CenterPoint Energy has begun installing its new smart meters in the Houston and surrounding metro areas, however, some residents are concerned with this new technology and the privacy issues that may be involved.

Magnolia resident, Ginger Russell, is becoming concerned with recent statewide smart meter installations which are steadily encroaching on the Montgomery County area.

According to CenterPoint spokesperson Alicia Dixon, advanced or smart meters automate functions such as meter reading and service connection and disconnection as well as give consumers more frequent, detailed information on their electricity use. Smart meters transmit electric usage data via a wireless two-way communication system that enables CenterPoint Energy and its consumers to track energy consumption down to 15-minute intervals.

Russell is concerned that the smart meters violate the privacy of its consumer’s homes because the system is a two-way communication device sending information every 15 minutes that she believes could send a constant signal to energy companies allowing them to invade the privacy of the consumers, such as when they are home, away and even asleep or awake.

The U.S. Department of Energy stated that advances in the smart meters and smart grids could significantly increase the amount of potentially available information about personal energy consumption. Such information could reveal personal details about the lives of consumers, such as their daily schedules, whether they have alarm systems, whether they use certain types of medical equipment and more.

Dixon said CenterPoint Energy understands consumer concerns about privacy. She added that smart meters do not monitor whether or not people are at home.

“We believe energy usage data belongs to the consumer and can be shared only when authorized in writing by the consumer or authorized by regulatory authorities as necessary to conduct business, such as for billing,” Dixon explained. “As with any service, it is necessary to measure consumption for billing purposes. CenterPoint Energy measures electric consumption just like cell phone providers measures cell phone use for billing. Smart meters merely allow utilities to perform more efficiently a process that would otherwise be performed manually,while at the same time giving customers more frequent and detailed information on their usage patterns, which could help them save energy and money.”

Dixon went on to explain that electric usage data is delivered electronically to the Smart Meter Texas web portal, where the customer’s retail provider can access it for billing.  Unless a customer makes an inquiry, billing department personnel generally do not view customers’ usage data and it is not categorized by individual appliance.

Russell was also concerned that her energy bill would rise due to the meter tracking peak energy usage.

Because the smart meters relay energy use on fifteen minute intervals, Dixon said consumers are able to see when they use the most energy and if they use the information correctly they will be able to adjust their personal peak hours and save money on their energy bills.

“Smart meters can provide consumers more frequent, detailed information regarding their energy usage. If they choose to use that information to lower their energy consumption, they could save money,” Dixon said. “One consumer in CenterPoint Energy’s In-Home Display energy monitor pilot says he is saving 25 percent on his bill as a result of changes he’s made since getting the device.”

Russell feels as though the new smart meters are an attempt to control and change lifestyles and habits of its consumers.

Russell went on to say that since it is sending a constant signal, another concern is that the information could be intercepted by an outside party, such as a potential thief wanting to know when you are or are not home.

Russell said the smart meters are a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Dixon stated that any concerns with violating the Fourth Amendment would be a legislative or judicial question.

Congressman Kevin Brady has received several calls from concerned citizens according to Congressman Kevin Brady Communications Director Tracee Evans. Evans said Brady’s office is looking into the issue and they have held meetings.

“They are working on getting more information about the technology,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Energy added that consumers rightfully expect the privacy of this information will be maintained.

Dixon said security is of paramount concern to CenterPoint Energy.

“We maintain a comprehensive cyber security and risk mitigation program based on national standards followed by other leading companies in the energy, defense and financial industries,” she said.

Russell asked “if smart meters were a great new technology tool, why haven’t they been marketed or sold instead?”

Dixon said in the restructured Texas electricity market, CenterPoint Energy is a transmission and distribution utility which is not allowed to engage in competitive retail electric services.

“While CenterPoint Energy owns the meter and telecommunications infrastructure, only retail electric providers can sell retail electric products and services directly to consumers,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Energy granted a $200 million award to CenterPoint Energy for its advanced metering system and intelligent grid projects. The company was one of only six utilities in the nation to receive the maximum Smart Grid Investment Grant.  CenterPoint Energy has already received and put to use the full sum of the grant, which has resulted in the creation or retention of more than 550 jobs in Houston and across the country.

While CenterPoint Energy says residents cannot opt out of a smart meter installation, Russell said she has a sign posted on her meter stating “do not install a smart meter.” She has also sent a certified letter to CenterPoint Energy that she did not want a smart meter installed on her home.

Some states, such as Mississippi, Maine and parts of California have begun petitions to opt out of using the smart meters until further information about privacy issues has been investigated.

Smart meter deployment began March 2009 and will continue through mid 2012. To find out when you get your meter, visit www.CenterPointEnergy.com/smartmeterschedule .

Since March 2009, CenterPoint Energy has installed approximately 1.7 million smart electric meters in its greater Houston service territory, beginning in central Houston and moving outward along meter reading routes.  A map showing deployment zones by year is on CenterPoint Energy’s website at www.CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergyInSight.  More than two million additional smart meters have been installed in other parts of the state.

Russell is holding a smart meter informational gathering and protest on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at 2301 West Gears Rd. in Houston. For more information, visit bantexassmartmeters.com.

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