With the introduction of new wireless electric meters, meter readers for Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), a Northeast Utilities company, won’t have to leave their vehicles to take readings.


In November 2013, PSNH began a huge program that will replace all electric meters with a new version that transmits wirelessly. However, the new technology isn’t the system known as a “smart meter.” Smart meters use higher power transmitters and typically feature two-way communications, but they also present privacy and security issues.


The new PSNH system is called automatic meter reading (AMR). Now meter readers will be able to gather the reading remotely, safely and accurately using wireless radio signals from up to a quarter-mile away, while driving down the road.


“We do not have plans to install smart meters,” said Martin Murray, manager of media relations for NH Northeast Utilities. “The installation of smart meters would require new, different meters and a very significant investment in a communications infrastructure. We have no plans for that investment, as we feel that our customers will be well served by our AMR initiative.”



“It’s the same technology, with the same ability, as meters now,” said Michael Skelton, PSNH spokesman. “They don’t do anything different ... except transmit the reading.”


Thus far, PSNH has replaced about 11,000 of its 550,000 customer meters. The process will continue throughout the state until 2016 and will cost about $40 million, a charge that will not be added to people’s bills, Skelton said.


Once installed, the AMR system will save PSNH $6.5 million per year, largely by eliminating the need for 49 meter readers.


“It will also improve accuracy since it will reduce the times that readers can’t access a meter due to snow or other issues, requiring an estimated bill,” Skelton said. “And customers will no longer need to shovel a path for meter readers during the winter months.”