News Summary
Eversource is set to begin the rollout of smart meters in Western Massachusetts this July, enhancing energy management for homes and businesses. This initiative will allow remote service changes, improve monitoring, and help customers manage their billing. The complete transition is expected to take three years, with concerns about cybersecurity and installation safety being raised. The project is part of a wider plan to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure and is likely to save customers significantly over the coming decade.
Springfield, Massachusetts – Eversource is set to begin the installation of smart meters for homes and businesses in Western Massachusetts starting in late July, with an extensive rollout expected to continue over the next few months. This initiative marks the first phase of a comprehensive plan that will later expand into Eastern Massachusetts, aimed at improving energy management and service efficiency for customers across the state.
The new smart meters will allow Eversource to remotely start or stop customer services, eliminating the need for in-person visits by crew members. This advancement is expected to streamline services, enhance the monitoring of energy usage, and help customers better manage their energy consumption and bills. Customers in Western Massachusetts will be informed through notification letters approximately 90, 60, and 30 days prior to the commencement of installation in their communities. Those in Eastern Massachusetts will also receive communications regarding the transition.
During the rollout, customers will be given the choice to enroll in high usage alerts based on their previous energy consumption patterns, allowing them to monitor their usage more closely. The complete transition to smart meters for all Eversource electric customers in Massachusetts is anticipated to take about three years. Customers whose meters will be upgraded will receive letters regarding the changes in the coming months.
With the installation of smart meters, Eversource aims to improve overall customer service by enhancing capabilities to address power outages swiftly and provide real-time outage alerts. This upgrade comes on the heels of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announcing a new energy bill which is projected to save ratepayers in the state roughly $10 billion over the next decade.
However, the rollout of smart meters has not been without controversy. Critics have expressed concerns regarding potential cybersecurity risks, particularly due to the reliance on Wi-Fi for data transmission. Additionally, public sentiment reveals frustration over the associated opt-out fees. Customers who opt not to have a smart meter installed will be required to pay a one-time service fee of $42 for a non-communicating meter and a recurring fee of $34 monthly for manual readings, which some residents find burdensome.
Union representatives have also voiced concerns about the installation process. There are apprehensions regarding the potential safety hazards that could arise from faulty installations. In response, Eversource has assured customers that licensed electricians will be present to address any wiring issues that may occur during the installation process, thus aiming to alleviate safety concerns.
As the roll-out progresses, Eversource plans to recover the costs associated with smart meter installation over a six-year period. Currently, customers incur an existing monthly charge of approximately $1.75, which is expected to rise to under $5 monthly as the smart meters are deployed across the state.
In summary, the installation of smart meters by Eversource in Massachusetts represents a significant step towards modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, offering new benefits for customers while also raising questions about costs and cybersecurity. As the initiative unfolds, residents will be closely monitoring its impact on their energy management and billing experiences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Smart Meter
- New Bedford Guide
- Google Search: Smart Meter Installations in Massachusetts
- Western Mass News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity
- Daily Energy Insider
- Google News: Eversource Smart Meters Installation
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
