Frequently asked questions on Advanced Meters

• What are advanced meters?

  Advanced meters link with a communications network and a central system to remotely measure utility use, connect and disconnect services, detect tampering, and identify outages.

• How do advanced meters work?

  Traditional meters and automated meters record total energy consumption. We collect data from traditional meters on a monthly basis. Smart meters record and transmit your energy consumption regularly throughout the day (via a secure wireless network)

• Are advanced meters new technology?

  No. Approximately 69% of all meters in America are advanced meters. They have been around for nearly 50 years. Klickitat PUD is one of the last public utilites in the state to convert to an advanced meter system. 

• Will I be charged for my updated meters?

  No, you will not. This is a budgeted system-wide capital improvement project.

• How does advanced metering benefit me?

  The additional meter data will enable Klickitat PUD to better communicate with you regarding electricity consumption, detect outages and assist in power quality issues. It will also help you use electricity more efficiently.

• Does this mean a meter reader will no longer come by my house monthly?

  Yes. If you have an advanced meter installed, there will no longer be a need for a meter reader to come read the meter monthly, though annual meter reads and maintenance will still occur.

•  Will the appearance of my utility meters be different?

  Your updated meters will look very similar to the current meters.

•  Will I notice any changes?

  You can anticipate that your monthly usage will be recorded on the same day each month. You will be able to more accurately know and compare each month's usage. You may notice a meter reader no longer has to visit your meter each month.

•  Will my new meter make my bills higher?

  Advanced meters measure utility usage in exactly the same way as our current meters. The new meters will continue to measure only the actual amount of service you use, and the meter itself will not cause your bills to increase or decrease.

•  Are advanced meters safe and accurate? 

  Yes, they are. Advanced meters are subject to strict manufacturing design standards and must meet standards and requirements set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the safety requirements and standards of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC). Advanced meters are installed and uninstalled only by trained professionals exercising standard safety precautions.

• Will the communication system interfere with my home or business equipment?

  Advanced meters should not adversely affect the stability or performance of your home wireless networks. The FCC regulates all electronics to prevent one type of electronic equipment from interfering with other electronic and wireless devices that operate in the same frequency band.

• Will my account and usage information remain confidential?

  Our system is, and will continue to be, in compliance with standards for cyber security and privacy. Our systems also comply with federal and state regulations. Meters and the associated communications system are encrypted and equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. Klickitat PUD adheres to strict policies, following state laws that regulate the use of personal information gathered for business purposes such as billing and customer service.

• What amount of radio frequency is emitted from advanced meters?

  The strength of the radio frequency (RF) emitted by advanced meters is very low and intermittent. In fact, these meters only transmit for a few seconds out of every hour, totaling less than a minute a day. RF emitted by these meters is well below the limits set by the Federal Communications Commission and below the levels produced by other common household devices like cell phones, baby monitors, satellite TVs, and microwave ovens. You would have to be exposed to an advanced meter for 375 years to equal the RF emissions you get from using a cell phone for 15 minutes a day for one year.

•  If I have questions about my meter upgrade, who can I talk to? 

  You can stop in the Klickitat PUD office in Goldendale or contact (800) 548-8357 and we would be happy to visit with you about the meter changes.