- Lower bills, if customers choose to reduce consumption during peak times
- Lower CO2 emissions, if customers choose to reduce consumption during peak times, when inefficient oil- and gas-fired peaker plants would otherwise provide power.
- Faster notification of power outages (and earlier restoration from outages).
- Detailed Usage Insights: Access to detailed billing data is expected to provide value to multiple different customer segments. Residential customers will benefit from targeted information on how different rates or programs will impact bills based on their specific usage patterns. All customer segments have the potential to benefit from visibility of near real time usage data. In the same way people can glance at a gas gauge on their vehicle or the battery life of their smartphone, visibility to this data will enable customers to rapidly modify behavior and better manage their usage. Access to more timely and detailed usage information is expected to support improved insight and reduce customer surprises with high bills. With access to this information, customer service representatives will also be able to provide more targeted recommendations to callers for participation in time-varying rates or energy efficiency or demand response programs.
- Detailed Usage Sharing with Third Parties: Via the Eversource website, customers will be able to access their data and applications that allow them to share their usage data easily and securely with third parties. AMI data will be made available via those existing methods and additional data sharing mechanisms that may be made available in future years (e.g., Green Button Connect). For example, customers may authorize their Competitive Electric Power Supplier (CEPS) or other service provider to access their monthly, daily, and 15-minute interval data. Approved CEPSs can download current customer usage, demand data, and interval data along with 12 months of historical information.
- Customized High Bill Alerts: Eversource will also allow customers the option to receive relevant energy insights and notifications based on detailed data out to customers via outbound channels, namely email, text, and mobile application notifications. Customers will be able to set thresholds to receive alerts when the amount of their bill for a defined period exceeds a certain amount.
- Time-Varying Rates: Once all AMI meters have been deployed and the Customer Information System has developed the Time-Varying-Rates design (determined through a separate process conducted by DPU with stakeholder input), Eversource will be building awareness and educating customers on Time-Varying Rates. Eversource will accomplish this by using existing communications tools such as customer emails, on-bill messaging and inserts, free social media, online videos, press releases and earned media, direct mail, print collateral, town halls, and paid social media campaigns.
On 11/18/2024 5:39 PM EST Forest Brown <[email protected]> wrote:Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to bring to your attention some important information about upcoming changes to our utility meters, specifically the transition to smart meters, which National Grid is beginning to roll out in our area. Many of us will soon be contacted by National Grid as they move forward with this transition, and I wanted to make sure you're informed about your options.
What’s happening?
National Grid is in the process of replacing traditional meters with smart meters in homes throughout our area. Smart meters are designed to automatically transmit your energy usage data to the company, which, in theory, eliminates the need for meter readers to visit homes.Why opt out?
While National Grid has promoted smart meters as a convenient upgrade, there are several important considerations to be aware of:
Health and Safety Concerns: Smart meters emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to transmit data, which some studies suggest could have health impacts, particularly for vulnerable individuals. There are also ongoing concerns about the cumulative exposure to EMFs in our homes from multiple devices.
Privacy Issues: Smart meters collect detailed data on your energy usage patterns, which raises concerns about privacy. This data could potentially be shared with third parties or used to track behavior in ways we may not be comfortable with.
Impact on Your Neighbors: Even if you're not personally concerned about the health risks of smart meters, it's important to consider the potential impact on your neighbors. Smart meters transmit radiation up to 500 feet from the meter itself, meaning the signals can affect nearby homes. For those who are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, this could be a significant concern, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.
Cost and Customer Benefits: When I spoke with a National Grid technician recently, I asked what benefits customers would miss out on by opting out of the smart meter program. He confirmed that there is no direct benefit to the customer — it only benefits National Grid, as they no longer need to send technicians out to read meters.
The Safe Option: The technician also agreed that opting out is the safest choice to minimize potential risks from the technology. If you are not comfortable with having a smart meter installed, it’s your right to opt out.
How to Opt Out
National Grid should be contacting us about the install. If you wish to decline the installation of a smart meter in your home, you can communicate to your National Grid account manager that you would like formally request to opt-out. They will be able to assist you in preserving your traditional meter.Bottom Line:
While National Grid is pushing forward with smart meters, it is important to remember that you do not have to accept one if you feel uncomfortable. The choice is yours. I encourage you to consider the information, weigh the potential health, privacy, and safety concerns, and make the decision that is best for you, your family, and your community.Stay safe and informed,
--
Forest
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