The days of old are parting ways for an exciting new product in the energy industry. The smart meter is a new technology that will provide the following enhanced services for Texas electricity customers:

• Access to energy use information 24 hours a day

• Improved outage detection and faster restoration

• More flexible services when the customer wants them

• Reducing the need to access the customer’s property

 
What does it do?

In simple terms, it communicates and transmits—in a wireless and automatic fashion—energy use and information, allowing a two-way communication between the customer and the energy provider.

 
Why is it beneficial to the customer?

• It provides customer with detailed energy use and information and allows the customer to reduce their energy usage. A smart meter can be shut off during peak hours when the customers are not home.

• It improves the detection of power outages, aids in restoration and can even provide the customer with energy usage patterns.

• Certain companies will provide customer rebates for using the smart meter.

• Meters will no longer have to be read in person. This provides additional privacy at the customer’s home and eliminates human errors.
  

 
Some deregulated electricity companies are currently utilizing the smart meter, and close to 7,200 businesses already use it as well, but it will take some time for the regulated market to jump on board. This is due to the cost of the equipment and determining exactly who should be responsible for the cost of the meter.