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MORE RELIABLE SERVICE

With the convenience of utilities interacting with the electric grid, you receive superior service.  If there’s a power outage, your utility will be able to detect it sooner than it could with a traditional meter.  If your electricity gets turned off because of late payment, your utility can turn it back on remotely, instead of sending a technician.  And if you have any questions, a service representative can most likely answer it without sending the infamous meter reader.

GREATER CONTROL

With a smart meter, you have greater control over your electricity usage.  If you choose to participate in time-based rates through your utility, you have the freedom to potentially lessen your monthly bill by limiting your electric demand during “peak hours,” which typically occur during summer afternoons.  Some utilities even provide their customers with alerts to warn them when they are moving into higher-priced electric tiers.

NEW WAYS TO MONITOR

How do you monitor your electricity consumption with a traditional meter?  That’s right – you don’t.  A smart meter allows you to view your daily usage through your utility’s website.  Soon, you may even be able to track your consumption in real-time, depending on your location and what your utility offers.

With this much power and detailed information at your fingertips, who needs an analog meter?  This seems to be the thought process of the utilities lately, as many of them are requiring the installation of smart meters.

Still not convinced you need one?  Be prepared to pay.  Utilities like Baltimore Gas & Electric are charging customers a one-time fee of $75 and an additional monthly fee of $11 for not having a smart meter installed.  When you’re faced with the ultimatum, which will you choose?