Smart Meter Project
Access To Energy-Use Data Empowers Our Customers
Idaho Power has deployed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology 'smart meters' to help our customers manage their energy usage. Smart meters also help us serve our customers better.
The smart meter exchange program began in 2009. It was completed in 2011. Idaho Power contractor TruCheck replaced traditional electric meters with more advanced smart meters throughout our 24,000-square-mile service territory in Idaho and Oregon. Customers in Emmett and McCall received their smart meters in 2004 during a pilot program.
By the end of the three-year project, Idaho Power installed more than 500,000 meters.
The Benefits Of Smart Meters
More technologically advanced than traditional electric meters, smart meters help customers monitor their energy consumption how much and when. That can help customers manage and even reduce their energy usage. Lower usage means lower energy costs.
Smart meter technology helps Idaho Power operate more efficiently in a number of ways:
- It enables us to read meters remotely. Remote metering means meter readers no longer will need monthly access to our customers' properties to record usage data. That means less use of company vehicles and lower fuel consumption, among other environmental benefits.
- Remote metering through smart meters enhances customer service and billing.
- Remote metering can help us restore power more quickly when outages occur.
- Smart meters are digital and secure, and are easier to read.
Smart meters measure energy usage just like traditional electric meters. They count only the energy customers use. For some of our customers the installation of smart meters has coincided with higher bills that result from rate changes or additional energy use due to colder-than-normal weather. The smart meter does not cause these bill changes; it is simply coincidence.
Use Your Data!
To learn how to read the smart meter's digital display and to calculate your energy usage, you can watch the short video, 'How To Read Your New Smart Meter,' at right. You also can download and print instructions.
Customers can find information about their energy usage and possibly identify ways to lower costs by registering on our website to become an Account Manager.
The Smart Grid
Smart meters are directly connected to the Smart Grid, a customer-focused approach to energy reliability, efficiency and sustainability. Learn more about Smart Grid.
Installation Is Done
Idaho Power has installed 500,000 smart electric meters for customers.
Learn About Smart Meters
Learn how the new meter works and how to calculate your kilowatt-hour usage.
