Automated Meter Reading (AMR) is a secure technology that will transmit meter data directly to the Westfield Gas and Electric network.

Westfield Gas and Electric is always looking to increase efficiency and reduce costs to benefit its customers. Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) will automate meter reading, eliminate the need for estimated readings, and provide access to current usage information that can help you to manage your monthly utility costs. After the project’s completion, WG&E will also receive automatic notification of power outages, helping us to provide better service in the event of a problem. With a reduced need for meter readers in the field, there will be fewer trucks in your neighborhood, in alignment with the City of Westfield’s green initiatives.

Protecting your information is a top priority for Westfield Gas and Electric. Your meter data is for WG&E’s use only. We apply the same privacy protection standards to all customer data, whether collected by traditional meter reading or Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). All information is securely encrypted and transmitted via WG&E’s secure network.

No. Westfield Gas and Electric will have no control over your electric consumption. We are changing to an automated system for increased work efficiency and better data collection. Eventually, customers will receive a more complete picture of their electric consumption that they can use to manage their usage. (AMR)?

The automated meters are equipped with radio technology that communicates with the Westfield Gas and Electric network. These low-­-level radio frequency (RF) signals are assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are considerably lower than those used by many everyday appliances including cellular and cordless phones, garage door openers, baby monitors, televisions, wireless computer networks, and home security systems. The meters used by WG&E comply fully with the RF safety standards established by the FCC.

Over the years, many of our customers have made a habit of reading their own electric meters. Although the new read out looks different than the older meters, reading your new meter is not difficult.

The window of the meter has an LCD display which will flash two different readings:

• The first reading is 88888. This test number shows that all segments of the LCD are working.
• The second reading is the kilowatt-hour display (kWh). This five-digit number is your meter reading.

If you are a large commercial customer, please contact your Westfield Gas and Electric account representative for information on reading the Poly-­Phase Commercial Automated Meter.

We are always happy to answer your questions at the Westfield Gas and Electric office. Stop into our office at 100 Elm Street or contact a customer service representative during business hours at (413) 572-0100.

We collect customer information based on our business relationship with you and your use of our utility services and other products we provide. Some examples include:

• Contact information that allows us to communicate with you, including your name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Billing and credit information related to your financial relationship with us, including your payment data, credit history, and Social Security number
• Electric and gas usage data gathered by our metering systems
• Repair and outages at a customer’s premises
• Communications (verbal and written) with representatives of WG&E
• Information gathered when you participate in utility programs such as those related to energy efficiency

We collect customer information in a variety of ways, including:

• When you set up your account and interact with us regarding your account, your utility service, and your participation in utility programs
• When you use electricity and natural gas service, usage data is collected via our metering systems (including the AMR™ system)
• When you choose to engage with us through our website - View our website policy and terms of use
• When we interact with third parties such as credit agencies
• When you call WG&E customer service representatives or other representatives of WG&E

This privacy policy is aimed at protecting personal information (i.e., information about you and your energy usage) that includes identifiable information about your account, such as the name on the customer account, addresses and telephone numbers associated with the account, and the account number. We use personal information to administer your account and inform you about your energy usage, as well as to manage, provide, and improve our services and business operations. Some examples include:

• To review credit
• To generate your customer billing statement, and otherwise, in connection with billing and payment on your customer account
• In the near future enable you to see your energy usage data on a next-day basis via secure access on the Internet (available to residential and commercial customers)
• To communicate with you about your energy usage to help you select the best rate plan, or help you, if you choose, to take better advantage of certain pricing programs that may be offered by WG&E such as our residential, commercial, or industrial conservation and energy efficiency programs.
• To communicate with you about specific programs or opportunities offered by WG&E that may help you to lower your energy usage or realize other benefits
• To communicate with you about energy saving tips and energy management tips We may also aggregate data about your electric and gas usage in various formats so that the data becomes anonymous and cannot be identified personally with you. For instance, aggregated data could be a summary of total energy usage for all homes and businesses in a certain geographic area or customer group.. Aggregated data is not subject to privacy restrictions and is used by us to manage, provide, and improve our services and business operations. Some examples include:
• To analyze rates and rate structures
• To project usage demand patterns and plot growth in different geographic or other areas
• To improve our energy supply planning and to better design and engineer our energy distribution systems
• To be more responsive to outage restoration situations
• When we use your personally identifiable data, we may share it with contractors and vendors for purposes of providing you services and operating our utility system. However, in these cases, we require that the contractors or vendors agree to only use the information provided for utility operational purposes and to protect it under the same confidentiality and privacy standards as we apply to our own employees and operations.

We understand that system and data security is a top priority for our customers. WG&E takes extensive measures to ensure the integrity of our systems and to secure and protect customers and customer data. We safeguard customer information on secure systems with restricted access and have implemented appropriate security controls to protect the information when it is stored or transmitted by us. Contractors acting on WG&E’s behalf are required to comply with our privacy policy.

We protect your data that you may access through WG&E on the internet using the latest password protection protocols and other security protections that prevent third parties from accessing your personal data in our billing system unless you affirmatively consent.

WG&E does not release personal customer information to any other person or business entity without your prior written consent.

There are, however, certain exceptions that have been authorized by the DPU or the Massachusetts Legislature. WG&E may release personal information without your prior written consent as follows:

• To law enforcement officers, pursuant to legal process (such as a warrant or subpoena approved by a judge)
• To contractors providing utility-related services on behalf of WG&E - but only to the extent necessary to render the service and subject to confidentiality and security obligations
• To the DPU (or other governmental agencies with jurisdiction over WG&E) when they require such information
• To others as required by court order or by applicable laws, rules, or regulations governing WG&E
• To credit-reporting agencies and collection agencies if your account is assigned for collection
• The information considered a public record by Massachusetts Law

As stated above, on occasion, WG&E may share non-customer-specific energy usage data with third parties where necessary or beneficial for utility business operations, such as academicians performing research that may help improve our Customer Energy Efficiency or Demand Response programs

We do not sell or provide personal customer information to third parties for their commercial benefit.

The information collected by WG&E, as outlined, occurs regardless of meter reading medium.

Residential customers with AMR will have secure access through the WG&E website to their own electricity and gas usage data. This data is collected and provided one day after actual usage and shows your hourly usage on a 24-hour basis.

Nonresidential (business) customers with AMR will have access to this data 24 hours a day on a 15-minute interval basis provided one day after actual usage.

Customers with AMR may also have secure access to their pricing information. WG&E protects this customer data under the same current privacy protections and data exchange rules applicable to all customer specific data under federal and state laws and rules and orders of the DPU. In particular, except under the limited circumstances discussed above, WG&E does not release your AMR customer data to any other person or business entity without your affirmative consent.

WG&E maintains customer-specific energy usage and billing information for seven years in accordance with DPU rules and standards.

Yes; customers may authorize any third party to have access to their WG&E provided data.

WG&E believes that there are many valuable and safe ways to share data with third parties. However, there are risks as well, as this information potentially contains personal data. Once provided to a third party, customers may have little control of its further use. For more information about consumer privacy best practices, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

So far, winter temperatures for 2018/2019 have trended close to normal. Total degree days for November and December 2018 were 1,738 compared to the historical normal of 1,747. That’s less than a 1% variance. Some forecasts are now calling for the chance of sustained below-normal temperatures for the latter half of January 2019. We’ll have to wait to see if those predictions are accurate. WG&E’s gas rates have not increased compared to last year. Customers should keep in mind that colder weather will drive up thermostats and consumption, resulting in higher monthly bills.
Learn more in the 2018-2019 Energy Outlook.

Yes, natural gas is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. The transportation costs assessed to utility providers (like WG&E) to move gas to the Northeast have been particularly volatile this winter.

The pipeline infrastructure that brings natural gas into New England has not kept up with the demand. Pipeline operators have not made sufficient investments to increase the pipeline capacity into this region. The use of gas for generating electricity has gone from 10% to well over 50% in the last decade. Demand increases further during periods of extreme cold like we have been experiencing recently.

WG&E uses a multi-faceted approach to stabilize energy prices.

1. We purchase energy in advance to meet expected needs for cost savings.
2. We limit our controllable expenses.
3. We tap stabilization (rainy day) funds as necessary.
4. We adjust rates.

Daily spot gas is the gas supply that utility providers, like WG&E, must purchase when the demand is higher and existing, pre-paid supplies are insufficient. Beginning in late December 2017 and into the early part of January 2018, we experienced record-breaking cold weather causing many utilities in New England to purchase expensive supplies to meet their customers’ increased heating load. During the cold snap, daily prices shot up as high as $90.00/MMBtu when the region would typically pay around $5.00/MMBtu during normal winter weather conditions. Industry officials blame a lack of pipeline capacity into New England for the spike in prices as utility companies and electric generators are all vying for the same supply.

Weather, specifically temperature, has the biggest influence on the cost of energy.  We aim to keep our costs to customers stable with a well-managed, diverse energy supply portfolio. In spite of this, customers should expect higher heating bills compared to last year as a result of increased energy consumption. 

Everyone saves when they increase the energy efficiency of their home and conserve energy. Look under Energy Efficiency > Ways to Save at Home.

You can also contact your federal and state representatives in writing to have them take action on improving regional gas transmission in the Northeast. Find contact information and a sample letter under Serving Customers > Energy Outlook.

Solar (Photovoltaic/PV) electricity is produced when sunlight reacts directly with semiconductor materials contained within solar panels to produce electricity. Several panels may be wired together to provide greater quantities of electric power and comprise a solar array. Solar electricity can be used to supplement the electric power consumed within your home.

This is not true. You may install a solar system in Westfield but you must be the outright owner of the system. WG+E is a municipally owned utility and Massachusetts state laws control the resale of power in our service territory. This means that third-party lease agreements and power purchase agreements (PPAs) that are available to customers of investor-owned utilities (IOU), are not permitted in Westfield. At the same time, you are not being charged the solar rate recovery charges that are added to IOU bills for such agreements and that helps to keep your bill down. WG+E’s annual survey shows that while the majority of our customers support renewable energy, they do not want to pay more for it.

No, WG+E remains committed to providing electric and natural gas service throughout the city of Westfield.

A solar electric system is made up of solar panels, a solid state inverter which changes the direct current (DC) produced by the array into usable alternating current (AC), wiring, disconnecting switch and mounting hardware to fasten the array to your roof.

The details for any offer you receive should be verified. Since WG+E provides electricity at a very low cost, it may be difficult for solar companies to compete with electric service on a cost only basis. Other factors, such as the desire to purchase “green energy” may be a deciding factor.

People decide to buy solar electric systems for a variety of reasons. While many would not consider solar a good financial investment, it may make sense for others who wish to invest in a more sustainable future. Some people are motivated to help preserve the earth’s finite fossil-fuel resources and support the development of clean energy technologies.

Your contractor will help you determine if your house can produce solar power efficiently. They will take into consideration many variables including the direction the roof faces, roof space, type of roof, and available sunlight.

Yes, you will be reimbursed according to the Buy-All Sell-All Solar Production Reimbursement Rider. In Buy-All Sell-All reimbursement, a solar customer buys all of their electricity they consume from WG+E at a standard rate and sells all of their solar output to WG+E at the Solar Production Reimbursement Rider credit rate. Each month the customer’s bill will show:

• The charges for their total consumption, calculated at the standard applicable rate(s), including the customer charge, transmission charge, distribution charge, and supply charge;
• A credit for ALL of their solar production (per kWh) at the Solar Production Reimbursement Rider rate;
• A monthly Solar Metering Charge for the additional meter.

Your contractor will help you to understand the cost for any system you acquire.

You must fully own your solar system or finance it through a banking institution. Massachusetts laws prohibit third-party developers from selling energy within the territory of a municipally owned utility like WG+E. By owning the equipment outright the sale of excess energy remains a legal reimbursement between you and WG+E.

The amount of savings will depend on how much electricity is produced which can vary based upon numerous factors including: the size of the system, the amount of daylight, and prevailing weather conditions, how much electricity you use, and how much power your solar array can produce.

A conventional solar electric system produces electricity that must be used immediately; it cannot store energy to be used at a later time. Optimum electrical production occurs with bright and sunny weather conditions. A cloudy day may provide sufficient diffused light for panels to produce some electricity. At night, or on overcast days, a solar electric system goes dormant. During these times, you will receive power from WG+E. When the sun comes back out, the system resumes producing energy. WG+E will continue to provide your electricity any time your system does not have enough sunlight.

When there is no sunlight, the inverter automatically switches to standby mode and you will receive electricity from WG+E. When the sun shines again, the inverter turns on automatically to provide power from your solar panels.

Only systems with battery back-up can give you power during a grid power outage. Systems without batteries turn off automatically during a power outage to prevent the possibility of injuring utility workers repairing the conventional distribution system. When grid power is restored, the system will turn on automatically.

“Off the grid” generally means that you provide all your own power without utility backup. Since the solar system needs sunlight to produce electricity, there are times when you will need backup power. If you install a solar system, WG+E will continue to maintain your electric service providing power whenever you need it.

Probably not – a backup battery bank can add as much as 25% in cost to a residential solar system. WG+E is in place to cover any additional electric needs you may have.

You should consult your contactor or the panel manufacturer’s website for recommended maintenance.

No, the technology used to convert sunlight into electricity is different from the technology used to heat water. A thermal glycol-based system would be used to heat water for your home. The two technologies are different and have no common parts.

WGE is not a solar equipment provider. This decision should be made with your contractor.

No, WG+E does not provide equipment or financing at this time.

You should discuss the timeline with your contractor.

Your contractor will need to obtain building permits and electrical permits to install a solar photovoltaic system.

Recent research suggests a solar PV system can increase a home’s market value if prospective buyers understand the financial benefits that the system creates.

Typically, only the homeowner contracts for a solar electric system.

Solar electric systems stay with the home to which they are attached.

If you add solar panels to your house, your insurance company should be consulted to determine the appropriate policy upgrades.

In Buy-All Sell-All reimbursement, a solar customer buys all of their electricity they consume from WG+E at a standard rate and sells all of their solar output to WG+E at the Solar Production Reimbursement Rider credit rate. Each month the customer’s bill will show:

• The charges for their total consumption, calculated at the standard applicable rate(s), including the customer charge, transmission charge, distribution charge, and supply charge;
• A credit for ALL of their solar production (per kWh) at the Solar Production Reimbursement Rider rate;
• A monthly Solar Metering Charge for the additional meter.

Buy-All Sell-All reimbursement helps to ensure the fair distribution of the costs associated with providing electric service to all WG+E customers.

Westfield Gas and Electric prunes trees to ensure safe and reliable electric service. The majority of trees trimmed along power lines can be safely maintained through directional trimming. Directional trimming allows for trees to be trimmed in a natural growth pattern.

Westfield Gas and Electric uses natural target trimming, better known as directional trimming, to maintain clearances between trees and high-voltage power lines.

Directional trimming practices can include V-shaped trimming of trees around power lines and the cutting of tree limbs where they would naturally shed. This type of trimming can increase the protection of trees from attacks from diseases and insects.

You should never get near an electric line or use any kind of equipment close to a line. If tree branches have grown into lines in an alley, street, or backyard utility easement (this includes all major lines except the service lines that go over your property from the pole to the electric meter), you should call Westfield Gas and Electric so they can schedule an inspection.

If the branches have grown too close or into the service line running across your property from the pole to the meter, you should call a qualified tree trimmer or arborist to trim the tree limbs.

For safety reasons, if you will be doing the trimming yourself, you may want to call your competitive retailer and arrange to have the service drop disconnected while the pruning is underway. There could be a cost involved.

You can avoid the expense and inconvenience of calling a qualified tree trimmer by never planting trees that could grow tall near or under the service line.

Residents can help Westfield Gas and Electric minimize tree-related outages and ensure the beauty of their landscapes through thoughtful planting of new trees. Trees planted along the property’s border should either be low growing shrubs or tall and narrow trees planted at least as far away from the lines as the trees’ natural spread from power lines.

Spreading trees, such as elms and oaks, are common outage-causing culprits and should be planted at least 50 feet away from power lines.

Before planting trees on your property, the location of utility lines should be considered. Are lines overhead or underground? Never dig near underground utility lines. Future access to these underground lines should be considered when planting.

If overhead electric lines serve your home, never get too close to the lines and don’t take tools or other objects near the lines. If you have underground electric service, never dig until you know where the lines are buried. To have underground lines located and marked at no charge, call 8-1-1 or 888-DIG-SAFE.

Only during emergency situations would a lineman do any trimming. Westfield Gas and Electric hires qualified line clearance tree companies to do their maintenance pruning.

That depends on a lot of different factors:

• Proximity of your tree to our lines
• Growth habit of the tree
• Size of the limbs that need to be removed
• Availability of suitable lateral limbs to prune
• Other trimming that has been done to the tree (such as thinning, stubbing, or trimming for other utilities etc.)

Just because you saw a tree down the street that had a V shape does not mean your tree will have a V shape. Very often trees that are directly under the lines and are taller than the lines will have a V or Y shape. While this may not be the most aesthetically pleasing form, it is an arborlogically correct method that will help promote the long-term health of the trees.

Your trees may not be actually touching the wires at this time, but they could be close enough to sway into the lines in high winds. Also, all the trees on this feeder should be on the same approximate maintenance schedule. This improves reliability to everyone on the circuit and reduces the number of trips we have to make to maintain that reliability.

You can imagine if each of the 1,000 or so consumers on a given circuit had their trees on a different schedule. Pruning limbs before they cause a problem is ideal. By doing so, we can direct the growth away from the lines.

Our standards are based on several factors:

• Minimum safe working distance for a tree worker
• Amount of tree swaying in high winds
• Ability of limbs to break and fall on lines
• Varying growth and regrowth rates of different species of trees

We can never trim enough to prevent all tree outages. We attempt to get enough clearance to withstand normal seasonal weather conditions to keep us from having to come back frequently.

Westfield Gas and Electric’s goal is to deliver safe and reliable electric service to you and your neighbors. In order to accomplish this, we need to maintain a safe distance between your trees and our wires.