SMECO’s smart meters use a radio signal to communicate, just like a cell phone, cordless phone, or other devices in your house that use radio signals (aka, radio frequency or RF), such as these:
- Laptop computer or Wi-Fi wireless router
- Baby monitor or walkie-talkie
- Remote controlled (or radio-controlled) toys
- Garage door opener
- Kindle, iPad, or other mobile devices while online
The transmissions from these communication devices, like those from smart meters, are harmless when the device is used as designed.
- Smart meters use a very low wattage to transmit information
- Under normal circumstances, they only transmit once per hour
- They only transmit for 1/10 of a second, normally less than 5 seconds per day
The manufacturers of SMECO’s smart meters test their equipment to ensure compliance with U.S. government standards for safe operation.