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1. What is the smart meter pilot program?

Edmond Electric is seeking approximately 300 randomly selected volunteers in targeted areas within Edmond Electric service territory. The volunteers will have their existing meter replaced with a smart meter. The smart meter will give the customer access to their meter data so they can use this information to monitor their electric usage and potentially reduce waste and more efficiently use electricity.

2. What is the objective of the pilot program?

Numerous customers over the past few years have requested advanced utility meters to better monitor their utility usage and reduce their consumption. The objective of the pilot program is to:

• Evaluate the tools and systems provided by several AMI system vendors;
• Gauge customer interest, experience and satisfaction using advanced meters and associated informational tools;
• Quantify the change in customer energy use;
• Quantify customer bill impact;
• Evaluate the impact of the programs on utility costs and revenues;
• Gain insight into the costs and benefits of implementing full-scale smart meter-based customer services.

3. How does smart meter technology work?

Smart meters measure energy no differently than the digital meters we have been transitioning to for the past several years. The difference is, the smart meter can transmit the usage data to Edmond Electric using a secure wireless area network (WAN) similar to the way cell phone communications work. The data also becomes available to the customer in near real time, making for a smarter customer.

4. What is the time line for the pilot program?

Edmond Electric will be seeking volunteers from September 26 through October 28, 2016. If needed, this registration period may be extended. Selection of participants will occur soon thereafter. We will notify participants, provide information packets and prepare for meter change-outs in the first quarter of 2017.

5. Are there plans for Edmond Electric to charge different rates for peak and off-peak energy usage using time of use rates?

While Edmond Electric does have time of use rates for commercial customers, at this time, we do not have residential time of use rates. One objective of the pilot is to determine the feasibility of residential time of use rates.

6. Will my rate that I am currently billed under change during the pilot?

Your current rate schedule used for billing will not change. For current rate schedules, please click here.

7. If I have registered, when will I know if I am selected for the pilot program or not?

We plan to select customers to participate after October 28, 2016. We will inform all customers who register for the pilot program regarding their status. Approximately 300 customers will be accepted. Some customers will be placed on a standby list.

8. What is my responsibility if I am selected to participate in the pilot?

Edmond Electric appreciates your participation in the pilot program and would like to learn from your experience. We would like you to actively utilize the meter data and other tools provided by the pilot and provide feedback. We would ask you to responding to surveys that will be sent out during the pilot and also welcome feedback at any time. If you have questions or comments at any time during the pilot, please feel free call 405-216-7660 or email.

9. How can I make use of the data?

Edmond Electric will provide information on how to access your meter data and tips on how to take advantage of this information at a later date.

10. What is the duration of the pilot?

It is anticipated this pilot will last from 8 to 12 months after the initial meter installation.

11. How will it be decided if a full scale implementation is done?

Ultimately, it is a City Council decision. City staff will review the results of the pilot with City Council in late 2017 or early 2018. If City Council feels long term benefits are available, they can direct staff to move forward with a Request for Proposal from potential smart grid suppliers. Once proposals are in, Council would review the results and the final go/no go decision would be made.

12. When the City replaces my meter, how long will my utility service be interrupted?

In the event you are chosen to participate in the pilot, when we change out your meter, your electric service will be interrupted for less than 30 seconds.

13. Is there a fee to register or participate in the program?

No, there is no fee associated with participating in the pilot, but we will seek your active participation in managing your energy use and providing us feedback about your experience in participating in the program.

14. What are the long-term benefits of the SMART meters?

Some of the anticipated benefits of smart meters:

• Eventual online access to up-to-date consumption information allowing you better control over your energy usage and your bill.
• The ability to track what appliances and other electronic devices are costing you the most so you have the information needed to make your home more energy efficient.
• The new meters will help to identify power outages to restore power as quickly as possible.
• As advances in technology continue, we expect that additional benefits will become available allowing us to increase efficiency and provide customers with more direct control over their energy usage.