Your Meter is About to Get Smarter
Over the next three years, Alabama Power will provide all of our customers with a new Smart Meter, an automated electronic metering and meter communication system. When fully implemented, this state-of-the-art technology will help provide all our customers with a host of new and future benefits.
During the transition to the Smart Meter program, Alabama Power customers will continue to receive the same reliable service you've come to expect from us. We will continue to accurately read your meter and correctly bill you in a timely manner. You'll only notice your meter has been changed because installation requires a momentary interruption of your electric service.
When will my new Smart Meter be installed?
Installation will begin in the Birmingham area in 2008 and continue throughout the state into 2011. View the statewide installation schedule (Power Point 408KB).
Do I have to be at home when my Smart Meter is installed?
No. You do not have to be at home, and employees will not need to come into your house. If the customer's meter is not easily accessible, we will need to make arrangements with the customer to gain access to change the meter.
Will I be notified in advanced?
Customers will be notified when workers are scheduled to be in their area.
Will my power be interrupted?
Yes, this work will result in a temporary interruption of your electric service. In most cases, power will be out for approximately 5-10 minutes (the usual amount of time required for a meter change). We will do everything we can to keep the inconvenience to a minimum.
Are there any eligibility requirements to receive a Smart Meter?
No. All Alabama Power customers will receive a Smart Meter.
Will installing a Smart Meter raise the amount of my energy bill?
No. There is no additional service charge for installing a Smart Meter.
Will the Smart Meter decrease my energy bill?
The Smart Meter will not decrease the amount of your energy bill. However, in the future, the system will allow Alabama Power to offer you detailed energy usage information and rate options so you can better manage your home's energy usage.
With the Smart Meter program, your electric meter will be read remotely through existing communication towers. In the future, a number of new customer benefits will become available, including access to online energy usage information.
Current Smart Meter customer benefits include:
- We will be able to read your meter and generate your bill without having a representative visit your property.
- Gives us the ability to re-read meters in a timely manner should customers have questions.
- Enhances our ability to respond promptly to meter service requests as our customer base continues to grow.
- Since in-person meter readings will not be required, we'll reduce the number of vehicles on the road, reducing pollution and traffic while saving fuel.
Future Smart Meter benefits include:
- As Smart Meters are installed and enabled, the time needed to handle service orders, such as starting or stopping power, will be reduced.
- Smart Meters have the capability of reporting when power is out at a location and notifying the company when power has been successfully restored. This is particularly helpful if the customer isn't at home when the power goes off.
- Smart Meters can provide online access to energy usage information. In the future, you'll be able to better understand and monitor your own energy use.
- Once the program is installed, we'll be able to offer innovative rate options that meet your lifestyle — You'll be able to better manage your energy usage and control your energy bill.
- Additional features will come as technology advances.
With the Alabama Power Smart Meter program, the meter of the future is coming today.
Alabama Power Smart Meter Program Feedback Form
If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the Alabama Power Smart Meter program, please e-mail us.
Alabama Power Smart Meter brochure. (PDF 1MB)