What is a Smart Meter?
Texas leads the nation in smart meter technology, giving you unprecedented control over your electricity usage and costs.
Brad Gregory
License
- Texas Energy Consultant License
Expertise
- Energy Industry
- Texas Electricity Market
- Customer Experience
Certifications
- Certified Energy Professional
- Texas Energy Market Specialist
12 years of experience
Your Gateway to Energy Savings
Texas leads the nation in smart meter adoption, with over 7 million installed nationwide.
These digital devices have transformed how Texans monitor and manage electricity usage in the competitive retail market.
Here’s what every Texas resident needs to know about smart meters.
Your Gateway to Energy Savings
How to Check if You Have a Smart Meter in Texas
Accessing Your Smart Meter Data
Making the Most of Your Texas Smart Meter
What If You Don’t Have a Smart Meter?
What Is a Smart Meter?
In Texas, smart meters (officially called Advanced Metering Systems or AMS) are digital electricity meters that record your energy consumption in 15-minute intervals.
These meters use secure wireless networks to communicate directly with your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) - Oncor, Center Point, AEP, or Texas-New Mexico Power.
How to Check if You Have a Smart Meter in Texas
Nearly every Texas home in deregulated areas has a smart meter. Here’s how to confirm:
Look Up Your Address
Visit SmartMeterTexas.com and enter your ESI ID (found on your electricity bill) or address.
Check Your Meter
Texas smart meters typically have:
- A digital display
- The manufacturer name (usually Landis+Gyr, Itron, or Oncor)
- A silver FCC label
- A wireless signal indicator
Contact Your TDU
- Oncor (North Texas): 888-313-6862
- Center Point (Houston area): 800-332-7143
- AEP (South/Central Texas): 877-373-4858
- Texas-New Mexico Power: 888-866-7456
- Lubbock Power & Light: 806-775-2509
Accessing Your Smart Meter Data
Texas offers unique tools for accessing your meter data:
Smart Meter Texas
- Free account setup: SmartMeterTexas.com
- View usage in 15-minute intervals
- Download detailed consumption reports
- Share data with retail providers
- Monitor multiple meters under one login
Retail Electric Provider (REP) Tools
- Most Texas electricity companies offer their apps and portals
- Often includes bill forecasting
- Some provide real-time usage alerts
- May offer integration with smart home devices
Texas-Specific Benefits
Smart meters in Texas provide unique advantages in the deregulated market:
For Consumers
- Switch retail providers quickly (usually within 24 hours)
- Access competitive time-of-use plans
- Avoid connection/disconnection fees
- Get accurate bills without estimates
- Compare plans based on actual usage patterns
For the Texas Grid
- Better management during extreme weather
- Faster outage detection and response
- Support for ERCOT’s demand response programs
- Enhanced grid reliability
- Integration with renewable energy
Making the Most of Your Texas Smart Meter
Sign Up for Smart Meter Texas
- Create your free account at SmartMeterTexas.com
- Add authorized users for family members
- Set up usage alerts
- Export data to analyze consumption
Choose the Right Electricity Plan
- Use your detailed usage data to compare plans
- Consider time-of-use options like free nights or weekends
- Look for plans that reward lower consumption
- Evaluate seasonal pricing options
Participate in Demand Response
- Many Texas electricity companies offer demand response programs
- Earn bill credits for reducing usage during peak times
- Some programs work automatically with smart thermostats
- Check for enrollment bonuses
Privacy and Security in Texas
Texas has specific regulations protecting smart meter data:
- Only you, your TDU, and your chosen electric company can access your data
- Third parties need your explicit consent
- Data is encrypted using federal standards
- Regular security audits are required
- You control who sees your usage information
Cost and Installation
In Texas, smart meter costs are typically:
- Already installed in most homes
- Included in regulated TDU charges on your bill
- No additional fee for basic services
- Some premium features may have costs through your electric company
What If You Don’t Have a Smart Meter?
Some parts of Texas (mainly areas served by municipal utilities or co-ops) may not have smart meters. If you don’t have a smart meter:
Contact Your Local Utility
- Ask about smart meter availability
- Learn about their deployment schedule
- Understand any associated costs
Alternative Options
- Home energy monitoring systems
- Manual tracking through your utility
- Basic energy efficiency measures
Getting Help
For smart meter support in Texas:
Technical Issues
- Smart Meter Texas support: 1-877-276-2783
- Your local TDU’s customer service
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: 888-782-8477
Billing Questions
- Contact your retail electric provider (REP)
- Check your REP’s smart meter tools
- Review smart meter data
Smart meters are a cornerstone of Texas’s competitive electricity market, providing tools and data that help consumers make informed choices about their energy usage and costs.
Whether you’re shopping for a new electricity plan or trying to reduce your monthly bill, your smart meter data is key to making the best decisions for your home.