RF Meter Project

RF Meter Pilot Program

Bringing Smarter Technology to Improve Your Service

MEA is launching a new RF (Radio Frequency) Meter Pilot Program to evaluate the next generation of meter technology that enhances service reliability, outage response, and operational efficiency. This pilot program will install a limited number of advanced RF meters across our system—offering a smarter way to monitor energy use and respond to outages in real time. This process will begin this summer (2025), selecting up to 100 of our members to evaluate the implementation of the RF Meter Pilot program. MEA will notify its members when their meters will be swapped out in their area. Updates on the project will be provided in the monthly member email and quarterly Power Lines newsletter.
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RF Meters offer several key advantages including: 

• ‍Real-Time Monitoring - RF utility meters are the same digital meter you currently have installed but are equipped with RF communication capabilities, featuring built-in radio transmitters and antennas. They periodically collect power consumption and voltage health data, converting it into digital signals. This data includes electricity usage, voltage levels, and meter health status, which is then sent wirelessly to MEA.‍
• Outage Detection - In the event of an outage, these RF meters promptly notify our dispatch center when there is an issue with your power. Leveraging geospatial mapping software, we can precisely pinpoint outages and dispatch line crews swiftly to that outage. This technology allows us to greatly improve our outage response and get your power restored more quickly. Additionally, RF meters will automatically notify our dispatch center when power is restored.‍
• Lower Cost, Greater Value - Compared to the current Power Line Carrier (PLC) meter that MEA uses for our members, RF meters are nearly 50% less in cost. MEA currently powers more than 70,000 meters. RF meters will provide extensive cost savings without sacrificing reliability. RF meters rely on simpler communication networks compared to PLC meters, which would lead to savings on communication infrastructure.‍
• Other Benefits - The insights provided by RF meters into electricity consumption patterns enable us to optimize grid operations and balance loads effectively. This data supports demand response programs and facilitates the integration of distributed energy resources, thereby enhancing overall grid reliability. By understanding consumption trends, we can better predict and manage peak loads, ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.

What’s Next?

The RF Meter Pilot Program is currently limited in scope as we evaluate performance, reliability, and member experience. Your feedback will help shape future decisions as we continue exploring technologies that support a stronger, more resilient energy future for our co-op.

Have questions about the pilot program or your meter?
Contact our Member Services team at 907-761-9300 for assistance or email: RFMeters@mea.coop

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following frequently asked questions will help you to understand the metering process as well as what radio frequency (RF) meters are in preparation for the new RF Meter Pilot Program. For any other questions, feel free to email RFMeters@mea.coop

Q. Are any of MEA’s members currently using RF Meters?

A. Yes! Currently, some MEA members who are in sections of the service area that cannot be serviced by our current Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), are on a similar type of meter, which is offered by Verizon Grid Wide.

Q. What is a smart meter?

A. Smart meters are advanced meter systems that measure and report electricity consumption, voltage levels and outages in real-time. What makes them different from older analog meter systems is that smart meters operate by transmitting and receiving information wirelessly rather than having to manually input data. MEA’s meters are smart meters.

Q. How does an RF meter work?

A. Radio frequency meters operate the same way a cell phone sends and receives data - these meters send readings using radio frequency to a network of receivers that are installed on power lines. Energy consumption data for utility billing purposes is collected and transmitted a few times a day using short, low-power radio transmissions through a wireless network. Only power, voltage and outage data are measured by these meters.

Q. How is radio frequency energy used?

A. The most important use for RF energy is in providing telecommunication services. Radio and TV broadcasting, cellular devices, radio communications for police and fire departments, and satellite communications are just a few of the many telecommunication applications of RF energy. A microwave oven is an example of non-telecommunication use of RF energy.

Q. What are “radio frequency” and microwave radiation?

A. Radio waves and microwaves emitted by transmitting antennas are forms of electromagnetic energy. They are collectively referred to as “radiofrequency” energy or radiation. Note that the term “radiation” does not mean “radioactive”.

Q. Do RF meters use waves that can be a health hazard?

A. The World Health Organization has concluded that no adverse health effects have been found to result from exposure to low-level RF energy. The RF exposure levels from smart meters are far below the levels permitted by the FCC.

Q. If the power goes out, do I still have to call the company?

A. Yes, for the time being. To report an outage, call 907-746-7697 or report with SmartHub. However, in the future, we expect that the RF meters will instantly report outages directly to Dispatch so that your power can be restored more quickly.

Q. Will my monthly bill be higher?

A. Having a smart meter will not impact your bill. In fact, the hourly detail smart meters provide can help you identify opportunities to reduce your usage and lower your bill.

Q. Why is MEA installing RF meters?

A. MEA is installing radio frequency meters to improve reliability, affordability, and safety for our members. RF will implement a faster and more reliable outage response to affected communities, provide reliable energy usage reports, and drive down the cost of equipment required to replace meters every couple of years.

Q. Are other utilities in Alaska using RF meters?

A. Yes, currently Chugach Electric Association and Golden Valley Electric Association use RF meters nearly identical to these meters.

Q. How long before every member has an RF meter?

A. This process will begin this summer (2025), selecting up to 100 of our members to evaluate the implementation of the RF Meter Pilot program. After the evaluation is completed, it will take several years to switch over all of our meters. MEA will notify its members when their meters will be swapped out in their area. Stay updated with our Monthly Member Email for more information on the project.

Q. What is this costing me?

A. Not a thing!  This is a new effort that MEA is pursuing to stay up to date and enhance grid reliability for our members. In fact, in time, these new meters should reduce MEA’s costs and save our members money.

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