National Grid Begins Roll-Out Of Smart Meters On Nantucket

National Grid began installing so-called “smart meters” across Nantucket this week, replacing the island’s existing electric meters with new devices that provide near real-time energy data and are intended to help customers manage usage and reduce bills.

Smart meters allow customers to access information about their energy use that is updated every 15 minutes, and provide personalized energy-saving tips. Smart meters also make it possible to start, stop, or move service without having to set an appointment or wait for a technician.

Smart meters will likely save customers money. Even if customers don’t reduce their energy use as a result of the increased information provided by the smart meter, customers with a smart meter will no longer have to pay a monthly $26 fee for manual meter readings. There is no installation fee for a smart meter.

The installation of a smart meter requires a brief power outage, which National Grid said will likely last less than ten minutes. However, homeowners do not need to be present during the installation.

It is possible to opt out of a smart meter. However, even if a homeowner fills out National Grid’s opt-out form, they will need to have a new conventional meter installed instead.