New meters could lower electric costs

No more spinning dials and no more meter readers.  RG&E and NYSEG are changing the face of your electricity – they’re going digital.

As iPods, laptops, phones and widescreen televisions gain popularity, RG&E officials say electricity usage is going up and so are electrical bills.

“We think we can help them lower their bills by use of this device,” said Robert Bergin of RG&E.

RG&E is introducing an advanced meter system to its nearly 700,000 customers. The new meters will replace the old ones, and it’s expected to be more accurate.

“Customers get estimated reads on every other month,” Bergin said. “That's a major cause of concern to customers.”

Meter readers are also a concern for customers.  Now you won’t have to be around for them to check your meter.  RG&E managers will be able to find out how much electricity you are using from their offices almost immediately and company officials expect you’ll be able to do the same to help lower your electricity usage.

“We're going to have a web portal on their account about their usage, so they'll be able to see how they use it,” Bergin said.

RG&E customers say they like the plan. They say it gives them a little more power.

“I definitely like that because then I wouldn't have to count on the meter guy to come and read it, so I get a proper reading, and I get a proper billing every month,” said Linda Holler.

“You can compare your paperwork to what's online and if there's a discrepancy in that then you got more proof,” Sam Pearson said.

But they’ll have to wait for the new system. RG&E will start installing the meters in 2008, but it’s a process that could take up to three years.

Right now, Bergin said it is not clear if there will be job losses. At this time, he says meter readers could be placed in other positions within the company.