SmartMeter™—How the System Works

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PG&E’s SmartMeter™ program is part of a statewide effort driven by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to upgrade California’s energy infrastructure with automated metering technology. This technology will enable new programs that encourage California energy customers to use less energy and save money.

California has a long history of innovation in energy. The state leads in energy conservation with among the lowest per capita energy consumption in the nation. It has managed to hold per capita energy consumption flat at a time when per capita energy consumption across the country has increased substantially.

PG&E’s SmartMeter™ system uses programmable solid-state meter technology that provides two-way communication between the meter at your home or business and the utility using secure wireless network technology.

SmartMeter™ Equipment

• The Electric System
  
  
  The solid-state digital SmartMeter™ electric meter records hourly meter reads and then transmits the reads to a network device via an electric radio frequency (RF) mesh network. RF mesh technology allows meters and other sensing devices to access the network by securely routing data via nearby meters and relay devices. The electric system supports two-way communication between the meter and PG&E that can be upgraded remotely providing the ability to implement future innovations.
  
  
  
  Relays receive electric meter reads via radio frequency and relay the reads to access points. An electric network device transfers electric meter reads to PG&E’s head-end system via a secure cellular network. Each mesh-enabled device (meters, relays) is connected to several other mesh-enabled devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and sends the data back to PG&E over a commercial third-party network. The resulting RF mesh network can span large distances and reliably transmit data over rough or difficult terrain. If a meter or other transmitter drops out of the network, its neighbors find another route. The mesh continually optimizes routing to ensure information is passed from its source to its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The Gas System
  
  
  The SmartMeter™ gas module attached to the gas meter is outfitted with a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The module records daily meter reads and then transmits the reads to a network device via an RF network. The gas system supports two-way communication between the meter and PG&E that can also be upgraded remotely providing the ability to implement future innovations.
  
  
  
  The data collector unit (DCU) is a network device for the gas system. The DCU collects meter reads and transmits the read data via secure wireless network (e.g., cell phone infrastructure) back to PG&E. The DCUs shown here is attached to a streetlight.
• How to Prepare for Your Meter Installation
   • Please provide clear and safe access to the meter
   • Keep dogs inside or safely away from the meter
   • Clear any obstruction to the meter
   • Unplug sensitive equipment like computers and televisions
   • Unlock circuit-breaker box
   • Tell others in your household about the upcoming meter installation
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE: Please call us at 1-866-743-0263 if you operate life support or other sensitive medical equipment in your home that PG&E may be unaware of.
• What to Expect When Your Meter is Installed
  PG&E will send you a letter to let you know when the meter(s) at your home or business are scheduled for the upgrade. As long as the meter is accessible, you don’t need to do anything; you will continue to receive the same dependable service you receive today.
  
  PG&E or our authorized representative (Wellington Energy) will upgrade your gas and electric meters.
  
  
  
  Here's what you can expect:
  
   • We will knock on your door before the work begins.
  
   • If no one is present, we will leave a note on your door after installation is complete.
  
   • You do not need to be home for us to perform the work as long as we have unobstructed access to the meters.
  
   • Your meter upgrade will take place during daylight hours (Monday through Saturday).
  
   • Installation of the equipment is simple and quick, and does not require an interruption to your gas service.
  
   • Your electric service may be briefly interrupted (for approximately five minutes), so please unplug any sensitive equipment (like computers and televisions) prior to the installation. You may need to reset digital clocks on your appliances or equipment. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.