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National Grid is actively installing new smart meters in homes across the Capital Region. These advanced meters allow the utility company to measure gas and electricity usage remotely, eliminating the need for manual readings. According to National Grid spokesperson Patrick Stella, the company has already installed 919,000 electric meters and 132,000 gas meters in the region.
Customers have the option to opt-out of having these smart meters installed. However, those who choose to do so will incur a monthly meter reading fee of $17.71. The cost to replace a smart meter with a non-communicating meter is $44.63 for electric and $61.19 for gas. Despite some social media claims, Stella clarified that any increase in bills is due to changes in supply costs and usage, not the smart meters themselves.
The smart meters offer several benefits, including the ability to track near real-time energy usage and detect outages. Stella explained that these meters provide hourly gas usage data and electric usage data at 15-minute intervals, accessible through the MyAccount portal on the National Grid website.
National Grid assures customers that installation is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes, and that there is no extra charge for the smart meters themselves, as they are covered under current bill charges. The company plans to continue the rollout over the coming months and will provide additional features through new apps.
For those interested in opting out, National Grid requires customers to complete an opt-out form. More information on the process and associated fees is available on the company's website.