Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, is installing smart meters in Arkansas.
Smart meters empower customers with more control over their energy use, as well as provide improved customer service. They use secure wireless technology to provide timely and accurate meter reading data, which customers can use to better understand and manage energy usage at a home or business. In addition, smart meters provide real-time outage information to SWEPCO teams that can speed up power restoration.
Installations for approximately 126,000 Arkansas customers are underway in Mena, Arkansas before moving to other parts of SWEPCO’s Arkansas service territory. Deployment of smart meters will continue across the state through the rest of the year and potentially into 2026.
"Smart meters are a critical tool that helps us address the changing needs and expectations of our customers," said Paul Pratt, director of Customer Services & Marketing. "They give customers more information about their daily energy consumption, encourage the development of energy-efficient habits and assist with power restoration."
On April 2, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) approved SWEPCO’s request to complete its Advanced Metering System deployment plan, which builds on a successful pilot program that began in late 2020 for 1,778 Eureka Springs customers.
How Smart Meters Work
The smart meters are replacing SWEPCO’s existing, outdated meter-reading technology. Smart meters use secure, two-way wireless communication to measure, record and send electricity usage information. This information is transmitted over SWEPCO’s private network. The data gathered informs customers what time of day they are using the most energy and helps personalize energy saving tips, for example, by recommending customers modify the settings on an air conditioner or heater.
Smart Meter Installation Process
SWEPCO will send direct mail, postcards, and emails informing customers in advance of their installations.
Safety for our crews and customers is of the upmost importance. Please be aware that smart meter installation crews will be in a SWEPCO or a contractor QUES uniform, in marked vehicles, with proper identification.
There will be a short interruption to customers’ electric service during the installation and customers may need to reset their digital devices. Customers do not need to be present during the installation, but they should ensure pets are secured and crews have clear access to the meter. Once the installation is complete, a notice will be placed on the customer’s door.
Smart Meter Opt-Out
Residential homeowners in Arkansas can decline a smart meter for a one-time cost and a recurring monthly fee. The fee goes towards the costs associated with sending a SWEPCO employee to read the meter. For more information on opting out of smart meters, visit SWEPCO.com/smartmeters