Smart Meter Installations

As technology advances, new tools and techniques can be implemented to help 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 new Smart Grid allows for “two-way” communication by creating a network between the meters and the BWL’s information systems. Data flowing both ways allows for the BWL to monitor and diagnose problems in the electric and water system. Information gathered through our smart grid will allow for more efficient outage restorations, integration with energy efficiency program, as well as customer visibility and control over individual electricity and water usage.

BWL has launched a smart grid project called BSmart aimed at upgrading all electric and water meters. This project involves the replacement of meters to nearly 100,000 electric and 58,000 water customers throughout our service territory over the next few years. This project will allow 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. Eventually, you’ll be able to see daily information from the meters giving you better control over your energy usage and bill.

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

Future benefits of smart meters will increase BWL’s operational efficiency and reliability, enable the BWL to improve customer service and enable the customer to manage their own energy usage.

You will not be charged any costs associated with the installation of these new meters. We expect the meters to provide efficiencies and allow you to better understand your usage and make smart decisions on your water/electric usage.

Our new 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. Eventually, seeing daily information from the smart meters will give you better control over your water/electric use and your bill.

Your monthly bill will continue to reflect the normal fluctuations in your service use. In some cases where your meter may have been running slow due to age, you may see an increase due to the accuracy of the new meter. Your first bill after installation will show your usage under your old meter and after the smart meter was installed.

The new meters will be electronic and are more accurate compared to the analog meters that we primarily use now. The meters meet or exceed the national tolerance standards.

Your current meter is a non-communicating meter. Your non-communicating meter is either a digital or an analog meter. In most residential meters, there are no communication or radio mechanisms in the meter.

For both operational efficiency, which keeps your costs lower, and for the future capability of offering Time-of-Use rates, we need to have only one meter in use. This meter needs to be able to track interval usage data. Details of opting out are available on our Opt Out page.

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

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

No. BWL is purchasing 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.

The BWL has developed an Opt Out Program. Eligibility requirements, cost, program details and the application for opting-out can be found on our Opt Out page.