Pepco will begin installing "smart meters" in homes and small businesses in Maryland this month, starting in southern Prince George's County and Takoma Park.

Customers will receive a letter in advance from the utility notifying them that contractor Scope Services soon will replace their old meter.

The mailing will include further details on the smart meter installation, which Pepco officials say generally takes a few minutes and requires no, or little, customer assistance.

The digital meters will enable Pepco to read customers’ electric use remotely and will end the need to estimate bills, which now occurs when a meter reader cannot reach a standard meter because of inclement weather or other barriers.

Within about a year, customers with the new meters will be able to access online graphs showing their electric use, said Ken Farrell, who is managing the project for Pepco.

Other measures to help customers manage their energy use will be available later, officials said.

The electric utility expects to finish installing smart meters in the two counties in 2012.

Large commercial accounts will get smart meters on a slightly later schedule, Farrell said.

Customers will not see any additional charges on their electric bills -- at least not yet. The utility can ask the Maryland Public Service Commission for a rate increase to cover its costs.

Some groups have opposed the meters, arguing that the costs could outweigh the benefits; they also are wary that the utility could control electricity use.

mhyslop@gazette.net