Lockport, N.Y. (WBEN) - Despite initial backlash, NYSEG continues to install smart meters on Western New York homes.
At an open house meeting on Tuesday, Lockport residents were given the opportunity to learn about the new technology.
"From what I heard from people that have the new ones already, their bills have doubled, and we're concerned about that." stated Larry, a Lockport resident.
"I think what they're basically wanting to do is explain their side of the controversy. There's a lot of stuff going on that you read online that makes you question whether this is really going to work out. They're just here to explain their side and try to get people to understand a little more." stated Dennis, another Lockport resident. "They answered my questions, and I know a little more now than before. So we'll just see when they after they install it, we'll see how it goes."
Ever since smart meters came to WNY, residents have continued to blame them for dramatically higher energy bills. However, President and CEO of NYSEG and and RG&E, Patricia Nilsen, says they work just like the older analog version, except readings are now transmitted at all times.
"It sends the meter reading to us at all times, so we're getting the data constantly, so we'll know if power goes out in Your house, because the smart meter will send us a signal before the power goes out. All it's doing is measuring actual use and giving you an actual read before each bill. It doesn't measure devices potential use. It only measures the actual use of all the devices in your home or business as it's using the energy," stated Nilsen in an interview with WBEN.
Nilsen says there wasn't any new questions or concerns that have come up since their last open house meeting, however, after speaking with countless customers, she's come to the realization that many of them don't actually don't look at the breakdown of their energy bills.
"If you're looking at the bill for the first time when your smart meter is being installed, and if it's being installed after a number of estimated reads, or it's being installed after high energy use, because it's very cold winter that we've had this winter compared to last year, or it's during the heat of the summer that will be a higher bill. And that's where we needed to do more communication about energy use," explained Nilsen.
For anyone who couldn't attend Wednesday's meeting, all information regarding the smart meters is available on their website. Customers are also able to call them at 1-800-572-1111 or visit any one of their office's.