Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs
About the smart meter upgrade
1. My current meter is still working. Why does it need to be replaced?
Don't worry, your current meter is still working properly. Replacing your current meter to a smart meter is part of Meralco’s efforts to improve service.
Like your current meter, the smart meter accurately measures your actual electricity consumption.
But, it also comes with added features like:
- Meter readings are automatically sent to Meralco
- Outages can be detected faster
- Service can be restored faster once payment is posted and validated
You’ll also have access to more tools and services to help you monitor and manage your electricity use as they become available in your area.
All smart meters are tested, sealed, and approved by the ERC and comply with Philippine Distribution Code standards.
2. What’s the difference between a smart meter and my current meter?
Both your current meter and the smart meter accurately measure your actual electricity consumption. The difference is that smart meter readings are automatically sent to Meralco, it detects outages faster and allows faster reconnection once payment is posted and validated.
You’ll also have access to services such as Kuryente Load and AMI Postpaid as they become available in your area.
Smart meters can also support energy programs, that you may be eligible for, such as Peak / Off-Peak, Net-Metering, and Customer Choice Programs.
3. Do I have to pay for the smart meter?
No, the smart meter and the replacement of the current meter are free.
4. Is the smart meter more accurate than my current meter?
No, both your current meter and the smart meter accurately measure your actual electricity consumption.
Smart meters are tested, sealed, and approved by the ERC and comply with Philippine Distribution Code standards.
5. Will my bill go up after my meter is replaced?
No, it should not. Replacing your current meter with a smart meter does not affect your electricity rate or the way your electricity consumption is recorded. Your bill will continue to be based on your actual electricity use and applicable rates.
Smart Meters also gives you more ways to monitor and manage your electricity use, with access to services such as Kuryente Load and AMI Postpaid as they become available in your area.
Smart Meters also support programs, that you may be eligible for, such as Peak / Off-Peak, Net-Metering, and Customer Choice Programs.
6. Is the smart meter tested before it’s installed?
Yes, smart meters are tested, sealed, and approved by the ERC and comply with the standards of the Philippine Distribution Code.
7. Are the smart meters approved by the ERC?
Yes, these are approved by the ERC.
Rollout & Availability
1. Why is our area getting smart meters first? Is Meralco testing them on us?
Currently, over 100,000 Meralco customers in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, parts of Rizal, Cavite, and Bulacan are already using smart meters.
Your area will now enjoy the benefits of using a smart meter as we continuously expand the smart meter upgrade to various areas in our franchise area.
2. When will smart meters be rolled out in my area?
The smart meter upgrade is being rolled out gradually across different areas. Meralco will let customers know once meter replacement is scheduled in your area.
3. Can I apply to have my current meter replaced with a smart meter?
No, you cannot apply nor do you need to. However, allow us to let you know once smart meter replacement is scheduled in your area.
Preparing for Meter Replacement
1. How will I know when my meter will be replaced?
You will receive an official letter from Meralco containing the schedule for your meter replacement.
2. Do I need to be there while my meter is being replaced?
Not necessarily. An authorized representative of legal age can be there on your behalf. What’s important is that someone, from your end, is present during the meter replacement.
3. Will my power be interrupted while my meter is being replaced?
Yes, there will be a power interruption of around 15 minutes while the meter is being replaced.
4. How long will the meter replacement take?
The entire meter replacement process may take up to 20 minutes.
5. Will Meralco personnel need to enter my property to replace the meter?
Generally, meters are located at the service entrance of your property so they can be easily accessed by Meralco personnel.
However, if your meter is located beyond your gate and within your property, we’ll need access to replace it.
6. Do I need to prepare anything before my meter is replaced?
No, you don't need to do or prepare anything for the meter replacement. Just make sure that you or an authorized representative of legal age is home to witness the replacement.
7. How will I know if the person replacing my meter is authorized by Meralco?
The replacement will be done by an authorized Meralco personnel or accredited representative, carrying a valid company ID, and should have a field order for the meter replacement.
If you need additional verification, you can call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211 or visit the nearest Meralco Business Center.
Rescheduling & Missed Appointments
1. What if no one is home when my meter is scheduled to be replaced?
You or your authorized representative need to be present while the meter is being replaced. If you have any concerns regarding the schedule, just call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211 or visit the nearest Meralco Business Center.
2. What if I need to reschedule my meter replacement?
If you or your authorized representative won’t be available on the scheduled date, call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211 to request a different schedule.
How the smart meter works
1. How does Meralco get my meter reading without a meter reader visiting my home?
Meralco has a communication infrastructure in various areas that receives readings from nearby smart meters. Similar to sending a text message, the smart meter automatically sends its reading to Meralco, so it doesn’t need to be read manually on a regular basis.
2. Does the smart meter need an internet connection?
No, you don’t need an internet connection for the smart meter. Meralco uses a separate communication network for its smart meters.
3. Will the smart meter add to my electricity consumption?
No, smart meters don't add extra electricity consumption. The meter reading will only reflect the electricity used in your home.
4. What happens to my smart meter and meter reading during a brownout?
The smart meter can automatically detect a power outage or brownout in your area and send the information to Meralco. This helps Meralco respond to outages sooner.
Meter Reading & Billing
1. Will my Meralco account number change when my meter is replaced?
No, your account number will stay the same even after the meter is replaced.
2. Will my bill due date change?
No, your bill due date will not change.
3. How can I check if my meter reading is correct?
You can still see your meter reading on the smart meter’s display.
To check your consumption for a certain period, subtract the previous reading from the current reading. You can also check your monthly consumption history on your Meralco bill to see if there are changes compared to your usual usage.
As more smart meter services become available, you’ll also have more ways to monitor and manage your electricity use. For example, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) service allows you to receive daily consumption updates via SMS. We will let you know once this is available in your area.
4. Will a meter reader still visit my home to read the smart meter?
Smart meter readings are automatically sent to Meralco, so they no longer need to be read manually on a regular basis. However, a meter reader may still visit from time to time to check the meter.
Smart Meter Services
1. Will I automatically switch to Kuryente Load or AMI Postpaid when I get a smart meter?
No, your service will not automatically switch to Kuryente Load or AMI Postpaid when your meter is replaced. These services will become available in your area at a later time, and we’ll let you know once you can avail of them.
2. Can the smart meter support programs like Net-Metering or Peak / Off-Peak?
Yes, it can support energy programs such as Peak / Off-Peak and Net-Metering if you are eligible.
3. I am currently enrolled to Peak / Off-Peak or Net-Metering (or both). Will the change in meter change my experience and billing?
No, the new meter that will be installed is also capable to support Peak / Off-Peak and Net-Metering. This means that there will be no change in your experience once the smart meter is installed.
Privacy, Security & Safety
1. Does the smart meter collect my personal information?
No, it only collects information about your electricity consumption.
2. Can a smart meter be hacked?
No, smart meters are secure, and hackers cannot manipulate your meter data or usage.
3. Does the smart meter emit radiation?
Smart meters do not emit harmful radiation and are safe to use.
Problems & Support
1. What should I do if I have a problem with my smart meter or my bill goes up after the replacement?
If you have any concerns with your smart meter after the replacement, just send a message to Meralco Facebook Messenger or call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211.
2. What happens if my smart meter stops working? How will my usage be read and billed?
If you have a concern or problem with your smart meter, call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211 or visit the nearest Meralco Business Center so we can assist you.
3. I’ve already paid my bill, but my service still hasn’t been reconnected. What should I do?
Reconnection is faster with a smart meter once your payment is posted and validated. If your service hasn't been restored yet, please get in touch with us through the Mearlco 24/7 Hotline or visit the nearest Meralco Business Center to check your account.
4. What happens if the smart meter gets wet from rain or flooding?
Smart meters are weatherproof and can withstand rain, but they aren't designed to stay submerged in floodwaters. If your smart meter is submerged in floodwater, call the Meralco 24/7 Hotline at (02) 16211 or visit the nearest Meralco Business Center so it can be checked.