The Latest News from Douglas Electric
Meter Upgrade FAQ
HOW DOES THE METER WORK AND WHY IS IT BETTER?
Just like our current meters, the new meters send readings over powerlines to the substation and then over fiber optic lines to our office. The new meters will allow DEC to send a signal back to your meter and help us monitor outages more efficiently. Eventually, you will be able to voluntarily monitor your own usage online and take advantage of programs like “time of use” rates.
WILL MY NEW METER BE ACCURATE?
Yes! Extremely! And DEC will regularly test them to make sure they remain accurate beyond industry requirements.
WHO INSTALLED MY METER?
DEC employees installed your meter.
WILL BILLING METHODS OR DATES CHANGE?
No! Members will see no change in the timing or billing method for monthly electric usage.
DO I HAVE A CHOICE? CAN I OPT OUT OF THIS PROGRAM?
No. Your current meter will not work with the new system.
WILL YOU BE TURNING OFF MY WATER HEATER AND APPLIANCES AND CONTROLLING MY THERMOSTAT?
No! In the future there will be programs that you may want to participate in, such as “time of use” rates and “load management” to take advantage of lower rates offered, but those opportunities will be strictly voluntary on your part.
HOW SECURE ARE THE NEW METERS?
Security is extremely important to DEC. Any areas of possible weakness have been identified and tested to ensure that DEC and our members are not at risk. We will continue to protect member usage data as securely as we have always done.
WILL THE METER INTERFERE WITH HOME WIRELESS NETWORKS?
No. Just like the old meter, the new meter will communicate through power lines and not through wireless networks. There will be no interference with wireless computer networks or other wireless devices in the home.
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH ISSUES WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF)?
The magnet fields given off by our existing electric meters are extremely low at the meter and dissipate rapidly in very short distances. Field testing of the new meters finds that they put out about ½ the magnet field of the existing meter.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE “RF” CONCERN I’VE BEEN HEARING ABOUT?
Your meter information will travel by Power Line Carrier (PLC), not Radio Frequency (RF), just like it has for the last 15 years.
Avian Protection Plan
A variety of birds use utility structures without consequence, however, large birds such as owls, hawks, and eagles are at greater risk of electrocution on utility structures. Electrocuted birds may interrupt electric service, start fires, and cause significant equipment damage. In addition, most birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to “take” these protected species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has encouraged individual electric utilities to develop Avian Protection Plans (APP) to monitor electrocutions and collisions and manage them to prevent future incidence.
Douglas Electric had developed an APP and is committed to working towards the protection of migratory birds. This includes the commitment by the Cooperative to balance its goal of providing reliable electric service in a cost effective manner with the regulatory requirements protecting avian species, as well as the need to obtain and comply with all necessary permits, monitor incidents of avian mortality, and make reasonable efforts to construct and alter infrastructure to reduce the incidence of avian mortality.
New Rebate Programs Begin 10/01/2011
New Douglas Electric Cooperative rebate/incentive programs, funded by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), began on October 1, 2011.
All rebate applications and paperwork for qualifying appliances purchased before September 30, 2011, (under the previous program), must be submitted by October 30, 2011.
New programs have been implemented. Some incentives have been lowered and others have been eliminated entirely. See program details under the "Program" tab.
Program measures and incentive amounts are subject to change.
Call for information before you make your purchase.
