Southern California Edison Installs First of 5 Million “Smart” Meters

Southern California Edison (SCE) kicked off its Edison SmartConnect program last month by installing the first of 5 million smart meters to help customers save energy and money. These new digital, secure, two-way communicating meters will measure electricity usage up-to-the minute and, when fully implemented, will enable customers to track how much they use, and how much it costs them.

Edison SmartConnect is a key step in transforming the electric system to a smart grid.

“More than 100 years ago, Southern California Edison installed some of the world’s first electricity meters. Today, we’re proud to launch the new generation of meters that provide customers with new options and information to help them better manage their energy use,” said Lynda Ziegler, SCE senior vice president, Customer Service.

Smart meter installations began in Downey, Calif., and will continue through 2012 for all SCE residential and small-business customers in the utility’s 50,000-square-mile service territory.

The smart meters, supplied by Itron Inc., include advanced features that enable the meters to communicate with the next generation of “smart” thermostats, appliances and other devices. The new meters allow remote activation of electric service at the customer’s convenience. New pricing plans, programs and services will empower customers to make informed decisions about their energy use. Many of these advanced features and functionality will go into effect in the second half of 2010.

SCE contracted with Corix Utilities, Inc. to perform most of the installations. Here is some important information for customers getting the new meters: 

• Customers will be notified by mail in advance when installations are scheduled in their neighborhood. 
• Customers do not need to be home, but they do need to provide clear access to their meter. 
• Corix installers will carry identification indicating they are approved SCE contractors. 
• Installation of SmartConnect meters will continue through 2012. 

Edison SmartConnect is a $1.6 billion program authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission. SCE anticipates customers’ use of the new meters will reduce demand on the electricity grid by about 1,000 megawatts, the amount of energy produced at an average power plant.

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