Creating a more efficient and responsive system

Middle Tennessee Electric has invested in advanced meters to improve the quality and efficiency of the electric systems that serve our members. Our advanced meters have allowed us to improve reliability by pinpointing and responding to outages more effectively. They also let us build a technological foundation to enable future tools and services for our members. Finally, they provide environmental benefits through the interconnectivity of renewable energy sources, demand response, and energy efficiency. 

Frequently Asked Questions

MTE is committed to providing affordable, reliable, safe electricity and outstanding service to its members. Technology upgrades, like your advanced meter, help us improve long-term reliability as well as the way we serve you. 

An advanced meter offers wireless communications capabilities between your electric meter and MTE systems control. With this wireless communications technology, we’re notified if your power is out before you call us. This is especially important during storms, when widespread outages may occur. Advanced meters allow us to resolve issues much faster since we no longer have to call line crews to look for downed poles, broken equipment, or rely on member reports. 

We are committed to member safety and security. The advanced meters work on wireless technology called radio frequency, much like your cellular phone, television, and microwave oven.  

Advanced metering technology leverages low amounts of radio frequency (RF) to enhance wireless communications. MTE has thoroughly explored the safety of its advanced meters and confers with Federal and International health organizations' guidelines for security standards. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and World Health Organization (WHO)have all verified the safety and security of RF technology used in advanced meters. 

Here are some additional safety facts about advanced meters: 

  • Advanced meters are digital meters that have been widely used since the 1980s. The new development is a small 1-watt radio that allows two-way communication between the member and MTE. This will help the utility recognize and respond to outages remotely. 
  • The amount of RF in your advanced meter is exponentially less than other common appliances in your home like your cell phone, cordless phone, garage door opener, microwave oven, or baby monitors. 

Safety and security of our members and their data is a priority. We abide by the strictest industry guidelines for data security and privacy. 

Yes, a member can ask to have their advanced meter replaced with a digital meter. If a member chooses to do this, there is a $100 meter exchange fee that will be charged. 

Additional Information on Smart Grid

Middle Tennessee Electric is undertaking a significant long-term infrastructure upgrade to better meet our members’ current and future needs. This improvement involves creating a ‘Smart Grid’ using the latest electric distribution technology to increase reliability and power quality while reducing and shortening outages. As we implement Smart Grid, we've started answering some frequently asked questions our members have about the technology. 

Smart Grid FAQs

Middle Tennessee Electric has invested in advanced meters to improve the quality and efficiency of the electric systems that serve our members. Our advanced meters have allowed us to improve reliability by pinpointing and responding to outages more effectively. They also let us build a technological foundation to enable future tools and services for our members. Finally, they provide environmental benefits through the interconnectivity of renewable energy sources, demand response, and energy efficiency. 

Advanced Meter FAQ

MTE has teamed with Tesla, one of the most innovative technology companies in the energy industry, to test a new program intended to save members money via a cutting-edge energy management process.

Learn about battery storage

MTE is committed to making life better for members. One way we're accomplishing this purpose is through the research and commitment to innovative energy technology like Smart Grid infrastructure and microgrid research.

Microgrid

Other Engineering Information

Engineering

Smart Grid
Middle Tennessee Electric is undertaking a significant long-term infrastructure upgrade to better meet our members’ current and future needs. This improvement involves creating a ‘Smart Grid’ using the latest electric distribution technology to increase reliability and power quality while reducing and shortening outages. As we implement Smart Grid, we've started answering some frequently asked questions our members have about the technology.

Engineering

Construction Standards Update
MTE has updated its specifications for new development to include provisions for a conduit design to accommodate Smart G

Engineering

Advanced Meters
Middle Tennessee Electric has invested in advanced meters to improve the quality and efficiency of the electric systems that serve our members. Our advanced meters have allowed us to improve reliability by pinpointing and responding to outages more effectively. They also let us build a technological foundation to enable future tools and services for our members. Finally, they provide environmental benefits through the interconnectivity of renewable energy sources, demand response, and energy efficiency.