Smart Meter Installation Process
As part of the Kaua‘i Smart Grid Initiative, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) representatives will be visiting homes and businesses to replace electric meters with new smart meters starting in May. This work is expected to continue for approximately 18 months. Members will receive a notification letter by mail at least a couple of weeks prior to installation at their home or business.
These digital meters will assist KIUC in upgrading Kaua‘i’s electric infrastructure and will provide Kaua‘i residents and businesses with potential cost savings and even greater levels of service reliability and efficiency. With these new meters, KIUC members will be able to realize many benefits, including:
- Possible energy savings through increased member knowledge of their energy use.
- Reduced dependency on foreign oil.
- Improved outage response time.
- Increased efficiency and lower costs due to KIUC being able to read these meters remotely.
- Improved power quality to help protect sensitive electronic equipment.
Members can expect the following on installation day:
- Although the member does not need to be present when the meter is installed, the installer will knock on the door or otherwise attempt to notify the member before the meter change.
- Power will be momentarily disrupted.
- Members may need to reset electronic devices once their installation is complete.
- After installation has been completed, the installer will leave behind a green door hanger. If the meter could not be installed, a red door hanger will be left behind providing an explanation and a contact number.
No action is required to install the new meter. However, if special circumstances (such as medical equipment or other vital electrical equipment) make it necessary for the member to be notified in advance of a power interruption, the member is directed to call KIUC.
KIUC is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its members’ personal information. KIUC also considers these new meters to be safe. These meters have been tested and validated to comply with FCC standards, and transmissions from the meters fall within safe levels of human exposure to radio frequency as defined by FCC OET Bulletin 65. For more information, please visit www.kiucrenewablesolutions.coop.
KIUC is offering a deferred installation option for members who do not want an advanced meter installed. If the member decides to defer installation, they do so with the understanding that they will not be receiving the benefits of the smart meter and that KIUC has agreed to defer installation while continuing to analyze the impacts that are caused by members who decide not to receive an advanced meter and how to address those impacts. Members who would like to be placed on the deferred installation list may contact KIUC at 246-4300 to request a deferred installation request form. This deferral program does not reflect a final determination by KIUC regarding advanced meter installations and KIUC may decide to obtain cost recovery for the costs and impacts caused from those members who decide not to receive an advanced meter.
For more information on the deferral process, please visit the Smart Meter Deferral Installation Information page.
KIUC will continue to offer regular updates on our initiatives and encourages you to access our websites at www.kiuc.coop or www.kiucrenewablesolutions.coop for more information.
