Meter Myths

Older meters replaced with new, more accurate automated meters

Adams Electric is replacing the electromechanical meters across its service territory with new automated meters (read more). About 12,256 of the new meters have been activated for members living in Adams, Franklin and Cumberland counties. The entire service territory is slated to be converted by 2009.

The new automated meters are much more accurate than the ones they replace. This may result in a fluctuation in a member's electric bill, particularly if the meter replaced was an older model. 

For such a simple device as an electric meter, plenty of myths exist about it and how it functions. We attempt to outline here the facts about electric meters.

MYTH: Electric meters tend to speed up as they age.
Traditional electric meters are electromechanical devices that slow down as they age. Of, approximately 11,500 electric meters that have been taken off the system and replaced with new automated meters. Around 90 percent of those meters were tested and found to have slowed down. The other 10 percent met the co-op’s specs for accuracy.

MYTH: Adams Electric uses its own standards to test meters.
The co-op tests used meters before they are put into service. The meter is calibrated against a certified standard that is accurate to the 10th decimal point. These are guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

MYTH: There are no more uses for electromechanical meters.
Some of the meters replaced by automated meters are tested, cleaned and recalibrated. Most of these meters are less than five years old.

MYTH: Meters that can’t be recalibrated are just thrown away.
Meters that can’t be put back out on the system are recycled through proper methods.

MYTH: Once a meter is installed, Adams Electric does not inspect it.
Adams Electric will visit the property where a meter is located periodically for a safety inspection which includes the gathering of a current reading, and a look at the service entrance, meter and meter base.

MYTH: There is no difference in accuracy between automated meters and electromechanical meters.
Automated meters are solid state devices that use digital technology to report readings over the power lines. There are no moving parts that can slow down over time. Automated meters are much more accurate than the mechanical meters they replaced.

MYTH: Automated meters and “smart” meters are the same.
The automated meters being deployed by Adams Electric and so-called “smart” meters do many of the same things (report readings and monitor outages), but automated meters don’t control individual appliances and thermostats within a home or business. The automated meters also don’t provide information directly to the member about his or her use of electricity.

MYTH: If my electric bill is high, it must be because of the meter.
While there is a slight chance the meter may be at fault, it is better to first investigate your lifestyle and weather conditions for the period being billed to determine why your electric bill seems higher than usual.

Look at how you heat and cool your home. Do you have the proper thermostat settings? Check door and window tightness and check furnace filters. If you have an electric water heater, check for leaks, make sure the temperature is set at 120 degrees and check the insulation around hot water pipes. Try to use larger appliances in the evening instead of the afternoon. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

For a more detailed list, stop by or call toll-free 1-888-232-6732 for information regarding saving electricity. You may also visit www.adamsec.coop on the Web.

MYTH: Tampering with a meter or the meter seal is no big deal.
Not only is it not safe to tamper with an electric meter or the meter seal, it is also a crime punishable under Pennsylvania law. A minimum fee of $100 is charged for tampering with a meter. A fee of $25 may also be charged if a meter seal must be replaced.