Installation of smart meters is set to improve energy management in Massachusetts.
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.
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