FAQs

A smart meter is a digital electric meter that collects electricity usage information and sends that data to the local utility through a secure telecommunications connection.   

Yes. FirstEnergy places the utmost importance on the security and protection of all aspects of our electric system and associated subsystems. Our communication network is a high security environment that uses multiple layers of protection from unwanted access – including the use of passwords, firewalls, data encryption, continuous monitoring and other security controls. We follow the cybersecurity guidelines published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Click here for our Fact Sheet on Security and Privacy.

Smart meters measure how much energy is used, based on time of day – not how that energy is used. A smart meter cannot tell which specific electric equipment is using the energy. The company’s smart meter solution is based on industry best practices and built on a secured network designed to protect customer data.

Check here for more information about how FirstEnergy is helping keep your information secure.

No. The company will not limit the amount of power you can use.

Smart meters use state-of-the-art technologies that ensure accurate readings while providing customers with information they need to better manage their electricity use. Like the meters of today, we test each smart meter according to stringent American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards to ensure they are accurate.  Click here for our Fact Sheet on Accuracy.

Yes. Since we will be able to read smart meters remotely, we will have easier access to the meter information.  Please note that this functionality will be implemented over time, so meter readers will continue to manually read the smart meter for some time after the meter is installed.

Data collected from a meter and transmitted wirelessly contains specific, unique identifiers associated with the customer's meter number and service address. These fields are validated numerous times to ensure accuracy before the data is used for billing.

While smart meters emit a low level of radio frequency (RF), RF exposure from smart meters is a fraction of the level that comes from other commonly used household devices, such as cell phones, garage door openers, televisions, baby monitors, microwaves and wireless internet.  Also, advanced metering systems only transmit data for a few seconds per hour, and at average levels far below the safety standards specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

Click here for more information about RF and smart meters.

Yes, for the time being. If your power goes out, please call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report it so we can identify the problem and respond promptly.

Click here for a list of websites that contain helpful information regarding smart meters.

Please call us at 855-344-3400, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to discuss potential options. You may have the option to decline the smart meter.  Please note, the meter will have to be read manually, and there will be a monthly charge for manually reading the meter. If you have a smart meter installed and later request to have it removed, there will also be a charge to remove the smart meter and replace it with a meter without smart meter functionality.

There is a charge of $44.46 to replace the smart meter for a digital non-communicating meter, and a $15 monthly meter reading fee. You may also choose to have the communications card in the smart meter disabled and avoid the meter replacement fee of $44.46, though the monthly meter reading charge still applies. If you change your mind and decide to have a smart meter reinstalled, an additional meter replacement fee of $44.46 would be charged. Customers who take service under a time-differentiated rate or who have net metered generation are unable to opt out.

Time-differentiated rates were supported by meters that registered consumption on the meter itself, according to the on and off-peak periods. The meter registers were manually read and used for bill calculations. With the implementation of smart meters, these type of meters are being taken out of inventory. On and off-peak usage for billing will be derived from data made available by smart meters. To remain on a time differentiated rate, the Company must have functionality provided by smart meters to support billing the rate.

Your premises may have already been equipped with a meter capable of smart meter functionality. Per the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, meters that needed to be installed or replaced before our smart meter plan was approved were replaced with meters that have this capability. After smart meters are installed throughout your area, advanced metering services will be available to you for the first time. 

Please see our Deployment Schedule for a detailed look at when we will be installing meters in your area.

Approximately one month before your meter is exchanged, you will receive a brochure in the mail to provide you with information about the meter and the installation process. A few weeks prior to the actual installation date, residential customers will receive a letter that will provide the time period when we will be in your area to exchange your meter. On the day of the installation, an installer will come to your door to let you know they are installing your meter. If no one is home, we will leave a door hanger either indicating that the meter has been changed or asking you to contact us to schedule an appointment to change your meter.

Smart meters are digital, so they will display numbers instead of dials. In addition, our smart meters have a blue stripe across the face.

For homes, there will be a brief interruption in your electric service when the meter is being installed, so you may need to reset some of your electronic equipment. For businesses, your power might be interrupted during the installation. The meter installer will be able to determine if an interruption will occur when the work is being done.  

The meters will be installed by company personnel or our installation vendor, Wellington Energy. Please be aware that all of our installers will be carrying proper identification. If the installer cannot show you an identification card, or if you have a concern about that person’s identity, please call Wellington Energy at 1-888-895-1044.

Yes. After your meter is installed and the utility starts gathering your usage in intervals, you will be able to access that information using our online Home Energy Analyzer tool. The company will notify you when this functionality is available to you.

Jersey Central Power & Light’s (“JCP&L” or “the Company”) Advanced Metering Infrastructure proceeding, which includes data access requirements (“Data Access Plan”), is currently pending before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“Board”). Additional information regarding when customers can begin accessing their interval data will be made available after there is a Board-approved Data Access Plan.

Please note, customers on a “General Service” rate (see JCP&L Tariff for Service) who previously had access to interval data with their legacy meter will continue to have access to interval data with their new smart meter once it has been bill certified. These customers can view this data by visiting the Analyze Usage page at www.firstenergycorp.com/my_account/analyze_my_bill.  

Although the smart meter has been installed, the functionality of the meter will be implemented over time – meaning, the company is gathering your usage information but must also then evaluate and verify the accuracy for some time before we start using that information for billing. In addition, even with a smart meter, there may still be situations where the company needs to access the meter for maintenance or to read the meter.

Although the system will provide the utility company the ability to disconnect a meter remotely for non-payment situations, a company representative will still visit the premises in person at disconnection.

This information will be available in the near future at firstenergycorp.com once you log into your account, however it will not be visible on your meter.