 60-day notice before the meters are installed in their area, followed by more information a week prior to installation. The installation process is expected to cause only a brief five-minute disruption to power, and Bianchetti emphasized that the transition will be seamless for customers and that the company is available to address any questions or concerns.
Looking ahead, National Grid aims for customers with smart meters to be able to leverage tracking technology later this year, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and contribute to a more efficient grid system.