Entergy Texas is hoping to begin the installation and implementing of so-called Smart Meters so that everyone can better monitor their power consumption.
If the Public Utilities Commission approves, Entergy Communication Specialist Casey Kirschvink says that before the actual meters are deployed, they’ll be spending the first year or so developing infrastructure software behind the scenes.
And because of their large service area, Kirschvink anticipates installation of all of the Smart Meters will take from 2019 to 2021. Beyond that, she says she has no idea when Entergy customers in The County of Grimes will get their meters changed.
The bad news, Kirschvink tells Navasota News, is that if approved, the surcharges will begin this year before the meters are installed. The good news is that the surcharges won’t be all that much.
Residents will incur a monthly charge of $3.18, while general service and industrial users will pay an additional $1.40 more. Then after five years, she adds, that residential fee will be dropped.
With their monthly bill, Kirschvink says all Entergy customers have already received notice of the State Legislature’s approval and Entergy’s subsequent application with the P.U.C.
And if the P.U.C. also approves it, she says they’ll soon be rolling out a Comprehensive Customer Education Plan that should answer everyone’s questions.
