Metering International: The Changing Face of Industry Standards

SMMAA President Dan Pfeiffer recently contributed an article to Metering International, reflecting on the drastic transition in technology choices in the metering industry from proprietary systems to standard-based systems. The story highlights this trend and discusses another change on the horizon: the intersection of the smart meter world with the consumer’s world. Mainstream technologies, developed for consumers, are now applicable to the metering industry.

To read the full article, click here.

Two Recent Independent Studies Find No Radiation Danger From Smart Meters

Like previous independent studies, two new RF safety studies– one in Maine and another in Vermont – add to the growing body of evidence that confirms exposure levels to radio frequencies (RF) emitted by smart meters are well below the federal thresholds set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

In Vermont, the legislature commissioned a study by the Department of Public Service, which found that smart meters emit only a small a fraction of the maximum allowed exposure levels for RF set by the FCC.

Likewise in Maine, the Office of Public Advocate commissioned a study that concluded that measured exposure levels were well below current FCC exposure limits.

To learn about the safety of smart meters in Maine, read the Radio Frequency Exposure Report.
To learn about the safety of smart meters in Vermont, read An Evaluation of Radio Frequency Fields Produced by Smart Meters Deployed in Vermont.

Nation’s leading conservation group issues report highlighting benefits of the Smart Grid

"Developing the smart grid is about leveraging information technology"

On 10/3/12, the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) published an issue brief in which it states that “developing the smart grid is about leveraging information technology to improve the production and distribution of electricity. The brief, “The Promise of the Smart Grid: Goals, Policies, and Measurement Must Support Sustainable Benefits,’ characterizes elements of the smart grid, like smart meters, as “enabling technologies.” It continues to say that “consumer participation is key” to realizing the potential of the smart grid to: encourage energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, enable greater use of plug-in vehicles, while lowing costs for both consumers and utilities.

To learn more read NRDC’s issue brief here.

Former Chairman of House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality addresses concerns about smart meters

As the U.S. power sector makes investments to modernize the electric grid, one of the basic building blocks is the “smart meter,” which more than half of all U.S. households are expected to receive by 2015. As is the case with any new technology, many consumers are raising questions—what do these new meters do, how will they benefit me, and are they safe? This article by former Representative Rick Boucher provides clear responses several frequently asked questions regarding smart meters including: accuracy, health safety, privacy and physical hazards.

View the answers to these smart meter questions which are posted on the thehill.com website.

SMMAA Members Committed to Safe and Secure Smart Grid Technology Implementation

Smart Meters are Key Ingredient in Modernization Effort

As the nation’s utility experts gather in Washington, D.C. for the annual GridWeek conference, discussion will focus on the importance of the smart grid to our national energy future. The Smart Meter Manufacturers Association of America (SMMAA) reaffirms that smart meters are a key component in building a more intelligent and sustainable electric distribution system that will help ensure efficient, reliable and economically viable delivery of electricity. SMMAA member companies have designed and manufactured nearly all of the more than 40 million smart meters deployed in North America and understand that both safety and security are essential to the build-out of a more reliable and efficient electric grid

To learn about the safety and security of smart meters, read SMMAA’s press release here.