Mississippi PSC provides update on smart meter installations

The Mississippi Public Service Commission provided an update on the status of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) – or smart meters — deployment in Central Mississippi.

Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power are currently conducting switch-outs of their electric use meters and replacing old technology with the AMI smart meters. The smart meters allow utility companies to capture real-time or near real-time consumption, usage patterns, demand, and other related information.

“So far, Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power Company are both well into their programs and each are working in the Central District,” Mississippi Public Service Commissioner for the Central District Brent Bailey said. “Entergy is approximately 1/3 of the way through their change out according to the data we have collected. Nearly 188,000 AMI meters have been installed as of February 2020, and Entergy estimates their 455,000 customers will ultimately have a smart meter installed by the later part of 2021. Mississippi Power should have complete deployment of AMI meters to its 180,000 customers by the end of April 2020.”

The advanced meters offer customers online tools to help them better manage energy usage, improved customer service, quicker and more accurate detection of outages, reduced costs due to the elimination of on-site meter reading, and faster connection and disconnection of service. Further, the units enhance reliability and reduce operating costs.

“I encourage customers to educate themselves on whether they have a smart meter, and how they can utilize the AMI system tools to maximize their energy efficiency and reduce the operational costs of their home,” Bailey said. “However, if they choose to do so, residential customers of both companies do have the right to opt-out of receiving a meter upgrade on their home.”

Customers who opt out are subject to a one-time fee.

“I pledge to continue monitoring the rollout of the AMI systems and the deployment of smart meters. My office will also be working to ensure consumers can take full advantage of smart meter functions. Furthermore, customers can be confident that our office will make every effort to confirm the data generated by these meters is protected,” Bailey added.