SRP Recognized for Extensive Deployment of “Smart” Meter Technology

The Utility Planning Network (UPN), a worldwide association of utility professionals, has named Salt River Project as the winner of the organization’s 2008 Global Award for “Best Use of Smart Metering as a Customer Care Tool.”

Smart meters allow SRP to complete service orders (such as turn-ons and turn-offs) more rapidly and also allow more customers to participate in the money-saving Time-of-Use price plan.  Customers with smart meters can also see their daily energy consumption on the SRP Internet site.

In July, SRP equipped its 300,000^th customer with a smart meter and the meters are continuing to be installed at a rate of about 10,000 per month.

“This award is a tribute to all of the SRP employees who have been involved in this initiative,” said Michael Lowe, SRP’s manager of Customer services.  “Their efforts have truly made SRP a leader in the industry, not only nationally but globally.”

UPN recognized SRP’s success in leveraging the capabilities of its smart meter program to achieve its goals of improving customer service while also improving operating efficiencies and lowering costs by reducing field visits, labor hours, mileage and fuel consumption.  SRP competed for the award with other utilities in the United States and with those in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Canada.

SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation, serving more than 930,000 electric customers in Maricopa and Pinal counties.