LMRE began using an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) several years ago to improve our electric grid's reliability, efficiency, resiliency, and security. These systems, which communicate with the LMRE office via a radio signal or existing power lines, utilize digital meters and computer technology to measure electric use at homes and businesses more precisely than was possible with the older analog meters. This is the ONLY information they share. These "smart meters" provide cooperative members with more accurate billing, faster outage restoration, operational savings, and detailed data that can help both the member and co-op manage electric use much more efficiently. Unfortunately, a number of myths have developed over the years, especially concerning the health effects that AMI systems may have on their users and the radio frequency (RF) fields that they sometimes emit.
People are continuously exposed to RF at very low levels every day. Even the Earth's surface and the human body are constant sources of RF fields, both of which are much higher than any frequency emitted by your smart meter. Inside your home, you will likely find numerous items emitting RF fields, including microwaves, cell phones, televisions, and Wi-Fi signals.
On a daily basis, smart meters transfer information for less than five minutes per day total and are typically placed outdoors with a wall separating the meter from any living space. This combination of placement and infrequent operation means that you would need to be within one foot of 7,000 smart meters, all communicating simultaneously to reach the FCC exposure limit.
Reliable electric service is a top priority for LMRE, but our members' safety and security and their information are as well. AMI systems and the smart meters associated with them help your cooperative accomplish all three of those priorities.