More than 75,000 New RG&E Smart Meters Deployed in Rochester
Part of RG&E’s continued work to bring smart meters to all customers; reduce estimated billing
Approximately 571,000 smart meters to be installed over the next three years
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — October 11, 2023 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) has installed more than 75,000 smart meters so far in its Rochester division. The Company began smart meter deployments in Rochester earlier this year. It will install approximately 571,000 smart electric meters and natural gas meter modules between now and 2025. More than 190,000 smart meters have been installed across the state so far.
Smart meters are electric or natural gas meter modules with two-way wireless communications between the meter and the Company’s systems. They will securely transmit usage and meter status data to RG&E automatically, enabling monthly bills to be based on actual use versus manual meter reading or estimates, as well as allowing customers better control over their energy bills. The standard smart meters will replace the existing electric meter, while a module will be added to the existing natural gas meters to enable communication with our network. Meters will remain in the same location.
“Smart meters enable many benefits, offer convenience, more control, and expanded choice in understanding and managing your energy use,” said Patricia Nilsen, president and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Additional benefits include fewer usage estimates, fewer onsite visits, faster outage response, and ease in stopping service when you’re moving.”
All residential and most business customers in RG&E’s service areas will receive the new electric standard smart meter and/or natural gas module. Most customers will not need to take action to receive a new smart meter. If RG&E can access the electric and/or natural gas meter, they don’t need to be present to have the meter upgraded. If the Company is unable to complete the upgrade, its technicians will leave a door hanger with contact information so customers can schedule a more convenient appointment time. If the Company is unable to gain access to install the new meter after the field visit, several phone calls will be made, and mailings sent to the home or business, and the customer will automatically be enrolled in the opt-out program. After that, customers are welcome to contact the Company at any time and schedule an appointment to install the smart meter. Once installed, the monthly opt-out fee will be discontinued, and customers can begin enjoying the benefits offered by the smart meter.
The Company is performing some Saturday installations for meters in the area. The installers will carry Grid One Solutions and RG&E contractor identification and drive vehicles marked with Grid One Solutions and RG&E logos. RG&E expects to complete smart meter installations in 2025 for this area. Customers will receive information about their installation a few weeks before they begin in their neighborhood.
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Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159