JCP&L Meter Installation
JCP&L will begin smart meter installations on customers’ homes and businesses throughout our service area in March 2023. Farmingdale will be part of the first phase of installation, which will take place between March 2023 through January 2024. The $400 million project, as approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), will modernize the electric distribution system in New Jersey with the installation of 1.1 million smart meters over a 3-year period. This step will enable automated meter readings and may enhance our ability to respond to outages faster and more efficiently. Plus, in the future, customers will have access to more detailed energy information through our online Home Energy Analyzer tool that will help them better understand their electricity use. Be assured that the smart meter technology being implemented has been rigorously tested and proven by manufacturers to be accurate, safe, and secure in systems throughout the country. Communications with commercial and residential customers will begin 4 to 6 weeks out from the customers scheduled installation date. A brochure will be mailed to the customer 4 to 6 weeks out, and residential customers will receive a letter 2 to 4 weeks out. The day of installation a door hanger will be left advising the resident that installation has been completed. A business card will also contain contact information should residents have any further questions. Should a customer wish to opt out, they can do so before or after the new smart meter is installed. If they choose to opt out prior to installation of the new meter, they will be charged a recurring $15 monthly meter reading charge to account for additional costs associated with manually reading the meter. If the customer opts out after the new smart meter is installed, then they will be charged a meter replacement charge of $44.46, plus the recurring $15 monthly meter reading charge. Information on how to opt out will be included in the customers brochure and letter, as well as the website. In limited instances, customers may be responsible for non-emergency repairs or socket upgrades to bring the meter pan up to code for connection with a smart meter. The BPU has determined that these costs cannot be assumed by JCP&L and socialized among the rate payers. In order to support the meshed network that will integrate all of the smart meters, a series of connected grid routers and range extenders will be installed on existing utility poles and wires. Those installations are currently taking place in your area.
Additional information regarding deployment schedules, security & privacy, radio frequency & health, and online resources can be located at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/smart-meters/nj-smartmeter.html