Gas Company installing smart meters

DOWNEY - Southern California Gas Co. is upgrading its natural gas metering system by installing advanced meters throughout its service territory, including Downey and Paramount. The communications device will transmit hourly gas usage data from a customer's home or business, and the Gas Co. will make the usage information available online for the customer the next business day.

The advanced meter device enables the Gas Co. to "more efficiently serve its customers and empower them with more information about their gas usage so they can make more informed decisions and better control their energy bills," officials said.

The data is expected to help customers better understand and manage gas use and costs, identify sudden usage spikes, obtain information on energy usage online, and have more privacy and security.

With an advanced meter, gas usage will be measured just as it is today by a current meter and bills will continue to be based on a monthly read of natural gas usage.

********** Published: Febuary 7, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 43