Interval Metering and Pulse Service – New Jersey Smart Meters

Jersey Central Power & Light Company (“JCP&L” or “the Company”), a FirstEnergy Company, is implementing new smart meter technology on homes and businesses throughout its service area. The Company’s plan as approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“NJ BPU” or “Board”) will help modernize the electric distribution system in New Jersey with the installation of 1.1 million smart meters.

Smart meters come with an internal Zigbee radio chip that, when enabled, can transmit near real-time consumption data wirelessly. The data can be read with the aid of a Home Area Network (“HAN”) Zigbee to Pulse Output device.

The HAN Zigbee to Pulse Output device currently qualified by FirstEnergy is the “Solid State Instruments MPG wireless meter Pulse Generator” (”MPG”). This device receives data transmitted via the Zigbee radio chip wirelessly from the smart meter and converts the data into pulses.

Eligible customers of JCP&L that wish to receive pulse outputs via a HAN device can access installation instructions, frequently asked questions about the device and request connection, below.

If you do not currently have a smart meter and wish to receive interval data, please fill out Section I (ONLY) of this form, sign page 2 and submit to FirstEnergySmartMeterProgram@Honeywell.com to determine your eligibility. If you would like to purchase an MPG device, and have not yet received a smart meter, but are interested in interval and pulse data, please fill out Section I (ONLY) of this form, sign page 2 and submit to FirstEnergySmartMeterProgram@Honeywell.com to determine your eligibility.

Please note, once you have received eligibility confirmation, and both a smart meter has been installed and you have purchased an MPG device, complete the form in its entirety and submit to FirstEnergySmartMeterProgram@Honeywell.com.

Please note, JCP&L’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure proceeding, which includes data access requirements (“Data Access Plan”), is currently pending before the NJ BPU. Additional information regarding when non-pulse customers can enroll in the HAN program and/or begin accessing interval data will be made available after there is a Board-approved Data Access Plan.

Installation Instructions (MPG)

  • How do I purchase a qualified MPG device?

    Please visit the manufacturer’s website* for MPG device purchase information including contact information to help you throughout the pricing and purchasing process. 

  • How far does the qualified MPG device need to be from the smart meter?

    The device must be within 50-feet in line of sight from the smart meter. While the manufacturer may indicate a greater distance for provisioning, FirstEnergy recommends that 50-feet line of site from the smart meter to increase the success rate when pairing/provisioning the device.  Installation instructions can also be found here*.

  • Do I have to power the qualified MPG device?

    Yes, the customer must provide a 120V or 240V power source for the MPG device. Installation instructions and requirements can be found here*.

  • What if my pulses fail?

    First, check to make sure the contacts are still connected to the device, which may require an electrician or a qualified professional to make this determination. If you have additional questions, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

  • What happens if I have a power outage?

    If power fails or an outage happens, the device is already connected to the smart meter. Once power is restored, the smart meter and the MPG device will reconnect and continue providing pulse data. If your meter needs to be replaced, you’ll need to reconnect the HAN device with the new meter.

  • How long does it take to connect the qualified MPG device to the smart meter?

    Once the provisioning process begins, the pairing window for HAN devices is 24 hours. It may take up to 24 hours for the smart meter to be connected to the MPG.




*By clicking this link, you will be re-directed to a third-party website, which is not maintained by FirstEnergy and FirstEnergy is not responsible for the content.