Q. What is a Smart Meter?
A. OG&E’s new meters are digital devices that collect your energy use information. The new meter and the new communications infrastructure we are installing allow for secure two-way communication – the meter sends signals to OG&E and the company can communicate directly with the meter.
Q. Why am I getting one?
A. Similar to how the television industry upgraded from analog to digital transmission, OG&E is upgrading its technology to modernize and allow for better operation of our electrical system. The meters are an important part of OG&E’s strategy for providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our customers, and it will help our customers better manage their electricity use.
Q. When will I get my new meter?
A. OG&E began the three-year meter installation process in 2010. The goal is to have all 800,000 new meters installed by the end of 2012. You’ll receive a letter in the mail about 30 days prior to installation. On the day your meter is installed, a technician will leave a door hanger on your door with more information. You can view a map of the installation route here to see when your area will be receiving new meters.
Q. Will installation cause a power outage?
You do not need to be present for the upgrade to the new meter, but you may notice blinking clocks in the home after the meter has been installed. The upgrade will take place during regular business hours and in most cases will take less than five minutes. Going forward, we'll collect your meter readings without setting foot on your property.
Q. What are the benefits?
The new meters will provide remote access for OG&E to read customer energy use, reducing the amount of truck rolls needed each month and lessening the need to estimate bills.
You will also have access to myOGEpower, an energy information website that allows you to see your energy use and costs in near real-time. In addition, customer service will be greatly enhanced with an improved ability to respond more quickly and thoroughly to questions about your bill.
Going forward, smart grid technology will help improve service reliability and outage management.
Q. Are the meters accurate?
A. Yes. There are several tests OG&E uses to confirm this. First, all meters are tested by the manufacturer (GE). Second, OG&E tests a sample of meters. All tests show that the new meters meet American National Standard Institute (ANSI) accuracy standards.
Q. Are there health concerns related to the new meters?
OG&E uses wireless radios attached to an electric meter to send customer usage information securely and wirelessly for data collection. This technology allows our customers to better manage their energy consumption. The new meters meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards and are within the limits for Class B devices. New meter radio frequency (RF) exposures are far lower than the minimal FCC guidelines. OG&E meters typically transmit about four times a day, with each transmission lasting only seconds. Please see more on our Smart Meter Radio Frequency link.
If you have further questions about your new meter, contact a Customer Service Representative at 877-898-3834.
