PSC approves O&R’s smart meter upgrades

ALBANY – The state Public
Service Commission approved Orange and Rockland Utilities’ plan
to install advanced smart meters for all electric and gas customers on
Thursday. The agency said those devices include money-saving technology
that will help ratepayers reduce their energy usage and improve the reliability
of the O&R system.
The new meters Rockland, Orange and parts of Sullivan counties will produce a net benefit of nearly $16 million, according to current estimates.
The PSC approval “marks a major step in New York’s pursuit of a brighter energy future,” said O&R President and CEO Tim Cawley. “The sale, secure and reliable meters and modules are designed to provide O&R customers greater choice, convenience and control over their energy use.”
“This new technology will not only save customers money, they can also provide substantial environmental benefits by reducing overall energy demand and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Commission Chairman John Rhodes. “With these advanced meters, the utility will also have information and data needed to better manage their systems, making them more resilient and efficient.”