Smart meters display 21st century technology

  • Published
  • By Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  We are all familiar with the person walking the neighborhood to check the meter to see how much electricity we use. This standard type of meter we have become accustomed to is going the way of the rotary telephone and the typewriter, at least here at Luke.

Welcome to the smart meter.

The Air, Education and Training Command is funding the smart meter project as of Nov. 16, according to 1st Lt. Amanda Thompson, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron energy projects officer.

"It monitors how much utilities are being used," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Harris, 56th CES energy program specialist. "The smart meter can monitor gas and water, but it is mainly being used here to monitor electricity. It is wireless and will enable us to get accurate data such as peak time electrical use by pinpoint ing the amount of electricity being used at various times during the day and how efficiently it's being used."

An effective way to conserve energy is by understanding how electricity is being consumed and the smart meter will help to accomplish this task, according to Lieutenant Thompson.

"There are currently 14 smart meters being used at Luke," she said. "We plan to install 50 more in the near future. Similar projects are being planned for natural gas and water observation."

Add to that, the amount of smart meters at a facility will depend on how many electrical feeds there are, according to Sergeant Harris.

"The smart meter will monitor all power being used," Sergeant Harris said. "We will read the meter monthly, and the kilowatt hours used will tell us what facilities are using the most energy."

The base will eventually save money with the use of the smart meters because these meters offer cutting edge technology.

"Luke AFB has a $4 million annual electric bill," said Master Sgt. Russ Fowler, 56th CES energy program manager. "With a few simple clicks, we can pull up charts to evaluate the amount of electricity a facility uses compared to past historical use to determine if the building is operating efficiently. We will be able to pinpoint areas of high electrical use, investigate the problem and fix it if necessary thus saving Luke possibly thousands of dollars."

An example of advanced or smart meter technology saving energy happened in January.

"A hangar was being renovated, and during the facility reconstruction the energy team personnel noted high electrical use and decided to investigate," Sergeant Fowler said. "We scheduled meetings with the contractor, asset management and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning shop to eliminate the excess use of heating and lighting. We expect to have nearly $10,000 in energy savings from this quick, inexpensive fix."

The smart meter is one of many aspects of energy use and conservation the Luke community will have an opportunity to learn about.

"Base personnel will have the opportunity to learn about the smart meter, as well as energy use and conservation as Luke will host an Energy Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at Club Five Six," Sergeant Fowler said.