Greer CPW is in the process of upgrading its electric, natural gas and water meters in the service territory. The meter upgrade will improve billing accuracy and will provide customers an online portal to get near real-time information about their utility usage.
- How is Greer CPW paying for this project?
This project is funded and will not require any rate increases for customers.
- How is this meter different than I have now?
Greer CPW has used radio communication in our electric and natural gas meters to collect meter readings for at least 20 years. The difference in the newer meters is how many times the meter communicates with our system. Right now, the old meter sends radio communication constantly trying to connect to our system. The new meters communicate on demand and only communicate at set intervals as opposed to always on and constant communication. Currently, customers receive a bill after their billing cycle with a lump sum of utility usage but no breakdown or hourly information. Following the meter changeout, customers will be able to see graphs that track their usage in dollars and consumption.
- What brand of meters are you using and can radio-frequency (RF) levels affect my health?
Radio‑frequency (RF) levels for AMI meters are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the meters used by Greer CPW comply with all FCC safety standards. Independent testing shows that RF levels emitted by AMI meters are well below approved limits. AMI meters do not transmit continuously – they typically communicate for less than 5% of the day. In fact, AMI meters emit up to 30,000 times less RF energy than common “always‑on” devices such as smartphones.
Water meters: More information about Kamstrup water meters can be found here. [PDF, 163.01 KB]
Electric and natural gas meters: More information about Honeywell electric and natural gas meters can be found here. [PDF, 313.11 KB]
Natural gas meters: More information about Sensus gas meters can be found here [PDF, 76.12 KB].
- What are the benefits to these meters?
Natural Gas Meters: In the future, new technology should enable Greer CPW to detect natural gas leaks remotely and shut off the gas flow to your property in case of an emergency.
Electric Meters: Currently, when there is an electrical outage, customers must alert Greer CPW by either calling customer service or reporting the outage online. In the future, Greer CPW will be alerted immediately of outages allowing for faster restoration times.
Water Meters: Since early 2022, several homes and businesses have received these water meters as part of our test phase. We have detected multiple leaks on the customers side and have notified them of issues – helping to save the customer money on their bills.
This technology can reduce meter-reading costs and will provide a safer experience for meter technicians. Currently technicians drive through neighborhoods to collect data from the meters or may get out of their vehicles to read a meter. Animals, road hazards and vehicles make their job very dangerous.
- What is the timeline for these meter changeouts?
The remaining project could take 12 months to complete however on the day your home or business is scheduled for a meter changeout, in most cases, the process should take 30-45 minutes.
- Will installing new meters make my utility bill go up?
No. These meters track consumption in the same manner as our current radio-frequency meters. With the new ability to track usage patterns, some customers may see a decrease in their monthly charges because they have a better understanding of how usage impacts their bill.
- How accurate are these meters?
Not only are the new meters extremely accurate but it allows customers to see near real-time information. Once installed, customers can track hourly usage. This helps to determine usage patterns and improve efficiency.
- How will customers be notified of the meter changeout?
Our contractors, Utility Partners of America (UPA) and Electric, Gas and Water (EGW) Utilities, Inc. will be performing the meter changeouts during normal business hours and will be in marked vehicles. We may call your number listed on file, knock on your door, or leave a door hangar requesting you to schedule the meter upgrade. Please ensure your contact information is up to date by logging into your Customer Service Portal and choosing the “notification” tab.
- What should I do when my natural gas meter is being changed?
Upgrading natural gas meters will be the most time consuming for technicians. We anticipate each meter change out lasting 30-45 minutes as we have to turn off your service to change the meter. Following our work, we will re-light any pilot lights in your home/business.
- What happens during the meter changeout period?
Readings from your old meter and new meter are captured – much like when customers move in and out of homes or apartments.
- Can advanced meters detect how my energy is being used?
No. The advanced meters measure how much energy you use based on the time of day. It does not measure how you use that energy. They cannot differentiate between energy used by the oven, air conditioner, microwave or dryer, for example.
- How many meters have you installed so far?
As of March 2026, we are 65% complete with the natural gas meter upgrades and have installed 21,166 meters.
As of March 2026, we are 99% complete with the water meter upgrades and have installed 23,793 meters.
As of March 2026, we are 99% complete with the electric meter upgrades and have installed 25,682 meters.
All total; we are 84% complete with the meter upgrade project.