SmartMeter™—Program Benefits

• Print Page
• Email Page

Until the meter can be read remotely by the SmartMeter™ system, a PG&E meter reader will continue to read the meter on a monthly basis just as they do now.

Once the meter is read remotely (typically within 60 days of the installation):

• The SmartMeter™ system will allow us to read the meter without setting foot on your property and without interrupting your schedule.

• You will have secure online access to your detailed energy usage (see Secure Access section below) through My Account. For the first time ever, you will have information on exactly how much energy you are using and when you are using it—valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices.

And this is just the beginning. SmartMeter™ technology puts in place a platform PG&E will use to offer you an expanding range of benefits, including:

• Greater convenience
• Better and faster service
• New pricing plans that offer you more control over your energy bills

In the future, the SmartMeter™ system will also provide:

• Faster power restoration. We'll know when you do not have power and will be able to pinpoint power outages and restore your power faster.
• Faster problem resolution. We'll be able to resolve service problems more easily and, in many cases, without a visit to your home or business.
• Helping to save the environment. In the long run, the SmartMeter™ program could benefit our environment. The ability to monitor energy usage could give all customers the information they need to conserve or shift energy usage, decreasing pressure on the power grid. Conservation may result in more energy for everyone, and fewer power plants than would otherwise be needed both of which are good for all of us.

What to Expect After Your Meter Installation

• Remote Meter Reading
  Until the meter can be read remotely by the SmartMeter™ system, a PG&E meter reader will continue to read the meter on a monthly basis, just as they do now. The SmartMeter™ system typically reads the meter remotely within 60 days following installation.
  
  Once read remotely, your energy usage data is collected by the SmartMeter™ system and sent via secure wireless network directly to PG&E. Automated daily-gas and hourly-electric reads will be sent from the meter to PG&E on a daily basis and are used to calculate your energy statement.
  
  Remote meter reading means greater convenience for you. We will no longer interrupt your schedule to read the meter, and you no longer need to provide monthly access to our meter readers.
• Secure Access to Your SmartMeter™ Energy Usage Information
  Remote meter readings provide you with online access to your usage information the very next day, and are typically available within 60 days following the meter installation. For the first time ever, you will have information on exactly how much energy you are using and when you are using it. This detail is valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices.
  
  Once the meter is read remotely, use your My Account profile to see how much energy you used by day, month, week, or billing cycle. profile to see how much energy you used by day, month, week, or billing cycle. This information will give you tools to help you understand how you are using energy and in turn, make decisions on how to use less energy and save money.
  
  When you are logged into My Account, graphs of your usage are found under "Usage" in the navigation bar on the left. There are two choices, "Usage History" and "Hourly/Daily Usage." Graphs of your usage information can be downloaded or printed, and are updated daily between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  
  Below is a sample graph:
  
  
  
  Seeing how you use energy can help you conserve energy and save money. See more ways to save energy and money.
• Manage Your Energy Usage This Summer
  PG&E’s SmartRate™ Summer pricing plan can help you manage your energy costs, and help your community by shifting energy use when demands are at their highest. Learn more about SmartRate.
• Customers on PG&E’s Plastic Card Program
  You will receive a letter once the meter is read remotely by the SmartMeter™ system and you no longer need to read the meter or display the reading on your plastic card each month. If you have not received a letter, see how to read the new meter.

PG&E’s SmartMeter™ program is interested in your feedback.