Smart Meter Upgrades
As we work toward Oregon’s smarter clean energy future, we’re strengthening the energy grid to make it smarter, more efficient and more reliable for you. As part of this work, between March 2019 and December 2020, we will be upgrading 18,000 smart meters that serve many commercial and industrial businesses.
Better technology for your business
While the existing meter accurately records overall energy usage, the new smart meter will provide more exact interval data. That means it will transmit your actual energy usage every 15 minutes to give a clearer picture of how your business uses energy. You can view this detailed information through our energy monitoring programs — Energy Tracker℠ and Energy Expert℠ — and spot ways to control your energy use and save money. This interval data will also support future energy-saving programs that we’re developing for you.
What can you expect during this work?
If we’re exchanging the meter at your business, we’ll send you a letter in advance. Here’s what you can expect:
Meter replacements will happen between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
A meter technician from PGE or from our contractor, National Metering & Technical Services, will perform the work. The technician will carry PGE identification.
There’s no need for any of your employees to be available; the technician has the meter location information and will proceed with the equipment exchange.
The work should only take a few minutes, and there will be no interruption to your power while the old meter is removed and the new meter installed.
Why are you changing out the electric meter at my business?
This meter upgrade project is one of many ways we’re strengthening the energy grid, making it smarter, more efficient and more reliable for you. The new smart meters provide cutting-edge technology and more exact interval data.
The existing meter at my business is already a digital smart meter. How is this new meter better?
In the digital world, change happens fast. Think of how quickly mobile phones are updated. Many smart meters in use today are already a decade old.
The new smart meters have the most up-to-date technology and will provide more exact interval data. That means it will transmit your actual energy usage every 15 minutes to give a clearer picture of how your business uses energy.
You can view the detailed interval data through our energy monitoring programs — Energy Tracker℠ and Energy Expert℠ — and spot ways to control your energy use and save money. This interval data will also support future energy-saving programs that we’re developing for you.
If this meter provides more exact information, If this meter provides more exact information, does that mean my previous bills were incorrect?
Your previous bills were correct. The old meters accurately recorded total energy usage — how much energy you used in a day. But the new meters will provide more detailed interval data, so you can track exactly how much energy you used in the first 15 minutes of a workday.
What is interval data and how will it help my business?
Interval data lets you examine your energy use during specific time periods. This meter will record your exact energy usage in 15-minute intervals. Why is this useful? It can help you save energy and money. By looking at your interval data through an energy monitoring program, such as our Energy Tracker℠or Energy Expert℠ options, you can closely examine your energy usage patterns throughout the day, and spot ways to save.
Building a brighter future for you
This is just one of many projects we’re working on to enhance and modernize the energy grid, making it smarter and more resilient, and creating a platform for a clean energy future.
Thank you for your patience as we strengthen the energy grid.
If you have a question about how this project may affect you, please contact us at 503-612-3730.
Para información en español, por favor llame 503-612-3730.
