Next-generation meters: Hydro-Québec files an application with the Régie de l'énergie for the approval of the second and third phases of deployment - 850,000 meters installed to date

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec has filed an application with the Régie de l'énergie for the approval of the deployment of the last two phases of the project, in accordance with plans set out during the authorization for the first phase.

This application coincides with an important milestone: 850,000 next-generation meters have been installed since the roll-out of the technology began in February. Half of the 1.7 million meters included in Phase 1 of the project are already installed at customers' homes in the greater Montréal area.

Positive results

Deployment of the new meters is going very well. Installers have seen a positive response in the community. This is reflected in statistics from the latest quarterly review of the project tabled with the Régie de l'énergie at the end of last week:

• By maintaining tight control over costs, Hydro-Quebec has reduced the estimated cost by $12.5 million so far.
• In the third quarter of 2013, Hydro-Québec exceeded its forecasts regarding the number of meters installed. Specifically, 52,000 more meters were installed than the objective of 334,000.
• Since deployment began, the percentage of customers who selected the opt-out plan is 0.4%.

Furthermore, the numerous advantages of this technology are now materializing. During the recent busy moving period, meter readings for some 51,000 customers was done remotely allowing for faster results and ensuring more accurate cost sharing between previous and new occupants. Moreover, from now on Hydro-Québec will be able to disconnect power remotely in the case of vacant premises and seasonal residences. This maneuver can now be performed in a much shorter timeframe.

An essential upgrade

Next-generation meters record and automatically transmit electricity-use data to Hydro-Québec.  More than 120 million of these meters have already been installed around the world. The state-of-the-art technology offers enhanced functionality to improve customer service.

Next-generation meters are safe and pose no health hazard.

Customers who would like more information about next-generation meters should go to www.hydroquebec.com/next-generation-meters.

SOURCE: Hydro-Québec

Contact:

Patrice Lavoie
Media Relations
Hydro-Québec
514 289-2097