To Report an Outage:

Please call 1-800-794-1989 or use the SmartHub mobile app. To talk to a person, press zero.

Upgrading Metering Communication

From CEO, Chris Parr

 

Technology upgrades bring exciting new ways for our co-op to serve you, our members. FreeState has started a systemwide upgrade to our metering system, which we anticipate will be completed by mid-2025. 

WHY THE UPGRADE IN METER TECHNOLOGY? 

Upgraded meters bring benefits to both the cooperative and members. New meter improvements include:

RELIABILITY 

  • TWO-WAY WIRELESS CONNECTIONS — This will allow FreeState to pinpoint outage locations more quickly, resulting in faster restoration and hopefully fewer outages. 
  • REPORTING — Changes in voltage or other issues are automatically reported to FreeState helping us identify potential issues before they occur. 

MEMBER SERVICE

  • AUTOMATIC ALERTS — The system will report issues, like outages, so members don’t have to. 
  • ENERGY USE UPDATES — Members will receive more frequent updates to energy use data on SmartHub improving your ability to track energy use habits and save money by making smart energy choices. 

EFFICIENCY

  • MAINTENANCE SAVINGS — Our current metering system is getting expensive to maintain. 
  • NEW TECHNOLOGY — More modern and affordable technology means less maintenance, more reporting and more efficiency for the cooperative and members.
  • REMOTE ACCESS — Nearly all upgraded meters can be remotely disconnected or reconnected in the event of an emergency or necessity.

As the energy industry evolves, so does technology. FreeState’s commitment to providing you with reliable electricity is more than just building infrastructure, it also means making investments in technology that will make the entire system more reliable and efficient. That will benefit all members!

REPLACEMENT PROCESS

Members will see minimal impact during the installation progress. We are currently switching meters by substations.

FreeState will notify members when replacement will occur in your area. FreeState crews and authorized contractors from PMI will complete the installations. All crews will be identifiable as affiliated with FreeState.

When you get notification for your meter replacement, please make certain the area around your meter is clear of lawn furniture, planters and other items. We also ask that locked gates be unlocked for access.

During the replacement we remove the old meter, install the new meter and then verify the new meter is working properly. You may see a brief service interruption lasting less than 10 minutes during this installation.

Our staff wants to thank all our members for helping make this a smooth transition to the new technology. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office by phone or email.

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Chris with new meter 2024

Below is a video explaining the process, which takes less than 30 seconds. Your service will be interrupted for only a moment while the meter is being swapped.

FreeState has also contracted with Professional Meter Installers, Inc. (PMI) to help with this project. They will wear badges (see below) with both the FreeState and PMI logos. Rest assured, they are a trusted FreeState vendor. 

 

 

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Sample badge for PMI contractors