Advanced Meter
We upgraded nearly 6 million residential and most business natural gas meters by adding an Advanced Meter communications device.
What is an Advanced Meter?
The Advanced Meter technology upgrade is a natural step in our evolution of service and reflects our commitment to delivering safe and reliable natural gas.
California's energy policy supports the development and implementation of cost-effective Advanced Metering systems, which can provide customers with information and tools to make more informed decisions about gas use, leading to increased conservation efforts and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
An Advanced Meter is a communications device that automatically and securely transmits gas meter data to our service and billing center, eliminating the need for manual meter reading and enabling us to provide you with more frequent and detailed gas usage information.
Benefits
By upgrading natural gas meters with Advanced Meter technology, we have empowered customers to save energy and money, and reduce the impact on the environment.
How do they work?
While your gas usage is still measured the same way it is today, the Advanced Meter communications device installation consists of applying the device to existing analog meters. The communications device is battery powered and is off most of the time. It only turns on for a fraction of a second per day (less than two minutes total per year) to securely transmit your gas meter data. Advanced Meters don't communicate with other meters or with appliances in the home.
Advanced Meters are powered by two special AA batteries, similar in technology to those used in pacemakers. We expect the batteries to have a life span of 20 years, however, if necessary, we will replace the batteries at our expense.
The new Advanced Meter technology will not have remote shut-off capabilities. However, by having more frequent and detailed access to your own gas usage information, you can identify sudden usage spikes that could indicate a leak or other unusual gas consumption. In any or all instances, if you suspect a gas leak, please contact SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 immediately.
Advanced Meter Privacy and Security
Radio Frequency
Our Advanced Meter modules and the associated network communications system operate in the 450 to 470 megahertz (MHz) bands and 800/1900 cellular frequency, respectively. The technology products we use for our Advanced Meter project comply with U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for human exposure to RF energy (FCC OET bulletin 65).
Scientific Research
We continually monitor regulatory and scientific developments related to human exposure to RF energy. We rely upon the expert findings within science related to RF exposures and potential health effects through the following organizations and agencies:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
According to these groups, no adverse short- or long-term health effects have been shown to occur from the radio frequency signals produced by Advanced Meters or other such wireless networks.
Radio Frequency Exposure
There are three key factors that contribute to RF exposure:
Signal duration: SoCalGas' Advanced Meters normally transmit a signal for a fraction of a second per day or for a total of less than two minutes per year.
RF energy: The RF energy emitted by an Advanced Meter is considerably less than that from common items used every day that emit RF, such as laptops, cell phones and baby monitors.
Distance from source: Advanced Meters will be located in the same location as the gas meter. When the Advanced Meter is transmitting, the exposure level is thousands of times lower than the general population exposure limits set by the FCC:
At eight inches from the front of the meter, exposure is almost 10,000 times lower than the 450-470 MHz FCC exposure limits; At two feet away, exposure drops to 90,000 times below FCC exposure limits.
Radio Frequency Comparison Chart
Source | Radio Frequency Output Compared to Maximum Output from an Advanced Meter |
|---|---|
Talking on a cellular phone1 | up to 1,000,000 times more |
Maximum exposure level operating a microwave oven | up to 500,000 times more |
Using a laptop computer with a wireless internet connection | up to 5,000 times more |
Most electric smart meters | Up to 500 times more |
Advanced gas meter | 1 times (reference level) |
1Cell phones are designed to reduce RF output to the minimum required for reliable communication, but may reach peak power output when signal strength is limited.
NOTE: Advanced Meters should not interfere with any wireless devices. The Advanced Meter and its communications network operate on exclusive FCC-licensed frequencies not used in the home.
Additional Resources About Radio Frequency
We understand that some customers may have concerns regarding radio frequency transmissions. Here are several links to additional information and resources:
SoCalGas Radio Frequency (RF) Fact Sheet
Recent Reports
- California Council on Science and Technology Health Impacts (4/11)*
- Utility Telecom Council Article (article available to members only)*
- EPRI "RF Exposure Levels from Smart Meters" (PDF)
- EPRI Comment: "Sage Report on RF from Smart Meters" (PDF)
- EPRI Comments: A Perspective on Two Smart Meter Memoranda (PDF)
Other References
- FCC RF Safety Q&A*
- FCC Sage Letter
- WHO IARC Whitepaper*
- WHO EMF & Mobile Phones*
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Radiating Emitting Products*
- Interference with Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices*
- Environmental Defense Fund*
- American Cancer Society*
Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program
We recognize that some customers prefer to continue to have the natural gas meter read manually each month. An Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program has been established for customers who don't want an Advanced Meter installed.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has mandated the following fee structure for residential customers who would like to participate in the Opt-Out Program:
Non-CARE1 customers Initial fee: $752 - Monthly charge: $102
CARE1 customers Initial fee: $102 - Monthly charge: $52
Customers who don't want an Advanced Meter should call our Customer Care Center immediately at 1-800-427-2200 and ask to participate in the Opt-Out Program. The Opt-Out Program is applicable to residential customers only.
1California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) provides a 20 percent discount for income-qualified residential customers, as well as customers participating in public assistance programs.
2Initial fee and monthly charges will be subject to applicable taxes. The billing of the monthly charge will be limited to the first three years of program enrollment. The initial fee and monthly charges are specific to the gas meter at the residence. They do not transfer with the customer if the customer moves. If a customer moves and chooses to opt out again, there will be a new initial fee and monthly charges.
Opt-Out Program Frequently Asked Questions
Are other utilities offering customers an Opt-Out Program?
Yes. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved an Opt-Out Program for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). The approved fees are the same as those for SoCalGas®: a $75 initial fee along with a monthly charge of $10. For CARE customers, the initial fee is $10 with a monthly charge of $5.
Will customers who elect to opt out of SoCalGas’ Advanced Meter and their electric smart meter from their electric utility have to pay for separate services?
Customers who wish to opt out of their electric smart meter must contact their electric utility provider directly. SoCalGas’ Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program only addresses the costs associated with the option to manually read the natural gas meter.
Why does the Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program have both an initial fee and a monthly charge?
The initial fee offsets the planning and systems costs to enact the Opt-Out Program. The monthly opt-out charge is applied toward the overall cost of maintaining the Opt-Out Program, manual reading labor costs, systems maintenance and vehicle-related expenses.
Are the monthly charges indefinite?
No. The CPUC has ruled that monthly charges for the Opt-Out Program are to be limited to the first three years of program enrollment. After three years the opt-out charges will no longer appear on your gas bill; however, your participation in the Opt-Out Program will continue.
Since monthly opt-out charges cover the cost of manually reading the meter every month, I should not expect to see an “estimated” read on my gas bill. Is this correct?
No. The CPUC has instructed SoCalGas to implement a bimonthly manual meter reading plan in order to help manage the overall costs associated with having an Opt-Out Program in place. What this means for Opt-Out Program participants is that the gas meter will be read manually every other month. For the months in between, the meter read will be estimated, thereby resulting in an estimated gas bill. In the months in which we do manually read the gas meter, the resulting bill will reflect any gas usage differences that have occurred from the last time that the gas meter was manually read. This new bimonthly manual meter-reading plan does not impact the company’s policy on requesting continuous access to the gas meter for maintenance purposes.
As an Opt-Out Program participant, what if I don’t want you to estimate my bills on a bimonthly basis?
The CPUC has ruled that SoCalGas, and the other major California utilities, are required to enact a bimonthly manual meter reading plan in order to help reduce Opt-Out Program costs. Consequently, customers who wish to continue their participation in the Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program will be subject to receiving a bimonthly estimated gas bill.
Since I will be paying a monthly opt-out charge to have my meter read manually, will I have to pay this charge for the months in which the meter read is estimated?
Yes. The CPUC’s Opt-Out Program ruling requires the utility to bill customers for the monthly charge even when the monthly meter read has been estimated.
How will the charges appear on my gas bill?
The applicable opt-out charges will appear under the section “Other Charges and Credits.”
What if I transfer my service to another address? Will my opt-out status transfer with me?
No. Your Opt-Out Program status does not transfer to your new address. When you contact SoCalGas to request that the service be transferred, please notify us that you would like to have your new address enrolled in the Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program.
When I transfer my service, will I need to pay the initial opt-out fee at my new address?
Yes. The initial fee and monthly charges are specific to the gas meter at each facility.
Are unpaid initial and monthly fees subject to collection activity, including service shutoff?
Yes. Unpaid fees will be included in past-due amounts which may be subject to collection activity.
Can I request a payment arrangement for the initial and monthly fees?
Yes. Please contact our customer service at 1-800-427-2200.
If I discontinue my enrollment in the Opt-Out Program but then at a later date decide to re-enroll, do I have to pay the initial fee again?
Per program guidelines, a customer who decides to un-enroll from the SoCalGas Opt-Out Program will not be eligible for re-enrollment until 12 months after program termination date have passed. After this 12-month period has elapsed, the customer would again be charged the applicable initial fee and monthly charges.
If I want to cancel my enrollment in the Advanced Meter Opt-Out Program, what do I need to do and will I be charged to have the Advanced Meter installed?
To cancel your program participation and to schedule an installation appointment, please contact our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-427-2200. There will be no additional charge to have the Advanced Meter installed.