UPPCO had historically read customer meters on a bimonthly basis (with approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission) as a cost-saving measure. Many customers had expressed concerns about our reliance on estimated values when calculating their bills. As a result, UPPCO has installed an advanced metering solution that eliminates the bimonthly estimations and provides considerable value to our customers.

UPPCO's advanced metering system relies on the use of smart meters, which help modernize the power grid, increasing the efficiency and safety of our system. Smart meters improve system reliability by providing the means for determining when and where unplanned outages occur, allowing for improved restoration efforts.

Scientific and medical evidence indicates smart meters are a safe and effective way of measuring the amount of energy that is consumed at a customer's home or business. Customers that want to avoid smart meters can utilize the Standard Meter "Opt-out" option that has been reviewed and approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Customers' energy use information will be transmitted over UPPCO's secure network using advanced private communication and cyber security measures. No personal data will be transmitted over UPPCO's secure network.