FAQs • Kings Mountain, NC • CivicEngage

Can a smart meter help me reduce my utility cost?: Yes. Having a smart meter alone will not affect your consumption; however, by tracking your usage and habits you will likely find ways to better use your utilities. It is the goal of the city to teach our customers how to use utilities smarter, thus reducing our overall utility requirements.

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Smart Meters

1. What is a "smart meter"?: Smart meters send out your utility readings through wireless two-way communication, eliminating the need for someone to come out and read your meter. They allow us to proactively detect and resolve utility service issues. They also allow you the customer to utilize our portal and look at your own utility data. This technology will provide you the customer, a better understanding of what you are consuming, when you are consuming it, and help you efficiently use your utilities. It is the city's goal to partner with our customers in providing safe, reliable, and efficient utilities through smart meter solutions.

2. Is it harmful (radio frequency)?: No. All smart meters used by the City of Kings Mountain comply fully with established RF safety standards established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It's significantly below levels produced by other common household devices such as cell phones, baby monitors, microwaves, etc.

3. Does it cost me to participate?: No. The City of Kings Mountain is providing this to our customers at absolutely no cost to you.

4. Am I in the Smart Meter Pilot Program?: The City of Kings Mountain has selected specific areas for a pilot program for evaluation. Those in the smart meter program have already been identified and contacted.

5. Does this invade my privacy?: No. Smart meters measure data delivered and received only. Any and all energy produced by the customer within their residence is not monitored. The smart meter does not have the capability to retrieve how you use the utility as an individual. It will in fact provide you even more privacy by not having meter readers and service technicians on your property as frequently.

6. Can anyone else see my consumption?: No. Only specified city personnel and you the customer have the ability to see your information. We have taken measures to ensure that only you have access to your information.

7. Can a smart meter help me reduce my utility cost?: Yes. Having a smart meter alone will not affect your consumption; however, by tracking your usage and habits you will likely find ways to better use your utilities. It is the goal of the city to teach our customers how to use utilities smarter, thus reducing our overall utility requirements.

8. Do I have to participate in the Smart Meter Program?: No. You do not have to participate in utilization of the website portal. However, in order to provide the overall savings associated with this program, all meters within the pilot program will be upgraded.

9. Why a pilot program versus full deployment?: The City of Kings Mountain chose a pilot program in order to prove its value to the city and its customers. The pilot program is designed to give us the data we need for evaluating future deployment.

10. Which utilities are part of the Smart Meter Program?: Smart meters are designed to operate on all city provided utilities (electric, natural gas and water).

11. Whom do I call if I have questions with my consumer portal?: Please contact the city's Energy Department Administration at 704-734-4516. They will be able to assist you with your needs regarding simple questions. If your assistance requires advanced needs, the administration will connect you to the proper technician and or department.

12. Is there a user's guide available for customers?: Yes. View the How to Guide. As always, if you need personal assistance, please contact the city's Energy Department at 704-734-4516. How to Guide (PDF)

13. How do I provide feedback about the Smart Meter Pilot Program?: You the customer, can log onto the city’s website and select the department or the person you would like to direct your comments. Email addresses of each department director and/or administrative assistants are available for you to select. The city will be hosting a community meeting with all pilot program participants this fall. A letter will be sent out as time gets closer personally inviting you to come and share your thoughts. We welcome and encourage all comments. Staff Directory

14. Having trouble navigating the portal site?: Make sure you are using one of these recommended browsers: Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.