NYSEG plans to install 'smart' meters in area homes, firms
NYSEG said the program to upgrade its 1.1 million meters would use two-way communications, possibly by radio or a broadband connection over power lines, to read the meters.
National Grid upgraded most of its meters in the Buffalo Niagara region several years ago.
The upgraded meters also could be a tool to help consumers conserve energy if customers used time-based rates that charge higher prices when the demand for electricity is highest and lower prices when demand is low, such as during the early morning hours.
NYSEG, in a filing with the state Public Service Commission, has proposed paying for the $243 million meter upgrade program through a surcharge on customer bills.
Related News

Duke Energy Florida's smart-thinking grid improves response, power restoration for customers during Hurricane Ian
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As Hurricane Ian made its way across Florida, Duke Energy's grid improvements were already on the job helping to combat power outages from the storm.
Smart, self-healing technology helped to automatically restore more than 160,000 customer outages and saved nearly 3.3 million hours (nearly 200 million minutes) of total lost outage time.
"Hurricane Ian is a strong reminder of the importance of grid hardening and storm preparedness to help keep the lights on for our customers," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Self-healing technology is just one of many grid improvements that Duke Energy is making…