In some cases, customers with older baby monitors that utilize the 900MHz frequency band have experienced interference. If a customer experiences interference with an older baby monitor, try unplugging the monitor’s base unit or receiver and re-plugging it into another outlet, essentially moving it to a location that is further away from the smart meter. Smart meters are not generally known to cause issues with cell phones or most other modern electronic wireless devices.
Smart meters contain low-power radio transmitters that allow them to send information back to ComEd. The smart meters ComEd is deploying fully comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) health and safety standards, and emit radio frequency (RF) signals far lower than the levels permitted by the FCC. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of RF on human health and have found no evidence that RF emissions from smart meters pose any specific health risk. Watch our video.
Smart meters for residential customers will have remote switching capabilities that can be used when a customer closes an account, then reconnects when the customer starts a new account.
One of the benefits of this remote switching capability is that ComEd can provide electrical service to customers more quickly, after the customer has contacted ComEd to initiate service. ComEd can also expedite the transfer of electrical service when a customer moves from one location to another within the ComEd service territory.
Yes. ComEd uses state-of-the-art cryptographic technologies to protect all energy-use data transmitted by smart meters. Systems are tested regularly to ensure that the highest standards of cyber-security are maintained.
What are the programs displayed on the System Improvements Map?
Smart SwitchesSmart switches automatically reroute electricity around problem areas so customers experience fewer and shorter power outages.
Reliability ImprovementsTo help reduce power outages, ComEd is installing, repairing or replacing electric equipment or trimming trees that have the potential to interfere with power lines.
Lightning ProtectionTo help reduce power outages, ComEd is installing devices that will further protect equipment from power outages caused by lightning.
Mainline Underground Cable ImprovementTo help reduce power outages, ComEd is testing and replacing high-voltage, underground cables that carry electricity from electric substations.
Storm ImprovementsIn neighborhoods with large numbers of trees and frequent storm outages, ComEd is upgrading overhead power lines with new overhead cables. The new cables are stronger, have a protective coating and are spaced closer together to help reduce power outages caused by severe weather, trees and wildlife. ComEd is also replacing overhead power lines in some areas and with underground cable so customers experience fewer power outages.
Tree TrimmingTo help reduce power outages, ComEd uses trained, qualified arborists to trim trees and branches that have the potential to interfere with power lines and ensure equipment is clear and safe from vegetation growth. This program includes tree trimming, tree removal and clearing storm-damaged trees or tree limbs from power lines.
Neighborhood Underground Cable ImprovementTo help reduce power outages, ComEd is refurbishing or replacing underground cable that brings electricity to residential areas. Cables are refurbished by injecting an insulation compound into existing cable while it is still in the ground to protect it from outside elements.
While some companies and homeowners already generate electricity with wind towers or solar cells (panels), the smart grid will make it easier to integrate electricity from renewable resources into the system.
Technology has transformed our way of life, but the nation’s electric grid hasn’t kept up with this transformation. With a smart grid, you can expect fewer and shorter outages because ComEd can better monitor the electric grid and respond to potential problems and interruptions. These are known as operational efficiencies which result in lower costs that are passed on to all customers.
In the same way that today's smart phone technology merged the power of computers with cellular phones, a smart grid merges the power of computers with the electric grid -- the electric infrastructure made up of poles, wires and substations that provides your electricity.
A smart meter is a digital electric meter that securely sends electricity-usage information to ComEd. This helps eliminate estimated bills and reduces operating costs that become savings on customer electric bills. Smart meters are important building blocks of the smart grid. With a smart meter, you can see how much electricity you use so you can make changes that can save you money on your electric bills.
You can securely access more information on your electricity use through online energy-management tools that can help you manage your electric bills. Residential customers can also enroll in Peak Time Savings and Hourly Pricing and save money by voluntarily shifting electricity use to times when there is less demand for electricity.
ComEd will install the smart meter in the same location of the existing meter.
Please make sure there is nothing blocking access to the meter, such as locked gates or locked doors. As long as ComEd can safely access the meter at your home or business, you don’t need to be present at the time of installation. If you normally have to allow a meter reader access to the meter in your home or business, you will need to be present to allow the installer access to the meter.
The cost of all smart grid improvements for residential customers is about $3 per month. Smart meters are a key component of the smart grid and will comprise approximately $2 of this monthly cost. ComEd will fully pass on to customers the operational savings that result from smart meters which, over the next 20 years, are expected to be twice the amount of smart meter costs. You can more than offset the cost of smart meters by taking advantage of online energy-management tools offered by ComEd, and enrolling in optional pricing programs that will be available through ComEd or other electric suppliers.
How do I know if I have a smart meter?
Residential and small-business customers can find out if they have a smart meter by viewing the Smart Meter Fact Sheet (pdf) or ComEd’s Installation Schedule map.
Visit the Smart Meter page or call 866-368-8326.
In 2009, ComEd began installation of approximately 130,000 smart meters at homes and businesses in and around the Maywood, IL, area under ComEd’s Smart Meter Pilot Program. This included parts of Bellwood, Berwyn, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park and River Forest, and a portion of the city of Chicago, specifically the Humboldt Park area. Findings from the pilot were used to create ComEd’s current Smart Meter deployment plan.
