PECO to replace smart meters in 100,000 homes

PECO is replacing new “smart” electric meters that overheated, sometimes sparking fires in the region.

After three independent tests, PECO has decided to replace nearly 100,000 meters made by Sensus Metering Systems Inc.

PECO spokeswoman Cathy Engel Menendez says the Sensus meter is the one model responsible for problems with their smart meter upgrade.

“We’ve had 30 incidents of overheating meters, two of those incidents did involve property damage other than the area surrounding the meter and all of those incidents involved the Sensus meter,” she said.

Menendez says the replacement meters have been certified by three testing agencies for their reliability.

“The L and G meter that we are using is fully compliant with UL’s performance tests and their safety requirements,” she said. “It has performed better in the field and all of it’s performance has been confirmed by three independent testing organizations.”

Previously PECO had questioned whether it was the wiring in homes, not the meters that were to blame. The meter replacements will be done over the next 45 days.

Smart meters allow the utility to track energy use hour by hour.