The right tools matter in any situation. Take for example, the smart meter connected to your home or business. This technology works to ensure reliability where it’s needed most, while keeping staff at Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) informed to prevent potential problems before they occur. And when a group of smart meters recently detected an abnormality, immediate communication prompted immediate action.   

Driving along the road, following the power lines off to the side, you may notice a pair of poles holding up equipment that resembles three gray, metal cans next to each other. That set up is known as a regulator bank and is charged with maintaining steady voltage conditions on the line. In Wells County, smart meters near a group of these regulators were reading low voltage. 

Smart meters produce two-way communication, which allow appropriate staff to receive alerts anytime an outage or other concern is detected – including abnormal voltage or ultra-high temperature warnings. In this case, the condition of the line regulators was inspected and found not functioning correctly. Without the smart meters detecting this problem, the minimal issue could have become more significant.

After the equipment issue was addressed, the smart meter voltages were polled again and have continued to read appropriate voltage to serve customers in the area.

Smart meter technology seeks to keep customers informed and safe during blue sky days or when the weather takes a turn. Energy use varies from home to home, which is why smart meters support the unique needs of each customer. Through tracking daily energy use, customers can see when and where high usage occurred and take possible corrective actions. Customized notifications through an I&M account can also help alert homeowners when energy use is higher than normal.

For customers completing an updated home energy profile, custom energy efficiency tips are shared specific to the home the meter is set. By having this insight, customers can adjust in real time to avoid a higher bill reflecting higher usage.

Learn more about how to benefit from the information gathered with your smart meter through similar communications on our website or on the I&M smart meter webpage.

In Case You Missed It: I&M Smart Technology Focused on Customer Reliability

In Case You Missed It: I&M Smart Technology for the Every Day