Advanced Meter Surcharge

What is the Advanced Meter Surcharge?
The Advanced Meter Surcharge is a monthly fee of $2.21 for Oncor territory customers and $3.24 for CenterPoint territory customers for the new advanced electric meters. The charge has been approved by the Public Utility Commission. Champion, like many other retail providers, passes this charge on to you without mark-up and then pays the fee to Oncor and Centerpoint.
Do all retail electric providers (REPs) charge this fee?
Yes. Whether the fee is displayed conspicuously as a separate line or not, the fee is being charged by all REP's.
What is this fee for?
The $2.21 (Oncor) or $3.24 (CenterPoint) monthly charge is being set aside for the new advanced electric meters. These meters are designed to help you better manage your energy use. By providing you with detailed information on your energy consumption, these meters can help you save money. For instance, you can identify appliances that may need to be replaced because they are no longer energy efficient. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and the Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380 or CenterPoint at 1-800-332-7143.
Is this a one-time billing charge?
No, this is not a one-time billing charge. The Public Utility Commission has approved the surcharges which will be added to your bill each month as a monthly surcharge. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" the Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380 or CenterPoint at 1-800-332-7143.
When will the charge become effective?
Beginning with bills dated after December 29, 2008 for Oncor and February 2, 2009 for CenterPoint, this PUCT-approved pass-through fee will be added to your bill as a monthly surcharge line item. This charge will appear for the next 11 years. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and the Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380 or CenterPoint at 1-800-332-7143.
Where will I see this charge on my bill?
You will see an additional line item listed as "Advanced Meter Surcharge".
Has my rate changed because of it?
For customers who signed up with Champion ON or AFTER the rollout date of the Advanced Meter System program, the average price per kilowatt-hour AND your energy charge include the advanced meter surcharge. The rollout date for the Oncor territory Advanced Meter System program was 12/29/08 and the rollout date for the CenterPoint territory Advanced Meter System program was 2/2/09. For customers who signed up prior to the roll out date, your price per kilowatt-hour does not include the advanced meter surcharge but your average price per kilowatt-hour does. For customers who signed up with Champion BEFORE the Advanced Meter System program, the average monthly price per kilowatt-hour, as shown on your bill, as well the Electricity Facts Label, have changed slightly because this monthly charge has been rolled into the rate. These customers' energy charge, however, has not changed.
I'm on a fixed rate term plan, so how can my average price per kilowatt hour rate, as shown on my bill, change?
With a fixed rate plan, the only circumstance in which your price can change is with a change in law or regulatory charges. This means that if the Texas legislature or the Public Utility Commission approves a charge, the retail electric providers in that area can pass on that fee to you, and as a result, the charge can change your rate. The Advanced meter surcharge is an example of a regulatory charge that Oncor and CenterPoint are passing on to you through your retail electric provider.
When will I have this AMS Technology (or smart meters)?
The Advance Meter System program will provide customers with advanced electric meters over a period of four years. Oncor and Centerpoint started installing the meters at the end of 2008 and early 2009 and will continue until completed in 2012. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and the Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380 or Centerpoint at 1-800-332-7143.
Will someone still come and read my meter once my "smart meter" is installed?
No. After Oncor and CenterPoint are satisfied that the meters are recording correctly, the meter will no longer be read by a meter person, instead, the information will be transmitted electronically. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and the Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380 or Centerpoint at 1-800-332-7143.
I'm currently on your low-income assistance program -- will I still have to pay the TDU Meter Surcharge?
At this time, all customers will receive this charge. The monthly charge will not be waived for any residential customer class.
What if I don't want a smart meter?
The advanced meters are considered an upgrade to replace the outdated technology. The Public Utility Commission has not provided a way for customers to opt out of the advanced meter program.