ASHLAND — A meter replacement program may help Ashland residents save on energy costs.
OhioEdison, a FirstEnergy company, is working to update its equipment by installing modernized smart meters throughout its Ohio service areas — including the city of Ashland.
Meters are being swapped from analog to digital, designed to provide more accurate readings — thus creating the possibility for lower energy bills.
The effort — approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio — is part of an ongoing investment “to modernize the electric distribution system,” according to FirstEnergy’s website.
Ashland City Council President Steve Workman presented questions he received from constituents about the program to Mayor Matt Miller, who addressed the inquiries during Tuesday’s council meeting.
Miller said the installation of smart meters means attendants from OhioEdison will no longer be required to physically visit properties to read meters.
This concept is similar to what the city has done with some of its water meters, he said.
The mayor clarified the city plays no role in the program. It is exclusively an OhioEdison/FirstEnergy project.
“We do not read your electric meter ever. This is all coordinated through OhioEdison,” Miller said.
OhioEdison customers in Ashland should receive a notice in the mail approximately two weeks prior to the installation of a smart meter on their property, he said.
The city has been redirecting residents with questions to contact OhioEdison. Miller also shared a web address that folks with questions can visit. That webpage provides an overview of the program, answers to frequently asked questions, a deployment schedule, contact information and much more.
Miller shares need-to-know details
Some Ashland residents may have received a notice on their door stating that repairs to their meter are necessary prior to the installation of a smart meter.
Miller emphasized that OhioEdison will be completing those repairs through the company’s contractor and at its own expense.
“Unless OhioEdison comes and knocks on your door and tells you that you have to cover the cost or you have to hire your own contractor, don’t do it. They will do it at their expense,” the mayor said.
Similar to electric or gas aggregation programs, the smart meter program does have an opt-in and opt-out option, Miller said.
“But what you need to know is if you opt-out, you will be charged an additional $28 and some cents per month because the attendant will still have to come out and place their eyeballs on your meter.
“This is certainly a program that it would probably be of decent savings for all of us if we opt-in,” Miller said.
