Photo courtesy Jason NicholsAs a result of SUN coverage of a recent public-input meeting hosted by the La Plata Electric Association for its Archuleta County customers, readers have requested more information on the smart meter issue.
The Tantalus System meters LPEA has chosen to deploy (starting in 2014 with a projected completion date in late 2015) typically transmit using a .5-watt radio at 900 MHz for less than one second.
According to Indiana Reed, the spokesperson for LPEA, “Survey readings are typically 1-2 microwatt/cm2 when measured at 12 inches in front of the meter. Readings from the back of the meter are much less than this.”
The Tantalus meters transmit the customer’s five-digit meter reading, voltage (high/low), and a meter ID number. It also will transmit loss and restoration of power during an outage event. During normal operation, a meter typically transmits once per hour for less than a second.
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