The Smart Metering Project - Residential
What is the Smart Metering Project?
The Smart Metering Project is about our commitment to you and our community to provide reliable, affordable, efficient and effective utility services, environmental leadership and customer service excellence. It is about being a Smart Utility by improving and enhancing the way we do business. Most importantly, it is about having Smart Customers with customer choice programs and easy to use tools to take charge of their utility usage.
It is about our community now and in the future.
As part of this exciting project, your City of Tallahassee utility meters (electric, water and/or natural gas) will be upgraded with a secure wireless communication module that will enable numerous benefits, now and in the future. Honeywell, a professional Smart Meter contractor selected by the City to implement this very important initiative, will be upgrading the entire City of Tallahassee meter infrastructure, beginning in April 2008 and expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
Smart Metering Project Information Hotline - 1-800-557-2151
How will the new automated meters work?
Information from your meter will no longer be collected by meter readers. The new meters will utilize an attached communication device to transmit accurate, up-to-date information daily. The technology utilized for Smart Metering will not interfere with any of the electronics in your home.
How do I read my new Smart Meter?
See the How to Read My Meter page.
Will I be charged on my utility bill for the new smart meters?
No. The new meters are part of our commitment and investment in our community.
What are the benefits of the Smart Metering Project?
The benefits of the Smart Metering Program will continue to grow over time. Enhanced customer service and greater convenience are just a start. In the future, you can expect:
Smart Metering will improve Services
1. Improved meter reading accuracy
2. Improved customer service
3. Access to up-to date customer information
4. Access to better customer information
5. More efficient field services from Your Own Utilities with less personnel and trucks in the field, in support of the city's "Green Initiatives."Smart Metering will provide New Benefits
1. Automated power outage management – we'll know automatically when your power goes out!
2. Faster leak detection for your water meter
3. Loss prevention (We'll have improved ways to detect and thus prevent the theft of power and water)Smart Metering Opens a Pathway to the Future
1.You will have access to your billing and usage information via the web
2. You will have access to easy-to-use tools via the web to help you save energy, water and money
3. Network will enable the potential for in-home information displays
4.Pathway to smart home automation
I have a home office, my baby sleeps during the day, etc. -
how will I know when you are coming?
You will receive a notification letter 2-3 weeks before we begin installation in your area. You are not required to be home during the installation, however, a technician will knock on your door before beginning work to ensure it is okay to proceed. The technician will have a clearly identifiable uniform, vehicle and City approved I.D. badge.
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Electric and Gas Meter Technician |
Water Meter Technician |
I.D. Badge Sample |
Will there be any interruption to any of my services?
When your electric meter is upgraded, there will be a brief interruption of service, usually about five minutes. Digital clocks may need to be reset, cordless phones may need to be unplugged and plugged back in, etc. When a natural gas meter or water meter is upgraded, there will typically be NO interruption of service. In the rare case where an old water meter needs to be replaced, there will be a short disruption in service, and we would notify the residents by knocking on the door first to alert the owners to the disruption of water. For those rare instances where a gas meters needs to be replaced, we will contact you to make an appointment to change out your gas meter and relight your pilot lights.
Do I have to wait around all day for an installer?
No, you do not need to be home for the work to be accomplished. The installer only needs access to the meters.
How long will the upgrade process take?
Typically, each meter will be upgraded in about 15 - 20 minutes. Separate expert crews will work on the replacement of each meter at your home.
MORE QUESTIONS? Call 1-800-557-2151 to speak to a Smart Metering Customer Service Specialist who will be happy to answer your questions.