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Improving Your Service With a Stronger, Smarter Grid

Better. Faster. Smarter.

We're improving how power reaches your home with advanced technology. As a result, you'll have fewer outages, better and faster service, simpler billing and more ways to save.

Fewer outages: With new Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration (DACR) technology, the grid will automatically reroute electricity away from issues like downed power lines, keeping power on for more people. Additionally, we're using new technologies to proactively fix issues and improve reliability for you and your neighbors.
Better and faster service: Thanks to your new smart meter, we'll know if your power goes out and can begin repairs faster than before. Enroll in Outage Alerts to get real‑time text or email updates when your power is affected.
More ways to save: Visit your energy usage page to view your daily energy usage. This information puts you in control and gives you the power to save energy and lower your bill.

See How We're Improving Your Service

DACR: Enhancing Reliability in Your Community

Weekly Electricity Updates: View Your Home's Weekly Energy Usage

FAQs

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is an electric meter equipped with two-way communication technology that provides near real-time meter readings and securely transfers your usage information to Appalachian Power for billing and operational purposes. The technology improves billing accuracy and eliminates the need for a meter reader to enter your property.

Are smart meters safe? What about radio frequencies?

Radio frequencies (RFs) emitted by digital meters are well below those produced by other common household devices, such as cell phones, microwaves and home Wi-Fi networks. The RFs are also well below the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) limit. The FCC has determined that digital meters are safe.

Digital meters transmit less than two minutes a day. It would take 10,000 years of exposure from a digital meter to be exposed to the same amount of radio frequency as you receive from one year of moderate cell phone use.

The American Cancer Society has found no link between smart meters and cancer.

The FCC has jurisdiction over the approval and use of radio frequency devices. More information on the FCC's jurisdiction and radio frequency exposure can be found below.

What if I want to have a mechanical meter?

Mechanical meters haven't been manufactured in the U.S. since 2007 and are no longer available. Appalachian Power has not used mechanical meters for a decade, since radio frequency meters were first installed. Smart meters are essentially the same as the radio frequency meters in place today, except that they are updated to provide two-way communication.

What is DACR, and what are the benefits?

DACR is new technology that detects a power outage and automatically reroutes power, minimizing the number of people affected within minutes. This means improved electric service for you and your neighbors.

APCo Featured Stories

May 8, 2026

Line crew safely relocates osprey nest in Mason County

After discovering an osprey nest on a transformer pole, an APCo line crew worked with Environmental team members to relocate it to newly constructed avian platform, reducing outage risks while protecting wildlife.

April 1, 2026

Valley Link to strengthen grid as Appalachian energy demand surges

Energy demand in the Appalachian region is growing at a rate not seen since World War II. Valley Link, made up of the Joshua Falls–Yeat and Valley North projects, will add 765-kV transmission capacity to strengthen reliability across the region. Learn about routes, community meetings and timelines.

February 26, 2026

Recognizing Caleb W. this National Engineers Week

While Caleb W. has worked with our Distribution System Analysis team for nearly four years, his passion for engineering dates back much further. Learn about his journey to become an engineer associate in Beckley, W.Va.

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