Everyone knows they can be more energy efficient — which will save them money and help the environment. Atlantic City Electric is giving its customers the ability to do just that.
On Thursday, Atlantic City Electric announced it will start the broad installation of new smart meters for its nearly 565,000 customers, beginning in September and continuing through 2024.
These upgrades are a key element of Atlantic City Electric’s Smart Energy Network, the company’s efforts to create smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure while providing new tools for an enhanced customer experience.
Morlon Bell-Izzard, chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric, said the impact will be noticeable.
“Once the network is fully operational, customers will have greater control over their energy use so they can make more informed decisions about how they manage their energy expenses,” she said. “Customers also will enjoy enhanced reliability, and, when a power outage does occur, we will have the data necessary to restore power quicker than ever before.”
There is no upfront cost to customers for their new smart meters. Similar to other energy services and investments that Atlantic City Electric makes in the local energy grid, the cost associated with implementation of the full Smart Energy Network will be spread across the company’s customer base over a period of many years to achieve the reliability, resiliency and efficiency benefits described above while maintaining affordability for customers.
Upgraded smart meters come with many advantages for customers, including enhanced reliability, more timely and accurate information during outages and new tools to further benefit South Jersey residents.
The company said the new upgraded smart meters provide:
- Enhanced reliability with faster and more efficient power restoration efforts;
- More detailed outage information when outages occur;
- Tools that can help customers use energy more efficiently and save money;
- Reduced need for estimated billing;
- Better integration of new clean energy technologies, such as solar.
Smart meters, which are the same size and shape as existing analog meters, will also connect customers to a variety of clean energy choices, including installing solar energy, participating in robust energy efficiency programs and accessing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Customers will receive several continuous communications prior to their smart meter upgrade that will provide additional information about the upgrade process and the benefits that smart meters and the Smart Energy Network will provide.
Atlantic City Electric’s Smart Energy Network project also is helping to drive the South Jersey economy by supporting local and diverse companies, with more than $27 million going to local companies that are supporting the company’s smart meter installation.
The transition to smart meters also plays a role in Atlantic City Electric’s existing workforce development programs. The project creates jobs for field technicians and support personnel that the utility has worked to bring to South Jersey communities since 2018, when it joined a consortium of workforce development boards and vocational schools in a six-year, $6.5 million education program to fill next-generation energy roles.
