SmartMeter™—Frequently Asked Questions

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Answers to questions about the SmartMeter™ program and technology. For any further program questions or comments, please contact us.

• What is PG&E’s SmartMeter™ program?
  The SmartMeter™ program is an automated wireless gas and electric metering system that will give PG&E the ability to read the meter without stepping foot in your yard and without interrupting your schedule. Remote access also means more accurate billing and faster response times to outages and service interruptions. In short, a smarter meter means smarter service.
• How will the SmartMeter™ program benefit me?
  The SmartMeter™ program will transmit meter usage data every day directly to our network. Once connected to the network (typically within 60 days of meter installation), you will be able to monitor your own household energy usage with 24-hour access via the Internet. By using your personal My Account profile you will be able to view daily updates of your energy use (hourly for electric and daily for gas). You’ll see when and how you’re using energy and, with this knowledge, get a better understanding of how to lower your usage and, ultimately, your bill.
• What other benefits does the SmartMeter™ program offer?
  The SmartMeter™ program will help PG&E improve your service by giving us the ability to:
  
  • Pinpoint power outages and restore your power faster.
  
  • Avoid estimated bills when our meter readers can’t access the meter.
  
  • Determine potential service problems much more easily and, in many
  cases, without having to send service person to your home or business.
• What makes this meter smarter than my old one?
  The SmartMeter™ program improves overall service efficiency by allowing us to read the meter remotely. The meter transmits data each day directly to our network. These readings are used to determine your energy usage. Additionally, it allows us to initiate tests that can help pinpoint outages more quickly. In short, reading the meter remotely allows us to provide service faster and more accurately. And that’s a real benefit for all of our customers.
• When will my SmartMeter™ equipment be installed?
  To see when SmartMeter™ equipment will be installed in your area view the deployment schedule.
• Do I need to be present when the SmartMeter™ equipment is installed?
  You do not need to be present for the upgrade, but we will need unobstructed access to the meter(s). The SmartMeter™ upgrade will take place during regular business hours. Installers will knock on your door before installation and leave a notification on your door after installation is complete. Installation of the equipment is simple and quick.
• Will I experience an outage when the SmartMeter™ equipment is installed?
  The installation will require a brief (approximately five minutes) interruption to electric service, but no interruption to gas service. On the day of the installation, Wellington Energy, an authorized independent contractor for PG&E, will knock on your door when they come to upgrade your gas and electric meters. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you operate life support or other sensitive medical equipment in your home that PG&E may be unaware of, please call us at 1-866-743-0263.
• How will I know when the SmartMeter™ equipment has been installed on my meter?
  You will receive a letter several weeks before the equipment is installed. On the day of the installation, Wellington Energy, an authorized independent contractor for PG&E, will knock on your door when they come to upgrade your gas and electric meters. A door hanger will also be left to notify you. This upgrade will be performed for all of the millions of customers we serve.
• Can I get the SmartMeter™ equipment installed on my meter now?
  We’re glad you are excited about the benefits of the new SmartMeter™ program. We are excited to bring it to you. PG&E is installing SmartMeter™ equipment for every customer. We expect to install 10.3 million meters equipped with SmartMeter™ technology. This requires careful planning and execution which does not accommodate individual changes outside of the deployment schedule. We thank you for understanding the need to stick with the deployment schedule. To see when SmartMeter™ equipment will be installed in your area view the deployment schedule.
• What does the SmartMeter™ equipment look like?
  After the upgrade, the meter won’t look much different. In fact, it will look almost exactly the same. That’s because the SmartMeter™ program isn’t a meter. It’s a chip. The chip will enable the meter as a wireless transmitter capable of sending meter readings to the PG&E network. See SmartMeter™ images and video.