SMART GRID

• Straight Talk about Smart Grid and new meters
• Smart Grid FAQ
• AMI Meter Installation Update

     Mohave's Smart Grid improvements are moving ahead. The first step, laying the foundation of the communication infrastructure, is well underway and progressing on schedule. We are now replacing old, dial mechanical meters at your home or business, with a "smart meter," which uses a new meter technology called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

     The process of replacing 25,000 meters will continue throughout 2011.

     Smart Grid and AMI technology provide two-way communication over the power lines, eliminating the need for a meter reader to read your meter every month.

     An ARRA Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy has substantially reduced Mohave's investment, making it possible to move forward with our Smart Grid technology and implementation.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure...
advantages over current technology:

IMPROVES METER READING ACCURACY
...provides meter reading automatically, and
records it directly into the billing system.

RECORDS POWER OUTAGES
...enhanced system information improves reliability.

IMPROVES RESPONSE TO OUTAGES
...system communication
helps pinpoint areas affected by an outage.

CONFIRMS POWER RESTORATION
...meters send verification back to the call
center that power is restored.

IMPROVES SYSTEM SYNERGY
...Mohave's Customer information and billing system provides
opportunities for enhancements now and in the future.

HELPS DETER POWER THEFT
...benefits all members by reducing the potential
for costly power thefts. The new system sends
a notification if a meter is tampered with or moved.

MONITORS THE SYSTEM
...meter collect data that can help spot potential
problems before they cause an outage