When new technology comes around, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. That’s definitely the case with Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), more commonly known as smart meters.
Smart meters bring a multitude of benefits to energy consumers and are a key part of modernizing Michigan’s electric grid for our 21st century energy needs. Continuing to move forward with integrating this technology fully into our electric system will allow Michigan to achieve even greater energy efficiency and economic savings.
AMP is setting the record straight on AMI/smart meters:
FACT: The World Health Organization has said the small amount of radio frequency (RF) energy produced by smart meters is not harmful to human health. Baby monitors, satellite TVs, and microwaves all produce more RF than smart meters. Smart meters’ RF levels are so low, you’d have to stand next to one for 375 years to get a dose equivalent to that of one year of 15-minutes-per-day cell phone use.
FACT: Utility commissions require independent certification proving that smart meters are safe and resistant to heat (external and internal), fire, and surges. The professionals who work with smart meters are also highly trained to ensure these advanced meters are installed safely and correctly.
FACT: Advanced security and encryption technology used by local energy providers safeguards your data, just as the banking, credit card, and cable industries secure access to your information online. And protection never stops: Utilities work with national cyber security consortiums to regularly audit their systems to ensure the security of the entire grid, including smart meters.
FACT: Smart meters go through multiple trials during production, and local energy providers repeatedly perform accuracy tests, side by side with analog meters, to ensure smart meter readings are reliable.
FACT: The adoption of smart meters means no more estimated bills. Energy use is calculated in real time — and that information is available to you, not just your energy provider. This transparency allows you to take more control over your energy consumption — and your monthly bills. Smart meters also improve the system as a whole, making it easier for energy providers to monitor the system’s operations, ensure there is sufficient energy to meet demand at key times, detect and pinpoint outages, and restore service faster and more efficiently — all of which means energy stays reliable and more affordable for every consumer.
Now that you know the facts, leave the fiction where it belongs — in the past. Let’s make sure Michigan remains a leader when it comes to embracing smart energy technology and AMI.
