Smart meters being installed in county

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Beginning this month, Alabama Power customers will be getting their power usage measured electronically instead of having their power meters read by an employee.
Power customers who live in Phil Campbell, East Franklin, Vina, Hodges, and parts of Red Bay will be getting their Smart Meter installed this month. Customers in the Phil Campbell and East Franklin area could have their meters installed as early as this week.
Officials with Alabama Power said customers do not have to be home in order to the new meter to be installed at their home because the crews will not have to enter into the home in order to changed the meter out. However, those customers whose meters are not easily accessible will be contacted in order to make arrangements for the meter to be changed out.
Alabama Power began replacing their meters with the new Smart meters in 2008, and the project will be completed throughout the state by 2011.
Customers should be aware that their power will be turned off for a brief period of time in order for the change to take place. A crew member should inform you before cutting your power so that you will be prepared. However, the power should not be off more than a few minutes, usually five to 10 minutes.
Customers should realize the Smart Meter will not decrease their power bill. However, the new system offer detailed energy information about your home so customers can better manage their energy costs.
Benefits of the Smart Meters are:
Future benefits of the Smart Meters are:
Officials with the company said the first billing cycle with the Smart Meters will end in August and will be included in their August bill.