Bell Atlantic Mobile, Duquesne Light Team for Wireless Meter Readings

Commercial and industrial electric customers in western Pennsylvania now have a more efficient, timely system at work for them. Duquesne Light (Pittsburgh) is using high-speed wireless technology from Bell Atlantic Mobile (Bedminster, NJ) to enhance efficiency for monitoring thousands of its commercial and industrial meters in western Pennsylvania.

The new system improves efficiency of transmitting meter information to Duquesne Light's main computer, where it is integrated into the company's customer service and billing systems. An advanced meter system collects data from commercial users throughout the day, storing it until it is transmitted wirelessly to the main computer between midnight and 5 a.m. This enables Duquesne Light to take advantage of Bell Atlantic Mobile's lower rates during off-peak times while still continuously monitoring and recording customer use.

Approximately 6,000 wireless devices with a data interface are in place at commercial and industrial sites for Duquesne Light customers throughout western Pennsylvania. In addition to the automated meter reading, these units are also equipped to provide timely notification of a power outage at any of these sites.