Advanced Meters from Socal Gas will be coming to Porter Ranch starting in 2014 according to Ray Vertus who made a presentation at the March 12, 2013 meeting.

What is an advanced meter?

Socal Gas will be adding a communication device to each of our existing meters. The device will transmite usage data four times per day to a data collector site located in the neighborhood, which will then transmit the data to Socal Gas servers. The advanced meter is battery powered using the same type of battery technology as pacemakers. Because data is transmitted in such a short period of time and the device is mostly off, the batteries are expected to last about 20 years. Battery voltage is transmitted as well so that Socal Gas will know when to replace them.

What do I gain from this?

You will be able to monitor your usage and ultimately sign up for alerts where their system can let you know if your usage in a month will likely exceed a level you identify, so that you can do something about it before you get surprised by a big bill. Other benefits include the removal of all the cars involved in meter reading. At our meeting, board member Becky Leveque inquired about the jobs of meter readers. Meter readers are being offered jobs to install advanced meters, which will take at least five years?

Should I be concerned about Big Brother watching me?

Stakeholders raised concerns about the security of this technology and invasion of privacy. The Gas Company informed us that the data is securely transmitted and that the data only goes one way. The device will not be able to turn gas off or on remotely.

For more information about Advanced Meters, please review this video or see their Advanced Meter website.