Xcel ‘smart meters’ making tracking usage easier for South Dakota customers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Xcel energy users will soon have more control than ever over their energy use and therefore more control over their bills with the implementation of ‘smart meters.’

“We’re moving through all the states as we go. South Dakota is just starting. The first installs that are happening this week have been going fantastic,” said Zach Hein, an Olameter regional manager.

“It’s really a monitoring device more than anything. Hopefully, it will encourage folks to want to conserve energy,” Eric Pauli said, Xcel Energy’s community relations manager.

The benefit of the switch to smart meters is two-fold. First, it will allow Xcel to address any outages in a timely manner.

“We still want customers to call in and let us know, but it’s going to help us to be able to isolate various areas when there are storms that come through and be able to get our customers back on quickly,” Pauli said.

Second, it will allow customers the ability to track energy usage more precisely.

“This is a real opportunity for folks to save dollars. Let’s be honest, people are really getting hit with higher costs on things right now. This is a tool that we can put in the customer’s hand that they can utilize to save some money on their bill,” Pauli said.

By providing usage updates every 15 minutes on the Xcel My Account that you can access online or on your phone, customers will be able to more accurately see what in their home is costing them the most.

“You’re going to be able to see an appliance if you do click it on. Use an oven for example or a television or lots of lights, if you have something that’s pulling a large load, you’re going to be able to see that in real-time,” Pauli said.

As for when you can expect a technician at your home– you will receive a call ahead and a letter in the mail to notify you.

The installation itself is a quick and easy process.

“We are going to inspect for tight wires, broken lugs, or any potential issues that could be in the box. Once we do that to verify everything is safe we’re going to pull that meter. Were going to take pictures. Make sure that we have verification that everything is good. Then we’re going to close up the box and move on,” Hein said.

The process of switching over to smart meters for all of the more than 100,000 South Dakota customers will go through all of this year– and part of next year.

You can learn more about where the next installations will be taking place HERE.

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