An energy delivery company in the mid-Atlantic region, Pepco has begun installing advanced digital electric meters, also referred to as smart meters, throughout its Maryland service area. This program is the first step in the utility’s long-term investment to build a smart power grid that will help customers better manage their energy use and costs and improve customer service and reliability.

In a press release, Thomas Graham, President, Pepco Region, said, “Installing smart meters is a first step to transforming today’s aging power grid to one that is more flexible and efficient. Ultimately, customers will see benefits, such as fewer estimated bills and more tools to help customers better manage their energy use and help the environment.”

The crews of this program will continue the installation process through December 2012 until all of Pepco’s Maryland customers receive a new meter. The customers will receive a letter and fact sheet from Pepco which, among other things, introduces them to the contractor, Scope Services Inc., who will perform the meter installation, before installation. While Pepco begins the installation of new meters this summer, Graham emphasizes it will take some time to fully integrate them to a point where customers will be able to realize all the benefits.

The Maryland Public Service Commission authorized Pepco to proceed with this modernization effort, which is consistent with federal initiatives to improve energy efficiency, while reducing carbon emissions. Pepco has received $68.85 million in federal stimulus grants to help fund Pepco’s smart meter program in Maryland.

Pepco Holdings, Inc. was recently in news when it webcast the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, May 20, beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Pepco Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Joseph M. Rigby will offer remarks. The live audio and slide presentation of the meeting can be accessed at the Pepco Holdings Web site, pepcoholdings.com/investors.

Sujata Garud is a TMCnet freelancer with three years of writing/editing experience and two years of market research experience. As an editor she has covered the IT, electronics, banking, pharma, construction, mining and healthcare industries. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves