Ukraine Explores Arms Exports for Wartime Revenue as Eversource Upgrades to Smart Meters

Ukraine arms export and smart meter installation.
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    In a significant development, Ukraine is considering opening up its arms export market as a means to generate revenue during its ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, in the United States, Eversource is making strides in its statewide initiative to replace traditional electric meters with advanced "smart meters," aiming for greater efficiency and customer insight.

    Key Takeaways

    • Ukraine seeks to leverage its wartime technology for financial gain through arms exports.
    • Eversource is actively replacing over 1.5 million electric meters across Massachusetts with smart technology.
    • The smart meter rollout aims to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide customers with more detailed usage data.
    • Concerns regarding radiation from smart meters have led to proposed legislation offering opt-out options and protections for consumers.

    Ukraine’s Strategic Pivot to Arms Exports

    Facing the financial demands of a protracted war, Ukraine is exploring the possibility of exporting its domestically produced and developed arms. This strategic move aims to tap into international markets, generating much-needed revenue that can be reinvested into its defense capabilities and war efforts. The initiative highlights Ukraine’s determination to not only defend itself but also to foster its defense industry amidst the conflict.

    Eversource’s Smart Meter Rollout Across Massachusetts

    Eversource, a major utility provider in Massachusetts, is in the midst of a large-scale project to replace traditional analog electric meters with smart meters. This initiative, which began last summer, involves upgrading more than 1.5 million meters statewide, with a projected completion by the end of 2027. The company has already installed 100,000 smart meters, with crews working through various communities in the Valley region.

    Benefits and Environmental Impact of Smart Meters

    According to Luis Pizano, Director of Smart Meter Operations at Eversource, the new technology offers significant advantages. Smart meters enable daily tracking of electricity usage, a stark contrast to the monthly readings of older meters. This granular data allows customers to better understand and manage their energy consumption. Furthermore, the transition is expected to yield environmental benefits by reducing the need for Eversource to dispatch "an army of vehicles" for meter readings, thereby cutting down on fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Customer Engagement and Concerns

    The smart meters transmit data continuously via a radio system, allowing Eversource to make readings daily and customers to access their usage information through their Eversource accounts. Pizano likens the upgrade to moving from an analog phone to a smartphone, emphasizing the enhanced capabilities and insights provided. While the utility asserts that the radio frequency (RF) levels emitted by smart meters are safe and within national guidelines, some residents have expressed concerns about radiation. Proposed legislation, such as bill S.2306 and H.3551, aims to address these concerns by offering customers the option to retain analog meters or non-transmitting smart meters without additional cost, and requiring written consent before installation.

    Modernization and Future of Grid Technology

    Eversource’s smart meter rollout is part of a broader state-driven push for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. Approved by the state’s Department of Public Utilities, the modernization plan for Eversource includes a budget of $668 million for AMI installation. This ongoing investment underscores the commitment to maintaining a modern and efficient electricity grid, replacing aging infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.

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