Frequently Asked Questions

AMP treats the privacy and security of our customers' personal information as a top priority. AMP uses encryption to keep meter data confidential, transmitting it to the utility over a wireless network with multiple layers of security incorporated throughout the system.

The performance of security measures are tested and reviewed regularly to guard against unauthorized access to systems. Moreover, AMP works with federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to strengthen privacy and security standards to provide even more safeguards for consumer protection.

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) has a new privacy policy that covers the data collected from the meters. The policy was approved by the City of Alameda's Public Utilities Board at its June 26, 2017 meeting. View the privacy policy (PDF).

No customer-identifying information - such as names and addresses - is stored in the meters or transmitted across the network. Just like Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) old analog meters, smart meters collect how much electricity a customer uses. The main difference is that smart meters collect more of that information.

Access to information is restricted to authorized Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) personnel, who need that data to satisfy a business function, such as improvements in billing and customer service.

AMP will never sell customer information to third parties for their use in marketing their products or services to our customers.

The wireless communications for the smart meters use the 900 megahertz (MHz) frequency range, which is common to many household devices. Home Wi-Fi networks and wireless phones are typically in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) to 5 GHz range, so they should not be affected.