IFP says smart meters could shorten duration of outages

Idaho Falls Power is one step closer to completing the integration of its smart power grid.

“This is another tool that allows us a higher level of services to our customer and try to be more efficient in our operation,” said Idaho Falls Power general manager Jackie Flowers. “What it’s allowing us to do is have some visibility into the quality of the electricity that’s being delivered and troubleshoot problems while they’re happening.

IFP has replaced nearly all of the 27,000-plus electric meters in Idaho Falls with digital meters that utilize the city’s wireless communications network to transmit consumption and power quality information directly to the utility. Flowers said the smart-meter deployment will help manage power outages throughout the city.

“This will definitely allow us to be alerted to outages quickly and get folks there, sometimes before a customer gets home from work to know their out of power,” she said.

Flowers said the system is a benefit that is expected to shorten the duration of outages and save money for the utility and its customers. The new system is expected to allow IFP to restore service quicker while cutting costs associated with after-hours outages and greatly reduce the need to send trucks to respond to problems on the customer’s side of the meter.

“This is one of the early steps of where we will save money. We hope to continue to build on the services that will allow customers to also manage their electricity more proactively so they can save money,” Flowers said.

IFP said the meter’s communication capability eliminates the need for the need for utility personnel to access customer property each month, which could save the city $600,000 annually in meter reading costs.

Customers can find more information on the new smart meters at http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/city/city-departments/idaho-falls-power/smart-grid-main/smart-grid-faqs.html.