Smart Grid

Smart Grid FAQs

Idaho Falls Power's participation in the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project is set to begin in 2012 with the installation of advanced meters and associated equipment in the homes of volunteer customers.

The new digital meters are different from traditional meters in that they are capable of transmitting data instantly between Idaho Falls Power and its customers. This two-way, wireless communication provides numerous benefits to both the utility and the consumer.

For consumers, the meters and in-home display monitors will allow instant access to energy consumption in near real-time instead of just via a monthly bill. Studies show that consumers who have more knowledge about their energy use consume less power--5 to15 percent less--and save money on their power bills.

The devices will also help provide improved customer service since they immediately alert IFP to outages and can pinpoint the location of the problem. This will allow IFP to restore power more quickly, and cut costs associated with transportation and labor. Additionally, the meters will eliminate the need for a meter reader to access your property each and every month.

The technology will also allow IFP to better manage patterns of total system consumption and adjust the purchase and generation of power accordingly, helping the utility become more efficient in the process.

The new technology, the same technology that's become the standard for sending data instantly via cellphone and the Internet, will provide opportunities for consumers to manage their energy use and save money while boosting their quality of service. Some misconceptions about the devices have arisen however. The information that follows outlines the facts about the new meters.

What is an advanced meter?

An "advanced" meter is a digital meter that transmits data wirelessly between the utility and the customer. It provides near real-time data on energy consumption to both the customer and the utility. This allows the consumer to make more informed decisions regarding their energy use, and it helps the utility identify system-wide consumption patterns and adjust power purchases accordingly. In addition, the meters immediately alert the utility to outages and the location of the problem.

What are the benefits of advanced meters?

The new meters will provide customers with information to better understand their energy use, which can lead to lower power bills. They provide quicker and more detailed information about potential problem areas and outages, which will help shorten outages and improving customer service. The new technology will allow utilities to better monitor the power delivery system, making it easier to balance the energy load and reducing the need to buy expensive power on the wholesale market to meet demand.

How do customers benefit from having a new meter?

The meters will allow customers to monitor electricity usage in near real-time through an in-home display monitor or Internet connection. It's been demonstrated that customers who clearly understand their electricity usage patterns are motivated to become more energy efficient and therefore save money on their power bills. Customers will no longer be inconvenienced by meter readers entering their yards every month. If an outage occurs at the home, that information will be immediately reported to the utility without the customer having to call.

How will the new meters benefit the utility?

Advanced meters will provide utilities with more accurate and timely data to better manage its distribution system. Equipment will provide information to pinpoint excessive line losses, underor over-utilized lines and transformers, and cases of energy theft. The meters will also enable utility operators to instantly determine the extent of outages and more accurately deploy crews to remedy the problem.

Is the new metering system secure?

Yes. Security is of paramount importance to Idaho Falls Power. Throughout its history, IFP has employed numerous security precautions to keep customer data safe. No personal information will be linked to the data transmitted via the meters--no names, addresses or account numbers. The information is also encrypted, so it will be unintelligible to outsiders.

Are advanced meters accurate?

Yes, the meters are accurate more than 99.5 percent of the time, which is about the same rate as traditional meters. In addition, IFP will conduct regular tests to ensure accuracy.

Do advanced meters generate radio frequency (RF) fields?

The meters IFP will deploy do operate using radio frequency. They emit about a quarter of a watt, which is considerably less than cell phones and wireless routers emit. The meters transmit radio signals just once every four to six hours, with each transmission lasting 50 milliseconds (five-hundredths of a second). The meters may transmit more often in certain situations, including outages, alerts about meter tampering, and voltage sags or swells, but they do not transmit continuously. Several studies indicate that the advanced meters pose no health risk.

Why are you tackling this project now, in the midst of an economic

downturn?

The project is one of 16 smart grid demonstration projects funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. It's expected to not only advance smart grid technology--which is critical to creating a more cost-effective and reliable electric supply nationwide--but also to create more than 1,500 jobs tied to manufacturing, installing and operating the equipment. With the potential for building power plants dwindling because of more stringent environmental regulations and astronomical costs, overhauling the nation's electric grid is key to meeting the growing demand for power nationwide.

What makes a smart grid different from today's grid?

Today's electric grid was largely constructed in the 19th century and was designed to accomplish one task: to deliver power to homes and businesses. It's like a rotary phone in that regard. Little has changed since the grid was built. Even the billing method remains almost identical. Digital technology will change that, transforming the grid from the rotary phone era to the smart phone era. Instead of waiting for your monthly bill to arrive--by then it's too late to take action to use less energy and save money--you'll be able to monitor your consumption in almost real-time, arming you with the information you need to lower your costs.

Are advanced meters safe from cyber attacks?

IFP has focused on security of its Smart Grid network from the start. We worked with industry leaders to select the most secure metering system available. It contains a number of cutting-edge security features, including a sophisticated monitoring process that alerts the utility is there is a security breach. The meters also regularly change the radio frequency used to communicate, making it virtually impossible to intercept data transmissions. In addition, each meter has its own security key; therefore, in the unlikely event that one meter was somehow compromised, the others would remain safe. Even if someone managed to infiltrate the system, the data is encrypted and would be undecipherable.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes. No personal information will be transmitted via the meters, and IFP will handle usage data as it has historically.

How do the new meters help the environment?

The new meters help the environment in a number of ways. Utilities will no longer need to deploy meter readers to check each meter each month, so pollution resulting from fuel consumption will be significantly reduced. The information the meters provide will lead to greater efficiencies for utilities and customers thus reducing energy use and potentially reducing the power supplied from fossil-fueled generating plants..

Will IFP use the meters to monitor the behavior of its customers?

No. Advanced meters alone don't have this capability. They measure how much energy is used, not how it is used--just like traditional meters. The new meters do not tell utilities who the customer is, what customers are doing or what appliances they are using.

Will the customer usage data generated by the meters be sold to

outside parties or accessible to others?

No. Customer information is and always will be safe. IFP will not sell customer data generated by the advanced meters. This data is intended to help customers make choices that will lead to lower electric bills. IFP places the highest priority on the security of its customer account information. The utility will continue to work with industry experts, smart meter vendors, other utility companies and governmental agencies to refine security practices and standards to ensure that security remains at the highest level.

Will advanced meters lead to higher bills?

No. In fact, it is expected that power bills will decrease as customers become more informed about their energy usage.

Will Idaho Falls taxpayers be forced to pick up the tab for this

program?

Customers will see no additional costs in future years for IFP's participation in the smart grid pilot program. The utility's five-year capital plan has already accounted for its costs associated with upgrading the meters. The deployment of the devices will also reduce expenses associated with meter reading and other utility call-outs. IFP expects the new system to pay for itself in less than five years.

Will the advanced meters give Idaho Falls Power control over my

energy use?

No. Though IFP will be able to cycle thermostats and water heaters in the homes of volunteers in select test areas for brief periods during high demand events, customers of other utilities that have implemented similar programs have noticed little, if any, inconvenience. Also, IFP customers will be able to override that capability at any time, so the customer is always in control.

Will the new meter interfere with my home electronics?

No, they're designed not to interfere with home electronics.

Will billing procedures be affected?

No, you'll still get your bill at the same time, and the billing method won't change.

How long will installation take?

It only takes a few minutes to install the meter. You don't need to be home during the change-out, but a technician will need access to your current meter.

Will my power be out while the meter is installed?

Yes, there will be a brief interruption of electricity during installation, so you might need to reset clocks and other programmable electronics.

During a ‘sleep event’ is the water heater completely

powered off? I assume an electric water heater is either

off or on with no power levels in between.

Yes, the water heater will be completely off during an “event.” However, most tanks today are insulated well enough to hold the temperature through the “shut down” cycle. At the very least, hot water should be available for smaller uses such as washing hands or rinsing dishes.

Is there any known ‘damage’ to the water heater from these on/off

events? Will this reduce the life of the elements?

There is no known damage to the water heater. Water heaters normally cycle on and off throughout the day in order to maintain the temperature of the water. A load control device merely allows IFP to remotely cycle the device. These programs have been ongoing for decades. These “events” won’t be a daily occurrence, either.

Is there any likelihood for ‘cold showers’?

There could be a chance, if your habits coincide with the sleep events. We’ll use the in-home display to alert you in advance of the next event, however, so the likelihood is low as long as you check the display before stepping into the shower. Remember, you can always opt out of the event if it’s not convenient.

How much space is required for mounting of the control

device and monitor? Are these large, heavy items that will

require some backup structure, wall mounting brackets or things

of that type? Are they location critical or can they be placed in

a variety of available spaces?

It’s fairly small, a little bigger than a thermostat. They are location critical; they’ll tie into the breaker for the water heater power, not far from your main electrical panel.

Can the usage monitor be tied to personal computer

software for viewing and saving of data?

We will eventually have an online portal so you can access your information via computer, or smartphone, but that is still in the works. We will have details on that soon.

I imagine not, but can individual appliances (water

heater, range, refrigerator, etc.) be monitored by the

usage monitor?

Individual appliances can’t be monitored at this point, but that, too, will likely be an option as the smart grid evolves.

Who will be responsible for any damage to the water

heater or home from use of these devices and their

installation and eventual removal?

(I realize the probability of this is most likely small,

but at this point I really don’t know what you will be doing)

IFP will be responsible for any damages incurred during installation and removal, and in the unlikely event that the device damages the home or water heater.

What will my responsibilities be? Do I have any monitoring,

reporting, etc. to do and what if I am away for a length of time?

We are asking participants to, at a minimum, take part in a survey that will be conducted before, during and after the two-year test runs. We also encourage you to contact us at any time with comments or questions, via email or telephone. Beyond that, the more involved you become, the more effective the program will be for you and the community – but your level of responsibility is completely up to you. The display will allow you to track your electric use in near real-time, in 15-minute intervals, every hour of every day, week and month. You can set goals and track your progress. We see this equipment as a tool to help our customers become more informed consumers of electricity. Whether you use the tool is up to you. Remember, you can also check the display to learn about past and future events and you can opt out of them at any time.

Can you tell me when all of this is supposed to get started?

When might I need to expect someone coming to install these

things?

We anticipate installation to begin in late spring or early summer. You will be contacted a week or so in advance to set up an appointment.

What is the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Grid Equipment

Smart Grid Security

Smart Grid and Your Health

The Two Smart Grid Test Areas

Information on the Meter Manufacturer

Other Smart Grid Activities in Idaho Falls

If you would like to volunteer to participate in the Smart Grid Demonstration Project, please click here.