New technology gives customers more control over their energy use

EL PASO, Texas (December 19, 2022) – Beginning in spring 2023, El Paso Electric (EPE) customers in Texas will start receiving the most advanced smart meters at their homes and businesses. This announcement comes following last week’s approval of EPE’s smart meter project by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The New Mexico Regulatory Commission approved the project for New Mexico customers in November, and their installations are scheduled to begin in fall 2023.

“Smart meters represent a tremendous opportunity for our community,” said Kelly Tomblin, EPE President and CEO. “With this technology, we’re giving customers the information and tools they need to understand their energy use so they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint.”

The smart meter project highlights EPE’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and expanding its programs and services to better reflect today’s customer needs. It also aligns with several of EPE’s strategic pillars, including:

• Building trust with the community it serves
• Leveraging technology to drive efficiency and security
• Propelling growth in the region
• Being a leader of environmental sustainability

A smart meter is a digital meter that remotely tracks energy use in near real time and sends the data to EPE through a secure communication network. Most residential customers will be able to see their energy use in 15-minute increments.

Smart meter benefits include:

• Enhances reliability and resiliency: With smart meters, EPE can remotely monitor the electric system and identify opportunities for preventative maintenance and infrastructure improvements.
• More control of energy bills: The meters will provide energy consumption data in near real time so customers can track their energy use and make simple adjustments to save money and help the environment.
• Improves outage management: Smart meters will automatically alert EPE to power outages, so customers don’t have to report them. These notifications will improve restoration time during storms and other events that may cause power outages.
• Enhances customer experience: Customers will have the option to access their energy data through EPE’s Manage My Account portal and sign up for customized energy saving tips and bill alerts. Smart meters will also decrease the time required to start, stop or transfer electric service. Additionally, EPE will no longer need to send meter readers to each property.  
• More program offerings: Smart meters will allow EPE to support and expand sustainability programs and services focused on renewable energy and electric vehicles. There will also be more rate and payment options for all customers.

Smart meters will not be able to manage a customer’s energy use or thermostat, and EPE will not share data with third parties.

The entire project is expected to be completed in mid-2025. No action is required by customers at this time. They will receive a postcard in the mail 60 days prior to their scheduled installation.

For more information, visit EPE’s smart meter website.