The data from digital meters helps us serve our members better. Our goals in installing new meters are to deliver better service, control rising operating expenses, improve system reliability through improved outage management and preventive maintenance, and provide our members with information they can use to make informed decisions about energy use.
No. Research conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute, the Utilities Telecom Council, and others has indicated no health impacts from digital meters. The radio frequencies emitted by digital meters fall well below the maximum recommended in federal guidelines.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the new meters emit radio frequencies (RF) only when responding to a request for data from the co-op office, once every 15 minutes. Compare this activity to a laptop with a wireless connection, which is constantly sending and retrieving data.
A digital meter equipped to send and receive data has an RF density hundreds of times less than the RF density of cell phones – and the meters are installed on the outside of your house not next to your ear.
Your cooperative is a not‐for‐profit private business that is solely owned and operated by the members who receive electric service from our company. When our Board of Directors approves a policy or procedure for the use of new equipment and technologies, they do so knowing that it will also apply to their own homes. In using this type of metering system, we have not only deemed it to be a wise and safe choice for all co‐op members and their families but our own families as well.
Our contractor will leave a door hanger on your front door to let you know they have changed the meter. We will work to minimize any inconvenience. You do not have to be present during the meter change.