Insights > Installation of advanced metering communications equipment underway in Texas

Installation of advanced metering communications equipment underway in Texas
By: Kacee Kirschvink • Manager, Entergy Arkansas Communications

11/14/2018

Recently, crews began installation of equipment to support the communications network for Entergy Texas’ advanced metering. As advanced metering rolls out system wide over the next several years, similar equipment will be going up on poles around the Entergy footprint about three to six months prior to meters being replaced in a given area.

“I think this is the start of something really, really important within Entergy,” said Ed Doepp, manager of Grid Mod. “This is not only the first step to positioning advanced metering in place, but it’s also the first step of a larger effort to modernize our grid and in the near future offer services to customers they haven’t had access to in the past.”

There are three types of network devices being installed – access points, relays and antennas. Approximately 22,000 APs and relays will be installed throughout all operating companies. Most devices will be mounted on wood poles; however, telecom towers, vaults, light poles, non-wooden poles and other structures may also be used.

APs and relays are mounted approximately 12 feet from the base of the pole. Antennas are mounted at or near the neutral or secondary attachment on poles, below the primary space. The new network devices will collect data from the advanced meters and transmit information to the company’s IT systems.

Once the communication network is in place, crews can begin installing the advanced meters. Customers and communities will receive communications throughout the advanced metering project, so they will know what to expect.

For more information, visit http://www.entergytexas.com/am-faq

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Texas 
Kacee Kirschvink
Manager, Entergy Arkansas Communications
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