Metering Information

Why is Keys Energy Services (KEYS) pursuing a MSU?

The existing meter system has dated technology and does not provide the ability to support evolving electric utility needs. 

How will the meter upgrade improve the electric operations?

With the MSU, KEYS will be able to offer a higher level of customer service, provide faster power restoration, improve reliability, and manage operating costs. The timely information available to Customer Service through the MSU will help in responding to customer questions and issues. That same information will give KEYS a view of what is happening throughout the electric system in near real time. Some of the other  benefits include fewer truck deployments (lower vehicle emissions), improved outage notification, and early identification of any power quality issues.

What is the difference between the current and new meter system? 

Until now, all meters have been read via a drive-by vehicle. This process does not provide real time information needed in today’s ever-changing utility industry. The new metering system enables two-way communication between customers’ meters and our network (the Headend System). This data is then processed through the Meter Data Management System (MDMS), which integrates with our billing and outage management systems. By upgrading to this new system, meters will now be read remotely, providing KEYS with timely data to improve customer service and respond to issues more quickly.  

Is this data encrypted and secure? 

Yes, the metering system has inherent security features built in to keep information private and secure. 

The meters and communication modules are password protected and have a “key” that is refreshed on a regular basis. The metering system contains intelligence technology to alert the data center of any suspicious activity. This system does not use the internet, and has a closed, dedicated communications system.

Additionally, no personal information (name, address, or other) is included in any data transmission, just the meter data and electronic serial number of the meter module.

Can my power be shut off remotely or hacked into by outside parties? 

Authorized KEYS’ staff can remotely disconnect and reconnect power for accounts equipped with specific meter types. Multiple safeguards are in place to prevent accidental shut-off or unauthorized access. 

Only authorized KEYS’ staff can initiate a disconnect command. To ensure accuracy, the system will require KEYS’ staff to confirm the request twice before the command is sent. The meter will only complete the disconnect if the system verifies the command request is valid and authorized.  

For your protection, all shut-off commands are recorded and logged indicating the authorized user that initiated it.

The metering network is private, highly secure and it uses advanced encryption technology to ensure your service remains protected from unauthorized parties.  

What assurance can you give me that my data isn't being confused with another account? 

When KEYS authorized representatives exchange a meter, they will follow a formal verification process to ensure all data is accurately transferred. This includes taking photos of the old and new meter reading registers, taking site photos, verifying the old meter number with the account. They will also record and verify the new meter number with the account and its unique digital ID number. This information is then given to KEYS’ staff who directly transfers it to the billing system. There are multiple quality assurance steps taken to verify the meter and account number align. This is a similar meter exchange process that is used with the current meter system.

Has this system been tested over time elsewhere and proven accurate, robust, and not vulnerable to data theft and ransom attacks? 

Yes, the system is a proven technology, has been tested over time elsewhere, and has proven to be accurate, robust, and not vulnerable to data theft and ransom attacks. 

The network KEYS is deploying has been deployed at more than 1,300 utilities across North America to date and has proven its accuracy, robustness, and resiliency to ransom attacks.

Is KEYS the only utility in Florida to use these meters?

No, it is estimated that approximately 10 million similar electric meters are deployed in Florida and 146 million are installed in the US. 

Have these meters been tested to be safe for use in homes?

Yes. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) undertook several substantial investigations of meter radio frequency (RF) exposure. The RF exposure from electric meters is less than the FCC’s maximum permissible exposure (MPE) requirements and has found to be 125 to 1,250 less than a cell phone. The investigations also found several mitigating factors that greatly reduce the RF exposure such as the distance to the meter, shielding provided by the meter socket, the house structure, and the antenna orientation. You would need to stand next to an electric meter for 1.7 years to obtain the equivalent RF exposure of a five-minute cell phone call. If you are 10 feet from the meter, it would take 32 years for the same RF exposure.

Will my data be used for purposes beyond billing and managing the electric system?

No. The information is used for billing and monitoring the electric distribution system. This information is protected by Florida statutes and will not be shared with or sold to other parties.

Can KEYS monitor how I use electricity with the new meters? Isn’t this a Privacy risk?

The meters will record when and how much electricity is being used. The system does not know what appliance or device is used. Additionally, KEYS does not sell customer information or make it available to third parties.

What can I expect on the day of the meter exchange?

A KEYS authorized representative will only need access to the electric meter.  We will not need to enter your home during the exchange.  There will be a temporary power outage while the meter is being physically exchanged.  The brief outage will last less than 15 minutes.  

What if I don’t want a new meter?

Replacing the current meter is required to keep KEYS meter reading technology efficient and up to date.