Central Electric Cooperative’s mission is to provide reliable energy and services with a commitment to safety and member satisfaction. In accordance with that mission, the cooperative is nearing the end of a project to upgrade more than 10,000 electric meters and submeters.

Why do I need a new meter?
The metering upgrade project began in 2019 to replace aging and failing meters across the service area. Members were informed at district meetings, the annual meeting and in the Cooperative Connections newsletter at the time, and this is a friendly reminder for those who still need a new meter installed. 

Verizon meters improve reliability and efficiency while providing two-way communication capabilities to help identify service interruptions and power quality issues. They allow the billing department to restore power to disconnected services, eliminating the need for cooperative personnel to show up and physically restore service after a payment is made. On top of that, new metering technology enables the cooperative to quickly identify issues and dispatch crews when necessary, improving member satisfaction.

Will crews enter my house? 
You may see Central Electric personnel in your yard changing your meter. If you have an interior electric heat submeter to replace, crews will need to enter your home to install a new one. If crews cannot enter a home to install a new submeter, that member could be disqualified for the reduced electric heat rate. 

Load management receivers on the horizon
Members participating in the voluntary load management program can expect a future upgrade as well. Load management is a means of controlling energy use during times of peak energy demand. Peak demand typically occurs when a large volume of members are using appliances simultaneously. Energy peaks determine how much your cooperative pays for power.  

When the cooperative reaches peak energy demand, load management devices kick on to conserve energy use. East River Electric’s load management program has saved regional electric cooperatives more than $260 million in avoided wholesale power costs since it launched in 1985. The savings help your cooperative keep electric rates affordable. 

New load management receivers will soon be required in order to maintain compatibility with advancing technology. When your submeter needs to be replaced or you’re due for a new load management receiver, expect to be contacted by Central Electric personnel. We will attempt to reach you at the phone number(s) on file. There is no charge for installing the new equipment. Thanks for your cooperation and for being a valued member!