Smart Meters

As technology advances, we’ve implemented tools and techniques to help our electric and water grids run more efficiently. A smart grid is a way to monitor electric and water distribution networks.

Previous meter-reading solutions only allowed “one-way” communication. The Smart Grid allows for “two-way” communication by creating a network between the meters and the BWL’s information systems. Data flowing both ways allow for the BWL to monitor and diagnose problems in the electric and water system. Information gathered through our smart grid allows for more efficient outage restorations, integration with energy efficiency program, as well as customer visibility and control over individual electricity and water usage.

BWL closed out the BSmart project that was aimed at upgrading all water and electric meters. Around 100,000 electric and 58,000 water customers throughout our service territory received a smart meter. BSmart has allowed customers to become partners with the BWL in our commitment to energy efficiency, reliability and affordability.

Smart meters are used to measure water and electric use with digital technology that enables us to read your meter remotely, providing even better service when you contact us. You’re also able to see daily information from the meters, which gives you better control over your energy usage and bill.

These state-of-the-art meters help us improve your service and provide you with many benefits now and for years to come. They are helpful tools that give you better control over your water and electric use, and your bill.

Smart meters increase BWL’s operational efficiency and reliability, enable the BWL to improve customer service and enable the customer to manage their own energy usage.

No. Smart meters themselves will not increase utility bills – they reflect the normal fluctuations in utility service use.

Our smart meters measure your water/electric use with digital technology that enables us to read your meter remotely. Smart meters help us provide even better service when you contact us. Viewing daily information from the smart meters will give you better control over your water/electric use and your bill.

Smart meters are electronic and are more accurate compared to the analog meters that we used to use. The meters meet or exceed the national tolerance standards.

Yes, for residential customers only. For example, if you are moving, you no longer need to wait for a field service technician, leave your gates open or worry about your pets.

They help in several ways. Since meter readers no longer need to read every meter each month, it reduces pollution, fuel consumption and traffic. Also, the meters enable us to use new technologies that allow you to make decisions about using less energy, at your discretion, which reduces the amount of electricity demand. The water meters also help reduce waste through water leak detection.

No. BWL purchased smart meters that are certified by the FCC and are designed not to interfere with your home electronics or medical devices.

Yes. Your energy use information will be safely transmitted over secured networks and servers that meet the latest cyber safety guidelines and are the same standards that are currently being used by the US Department of Defense.

Yes. Key factors for exposure risk are the power and frequency of the emission and the distance from a person. Smart meters emit only about 1 watt and, when installed, no transmitter is located within the home. Cell phones are considered riskier since they’re held to the head.

Even when meters are grouped together such as at apartment complexes, their RF emissions are low compared to FCC exposure guidelines.

BWL does not use batteries in any residential electric meter. Residential meters are on homes, usually located in urban and suburban areas, and make up approximately 94% of BWL’s service territory. The remaining 6% of the electric meters deployed within the BWL service territory are commercial meters. These meters contain an LiSOCI2 battery rated 800mAhr, 3.6V. These are small batteries, and they are enclosed inside of the meter that is encased in a meter box. These meters are typically located at commercial structures that have more space around them and higher-grade construction materials that are less flammable. Further, the meter manufacturer does an environmental chamber test to confirm proper operation of the meters in extreme low and extreme high ambient temperatures. The components within the meters are rated from -40 degrees to 185 degrees Fahrenheit inside of the meter cover.

The BWL has discontinued the Opt Out Program.