FirstEnergy’s Ohio electric companies are kicking off the second phase of smart meter installations as part of our ongoing investment to modernize the electric distribution system.

After installing smart meters on more than 715,000 homes and businesses in Ohio under the companies’ Grid Modernization (Grid Mod) I plan, Grid Mod II will build on these efforts by deploying an additional 1.4 million smart meters. Installations began this month and will wrap up in 2027.

Ohio is one of three states transitioning to smart meters. The installation of 2.1 million smart meters in Pennsylvania was completed in 2022 and as of March, 1 million smart meters have been installed in New Jersey. This marks more than 80% completion for New Jersey’s smart meter program, with deployment expected to conclude this year.

Smart Meter Benefits

A smart meter is a digital electric meter that automatically collects electricity usage information at a customer’s home or business. It then securely shares the data with the local electric company to provide detailed energy information.

Smart meters may enhance our ability to respond to power outages faster and more efficiently. Additionally, a smart meter’s automated meter readings give customers access to more accurate and detailed energy information through our free Home Energy Analyzer tool, helping them make informed decisions about how to manage electricity consumption and take control of their energy costs.

The Home Energy Analyzer provides access to energy usage in several formats, allowing customers to compare billing and energy usage in different ways, including by bill cycle, year, month or even day. They can also see how their energy usage compares to those around them and where they’re using the most of it. Plus, by answering a few questions about their energy usage, they will receive tips for saving energy at home.

Learn more about our smart meter programs here.