Claverack REC has utilized an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system since the early 2000's. We are now on our 2nd generation of meter deployment which offers significant benefits for both the cooperative and our members.
For the cooperative, the AMI system provides real-time access to accurate data on each electric service, allowing us to better manage the distribution of energy resources and identify and respond to issues more quickly. This improved efficiency can result in cost savings and a more reliable energy supply.
For the members, the AMI system offers greater visibility and control over their energy usage, allowing them to monitor their consumption patterns (accessible through SmartHub) and make informed decisions to reduce energy consumption and costs. Additionally, the system can provide more accurate billing based on actual usage rather than estimates, and the ability to receive near-real-time notifications in the event of an outage or other issues.
Overall, our AMI system represents a significant investment in the future of energy infrastructure and can provide both the cooperative and our members with numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, cost savings, and a more reliable and sustainable energy supply.
We are excited about our 2nd generation AMI System, but we know that you, our consumer-members, may have questions about it. We have compiled the information below to answer some questions you may have, but please feel free to call our office at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, is the term used to describe the full set of technologies and systems that create two-way communication between members' electrical meter and the utility's billing, distribution and control systems.
All members' data is protected by our robust security system that protects all communication exchanges, end-to-end. You can access your meter data via SmartHub using your personal password just as you do today.
For more detailed information about the security of our new meters, please refer to the White Paper found below.
The meters we install must meet safety requirements and standards spelled out in the ANSI (American National Standards Institute). They will also include a detection mode which will alert us when something is wrong including overheating, tampering or if there is low voltage.
The RF emissions are well below limits set by the Federal Communications Commission, and they are much less than what you could be exposed to from a cell phone or other common household devices. No medical devices will be affected by the meters.
For more detailed information about the health impacts of our new meters, please refer to the White Paper found below.
All of our members' homes and businesses must be equipped with the new meters in order for the system to integrate and work properly.
Please make sure that your meter is always accessible to our installers. Clear any obstructions such as bushes that need to be trimmed, items that need to be moved, or gates that need to be unlocked.
The cooperative policy regarding meters can be found here.
If you experience a power outage, you should still call 1-800-326-9799 to report it. We rely on our members to provide additional information such as sightings of downed lines or other visible damage. Alternately, you can easily report your outage using SmartHub, our online member account platform.
If you haven't already signed up for access to your account with our SmartHub application, this is the time to do it. Simply hit the "SmartHub: Account Access" button at the top of our homepage or download the app to your smartphone. (Helpful tips can be found here.) You will need your account number and the last 4-digits of your social security number for verification. If you have any trouble signing up, just give us a call at the office.