Advanced Metering Infrastructure
FirstEnergy
Current Rate
$0.64/mo
PUCO Case
09-846-EL-RDR
Est. 2011
Fixed monthly charge recovering smart meter deployment and advanced metering infrastructure costs. Non-bypassable — stays on your bill regardless of supplier.
📜 History & Background
FirstEnergy's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment was authorized by PUCO beginning around 2011 as part of Ohio's smart grid initiative. The federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and subsequent stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 encouraged utilities nationwide to deploy smart meters. PUCO authorized Ohio utilities to recover AMI costs through dedicated riders. FirstEnergy deployed smart meters across its Ohio service territories throughout the 2010s, replacing traditional analog meters with digital two-way communication meters that enable time-of-use pricing, faster outage detection, and elimination of estimated billing.
⚙️ How It Works
The AMI rider is a fixed monthly charge (currently $0.639/month) that appears on every residential bill. It covers capital deployment costs, ongoing maintenance, communication network operations, and the customer data management systems required for advanced metering. Unlike per-kWh charges, the fixed monthly structure ensures cost recovery regardless of consumption level.
🔒 If You Switch Suppliers
Non-bypassable — the AMI rider stays on your bill regardless of your electricity supplier. Smart meter infrastructure serves the entire distribution system, not just default-service customers.