News Summary
Shreveport residents can expect significant changes as SWEPCO initiates the installation of smart meters for around 234,000 customers. The two-year rollout aims to enhance energy management and customer control by enabling remote monitoring and providing insights into usage patterns. Starting in October 2023, the installation will gradually expand from the Shreveport-Bossier City area. While there will be a surcharge associated with the new technology, SWEPCO is also providing options for those who prefer not to switch to smart meters.
Exciting Changes Coming to Shreveport with Smart Meters!
Shreveport is buzzing with anticipation as the Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) kicks off its two-year rollout of smart meters for around 234,000 customers in north and central Louisiana! Starting in October 2023, this progressive initiative aims to enhance customer control and service while transitioning from outdated meter-reading technology to advanced digital solutions. How cool is that?
Where Will Smart Meters Be Installed?
The initial wave of smart meters will hit the Shreveport-Bossier City area and gradually make their way south to places like Hornbeck and beyond by 2025. Customers can look out for their new devices, which promise to make managing energy consumption a breeze!
Benefits of Smart Meters
What can you expect from these nifty smart meters? For starters, they enable remote monitoring, meaning outages can be reported in real-time. No more relying on phone calls and waiting for someone to show up when the lights go out! Plus, these smart meters will provide valuable insights into energy usage patterns, helping you budget better and potentially save on those pesky energy bills.
Costs Breakdown
Of course, new technology comes with its costs. Customers will see a monthly surcharge of $3.24 for the first four years to help cover the installation of the smart meters, followed by a reduced fee of $2.75 for the next four years. For our commercial and industrial friends, they’ll have a higher monthly charge of $6.40 for the same initial period. A small price to pay for the convenience and better energy management, right?
What If You Don’t Want a Smart Meter?
If you’re not quite ready to make the switch, don’t worry! There’s an option to opt-out of the smart meter installation. Just keep in mind that there will be a one-time fee for opting out along with a recurring charge for manual meter readings. It’s a choice everyone can make based on their own comfort level.
Progress So Far
This comes on the heels of a successful pilot program that took place back in late 2021, where about 12,000 customers, primarily in Bossier City and Natchitoches, got a taste of what these smart meters could do. With most installations in Bossier City reportedly completed, it’s time for Shreveport to get in on the action, with work set to begin within the next few months.
What to Expect During Installation
Get ready for some minimal disruption during the installation process! SWEPCO will handle everything, and you won’t even need to be home for the changeover. However, expect a brief interruption in service. The great news is that customers will be informed every step of the way through mail, postcards, emails, and phone alerts regarding installation timelines and procedures. So, keep an eye out for those communications!
Your Utility Bill Will Look a Little Different
Don’t fret; your new smart meter will still look similar to your old one! The biggest change is likely to be the added surcharge reflected on your utility bill. Besides that, the transition is all about improving service delivery and keeping pace with what customers expect today.
Looking Ahead
As a cherry on top, SWEPCO plans to roll out a prepay option by 2025, allowing customers to pay their bills upfront. This feature is perfect for those who want to manage their budgets with a little more control. You’ll be able to keep an eye on usage and costs like never before!
With these smart meters on the horizon, residents of Shreveport can look forward to a new era of energy management that puts you in the driver’s seat. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and get ready for a smarter future!
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: SWEPCO’s New Smart Meters
- KSLA: SWEPCO to Install Smart Meters
- KTBS: SWEPCO to Install Smart Meters with Monthly Fee
- Wikipedia: Smart Meter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Smart Meter
