PPL Electric Utilities said Monday it has asked the Public Utility Commission to approve the replacement of its electric meters with new meters that will improve service to customers.
“Our electric meters are approaching the end of their useful life and we want to be proactive in replacing them,” said Robert M. Geneczko, vice president-Customer Services. “Technology has changed significantly since these meters were installed, and we’re looking forward to the expanded capabilities that will create benefits for our customers.”
The new meters will give customers access to additional energy-saving tools for their homes or businesses. They also will improve service reliability through better detection of power outages.
In addition, the new meters will bring PPL Electric Utilities into full compliance with state-mandated regulations on metering technology.
In a plan filed with the PUC Monday, PPL Electric Utilities proposes to replace its 1.4 million electric meters between 2017 and 2019. The estimated cost of the replacement, including all of the related communications and computer system infrastructure, is about $450 million.
Customers would not see an immediate effect on their bills. Charges for the new meters would be phased in over time beginning in 2015. Charges would then decrease after the installation period. The average residential customer will pay about $2.79 per month over the time the meters are in service.