HECO/Sensus smart meters, smarter than they look

When Hawaiian Electric and Sensus Metering Systems announced a plan to put “smart” meters all over O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i, Hawai'i media outlets missed or underplayed the significant piece of this scheme.The new meters are way smarter than they at first appear.Sure, they're wireless, meaning the electric company can get billing information without having to send its meter readers out in cars.

Just 19 towers scattered around the islands will be able to monitor the meters.But the communication won't be just one way.“This is an enabling technology. It's going to give the utility and the customers more options,” said HECO's Darren Pai.The proposal to put the “FlexNet wireless smart grid solution” meters in place requires state Public Utilities Commission approval, and any changes in service and rates will also require approvals.

But its capabilities appear to be remarkable.The utility can check on its grid any time. It can reconnect disconnected services remotely. It can diagnose trouble spots far more quickly and efficiently, thus improving reliability for the consumer.The new meters can be provided with upgrades via the wireless system of their firmware—the programs that run their electronics.

For consumers, there is the potential of much greater control over electrical use and the power bill.As an example, Hawaiian Electric could establish different rates at different times. With higher rates during peak hours, and low rates when use is low, the utility could shift demand—and reduce the need for new power plants.For the consumer, being able to shift water heating, ice-making, electric car charging and other high-demand uses to cheaper times means savings.