Advanced Meter FAQ

Our current metering system has reached the end of its usable life. FKEC must upgrade the hardware and software to ensure we can support and maintain the equipment.

The new advanced meter upgrade provides FKEC with benefits such as:

• The ability to read all meters, residential and commercial, at a much more accurate and increased speed.
• Two-way meter communication allows FKEC’s outage management system to accurately pinpoint the exact location of outages more quickly, further improving response time.
• Report variances in voltage and other line conditions that will help FKEC maintain a more reliable power distribution system.
• Allow FKEC to offer members more timely energy consumption information through our SmartHub app helping members make wise decisions about energy use.
• Help secure the overall safety of our co-op employees.

The new meters allow FKEC to maintain a more reliable power distribution system by automatically detecting outages allowing for improved power restoration, reducing maintenance costs, and providing member energy consumption data in real-time.

Benefits to FKEC and our members include:

• The ability to read all meters, residential and commercial, at a much more accurate and increased speed.
• Two-way meter communication allows FKEC’s outage management system to accurately pinpoint the exact location of outages more quickly, further improving response time.
• Report variances in voltage and other line conditions that will help FKEC maintain a more reliable power distribution system.
• Allow FKEC to offer members more timely energy consumption information through our SmartHub app helping members make wise decisions about energy use.
• Help secure the overall safety of the cooperative employee team.

The advanced meters use two-way communication between FKEC and the meter. Via the new technology, FKEC can collect meter data from our offices. The co-op can also connect or disconnect meters remotely, eliminating a service technician from having to physically go to the location.

FKEC started installing advanced meters in January 2023 and expects all meters to be upgraded by summer this year. Allegiant Utility Services, the contractor hired by FKEC, will perform the meter installations throughout our service territory in the Upper and Middle Keys.

Yes, for a few minutes while the advanced meter is safely installed. You will need to reset electronic clocks and other devices. You do not need to be present for the meter change; however, Allegiant technicians will knock to notify anyone home before starting the process.

You may notice blinking time displays on items like your microwave or alarm clock.

We are committed to minimizing any inconvenience. You do not have to be present during the meter change. If a circumstance such as a locked gate, pets in the yard, or an obstruction prevents the employee or contractor from exchanging your meter, a door hanger will be left notifying you. If you receive a notice, please follow the instructions and contact our contractor, Allegiant Utility Services, to make arrangements to switch your meter as soon as possible.

There is no additional costs to FKEC members for the meter installation. Following the install, members will receive a bill with two readings: one for the old and one for the new.

No. Additional parts are not anticipated or required. However, if something is identified as faulty or hazardous with a member’s equipment, you will be notified to make the necessary repairs.

No, FKEC is upgrading all residential and commercial meters. The over 15-year-old existing meters have reached the end of their usable life. To ensure reliable electric service to your home or business, FKEC must make the upgrade.

The new meter records:

• An electronic kilowatt-hour reading
• The overall peak demand of the electric account
• If the meter has rotated backward
• The number of times the meter experiences a loss of power for any reason
• The date and time of power blinks and the length of power outages
• And its voltage monitoring aids our dispatchers in analyzing line conditions

Yes. The advanced meter can report outages, voltage variances, and other line conditions without being prompted by our offices. This feature further enhances our outage management system and can improve outage restoration time. Of course, members can still report an outage at 305-852-2431 or online via SmartHub.

Personal information, such as your name and address, is not stored on the meters nor transmitted through the meter network. FKEC implements a comprehensive cyber-security program following, if not surpassing, national standards that other energy and defense companies follow. We are committed to protecting member data.

Also, meter manufacturers incorporate security features and encryption technology as recommended by national security experts to prevent anyone from accessing meter data. Our goal is to upgrade our power distribution system to make it safer, more secure, and more reliable. Once your advanced meter is installed, if someone tampers with your meter, the meter automatically reports the violation or attempted violation to FKEC.

Routine inspections of all meters and services to look for safety hazards, theft, or other problems will continue as needed