Smart Meters, RF Signals, Shielding, and Opt-Out Programs: What Homeowners Should Know
by James Finn ©2026
Smart meters are now common across the United States, but many homeowners still have reasonable questions about what they are, how they communicate, whether their signals enter the home, and what options exist for people who do not want one on their property.
A smart meter is a utility meter that measures electricity, gas, or water usage and communicates that information back to the utility company. For electric service, it replaces or supplements the older analog meter that had to be read manually. Smart meters are part of what utilities call Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI.
The important thing to understand is that smart meters are not all identical. Their communication methods, frequencies, duty cycles, transmit powers, and opt-out rules vary by utility, state, and meter manufacturer.
What Is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital utility meter with communication capability. Unlike a traditional analog meter, which records usage locally and must be read in person, a smart meter can automatically send usage data to the utility.
Most electric smart meters measure electricity consumption in intervals, such as hourly or shorter time blocks. The utility can then use that information for billing, outage detection, load management, and grid planning.
Utilities use smart meters because they can reduce manual meter-reading costs, improve outage detection, support time-of-use billing, detect service problems more quickly, and provide customers with more detailed energy-use information. The National Conference of State Legislatures describes smart meters as part of grid modernization because they provide utilities and grid operators with more real-time information about electricity usage and consumer behavior.
How Does a Smart Meter Work?
A smart meter has two main functions.
First, it measures utility usage. For electricity, the meter records the amount of energy that passes through the service connection. For gas or water, the meter records flow or usage through the utility line.
Second, it communicates data. Depending on the utility system, this can happen through:
Communication method: How it works. RF mesh network. The meter sends short radiofrequency data packets to nearby meters or a collector. Cellular connection: The meter communicates through a cellular network. Power-line communication. Data travels over electrical conductors. Wired AMI Data travels through a fixed wire or utility communication line. Drive-by / walk-by RFA meter reader collects data nearby using a receiver
Many U.S. electric smart meters use a neighborhood mesh system. In that design, meters can pass small packets of data through nearby meters until the data reaches a utility collector or access point. The American Radio Relay League notes that utility-side radio communication may reach a neighborhood concentrator, and smart meters may also mesh through other meters to communicate with that concentrator.
What Frequencies Do Smart Meters Use?
In the United States, many smart meters use the 902–928 MHz ISM band. Some systems also use 2.4 GHz, and some meter modules include cellular communication bands. The exact frequency depends on the meter model and utility network.
The American Radio Relay League states that smart meters typically operate in the 902 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands, with power output around 1 watt in the 902 MHz band and much lower in the 2.4 GHz band.
Dominion Energy’s smart-meter RF overview states that its smart meter operating band is 902–928 MHz, which is a 26 MHz-wide band.
Federal rules allow certain unlicensed devices to operate in the 902–928 MHz, 2400–2483.5 MHz, and 5725–5850 MHz bands under FCC Part 15.247, with power limits that depend on the modulation and channel structure.
Do Smart Meter Signals Penetrate Concrete?
Yes, smart-meter RF signals can penetrate many building materials, including wood, drywall, brick, and some concrete. However, concrete, masonry, metal lath, foil insulation, reinforced concrete, and rebar can significantly reduce signal strength.
At around 900 MHz, a common smart-meter frequency range, RF signals often penetrate ordinary walls better than higher-frequency Wi-Fi signals, but the extent of penetration depends heavily on the structure. NIST has studied electromagnetic signal attenuation through construction materials, including brick, masonry block, concrete mixes, drywall, lumber, reinforced concrete, and rebar grids, showing that building materials can attenuate radio signals in different ways depending on thickness and composition.
A study of 900 MHz propagation through brick and reinforced concrete walls reported that double steel-mesh reinforced concrete walls can produce transmission losses of roughly 15–20 dB, meaning the signal may still pass through, but at a much lower level.
So the practical answer is: yes, smart-meter signals can penetrate concrete, but reinforced concrete and metal-containing construction can substantially reduce them.
How Far Can Smart Meter Signals Reach?
The range depends on the meter, antenna, terrain, building materials, collector placement, and whether the system uses mesh networking.
In many residential deployments, the signal is designed to reach nearby meters or a neighborhood collector, not to act like a long-distance broadcast tower. The ARRL describes the intended range as “very localized,” with the utility-side radio communicating with a nearby concentrator, often mounted on a pole, and sometimes using several meter-to-meter hops.
In open air, a 900 MHz signal from a low-power transmitter can travel hundreds of feet or more, and under favorable line-of-sight conditions, possibly farther. In real neighborhoods, walls, terrain, meter placement, metal siding, vegetation, and interference reduce effective range.
Are Smart Meter Signals Stronger Than a Cell Phone Signal?
The answer depends on what you mean by “stronger.”
A smart meter may have a transmitter power that is in the same broad range as some cellular devices or cellular modules. Some smart meters or meter modules may transmit between 100 and 1,000 milliwatts, depending on the system. Cell phones can also transmit variable power depending on distance to the tower and network conditions.
But human exposure is not determined solely by transmitter power. It depends on several factors:
Distance: A phone may be held directly against the body; a meter is usually outside.
Duty cycle: A phone can transmit frequently during use; a meter usually transmits intermittently.
Direction and shielding: Meter antennas, walls, meter boxes, and distance affect exposure.
Network conditions: Phones increase power when reception is poor.
Dominion Energy’s RF overview states that, in its measurements, in-home smart-meter RF levels were over 100,000 times below the FCC limit and more than 30,000 times lower than those of “always on” devices like smartphones.
From a Building Biology or precautionary design perspective, however, the comparison should not end there. A smart meter may be outside a bedroom wall and may transmit at times when occupants are sleeping. So even if the average level is lower than a cell phone, location and sensitivity concerns still matter.
Are Smart Meter Signals Stronger Than Wi-Fi?
Again, it depends.
A smart meter operating at 902–928 MHz may have a higher peak transmitter power than a typical Wi-Fi device, while Wi-Fi may transmit more frequently depending on household usage. Wi-Fi usually operates at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, while many smart meters operate around 900 MHz. The 900 MHz band generally penetrates building materials better than 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, but that does not automatically mean higher exposure inside the home.
A practical comparison:
Smart meter: Often intermittent, usually outside, often 900 MHz mesh or cellular.
Wi-Fi router: Often inside; may transmit frequently, usually on 2.4/5/6 GHz.
Cell phone: Often close to the body, the transmission power varies greatly.
Smart speaker / IoT device: Usually lower power, but may be very close to sleeping areas.
So a smart meter is not automatically “stronger than Wi-Fi” in the room. A Wi-Fi router inside the room can easily dominate the RF environment. But a smart meter mounted directly outside a bedroom wall can still be a relevant source for that room, especially if the bed is close to the meter wall.
Why Does the Power Company Use Smart Meters?
Utilities use smart meters for several operational reasons:
Utility purpose: Why it matters to the utility. Remote meter reading reduces manual meter-reading labor, faster outage detection, helps identify outage areas and restoration status, time-of-use billing, supports variable pricing by time of day, load management, helps utilities understand demand patterns, theft/tamper detection, can identify unusual meter conditions, remote connection/disconnection, allows some service changes without a field visit, grid modernization, supports more detailed planning and distributed energy integration
From the utility’s perspective, smart meters make the grid more data-driven. From the homeowner’s perspective, the benefit may be more detailed usage data, faster outage reporting, and access to certain rate programs. Some customers are concerned that this also adds a wireless or digital communication device to the home environment.
In Which States Is There an Opt-Out Program?
Smart-meter opt-out rules are complicated. Some states have statewide policies. Some leave it to each utility. Some public utility commissions approve opt-out tariffs on a case-by-case basis. Some utilities allow a non-communicating digital meter rather than a true analog meter. Fees also vary.
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported that at least 7 states had enacted policies allowing customers to opt out, while another 22 states had utility regulator decisions on opt-out programs on a case-by-case basis. NCSL also notes that New Hampshire requires customer consent for smart-meter installation and that Pennsylvania law does not permit opt-outs for covered utilities.
States or utility territories with opt-out options have included, depending on the utility and current tariff:
State Opt-out status summary:
California: CPUC-approved opt-out for investor-owned utilities; PG&E offers analog-meter opt-out with fees.
Vermont: State law gives customers rights around smart meters and defines wired and wireless smart meters.
Maine: Opt-out available through utilities with PUC-approved fees.
Maryland: PSC-approved opt-out available, generally with fees. Ohio Utilities have opt-out programs; fees vary by utility.
North Carolina: Opt-out authorized for certain Duke Energy customers, generally with fees and conditions.
South Carolina: Utility opt-out options exist in some territories.
Florida: Some utilities offer opt-outs with commission-approved charges.
Georgia: Utility-specific opt-outs may exist with commission-approved fees.
Michigan: Utility-specific opt-out programs have been approved.
Nevada: Opt-out program approved for some customers.
Arizona: Opt-out programs vary by utility.
Indiana: Commission-approved opt-out programs exist in some cases.
Kentucky: Case-by-case opt-out programs approved for some utilities.
Louisiana: Entergy Louisiana has had an approved opt-out program.
Oklahoma: Commission-approved opt-out program reported.
Rhode Island: Commission-approved opt-out program reported.
New Jersey, Rockland Electric opt-out program approved.
New York: New York does not appear to have a universal statewide smart-meter opt-out law that applies equally to every utility with no fee, but several New York utilities do offer opt-out programs, usually with a monthly manual meter-reading fee and sometimes a one-time meter change-out fee. Con Edison says residential customers can choose not to have a smart meter installed. If they opt out, Con Edison sends a meter reader and charges for that service. Con Edison also has a “Smart Meter Opt Out Application,” which notes that Con Edison may install an automated meter reading device or smart meter if it cannot obtain access after four consecutive meter-reading attempts.
National Grid Upstate New York has an opt-out request process. National Grid says customers who opt out receive a non-communicating meter; if they opt out after a smart meter is already installed, they may be assessed a one-time change-out fee, and there is a recurring meter-reading fee because the NY Public Service Commission requires periodic in-person verification.
NYSEG / RG&E also describes residential opt-out options. NYSEG’s FAQ states that residential customers can opt out and lists a monthly opt-out fee of $13.47 to keep a legacy meter, subject to change. A NYSEG/RG&E FAQ also says customers may be automatically enrolled in the opt-out program if the utility is unable to gain access after multiple visits, calls, and mailings; it lists monthly meter-reading fees of $13.47 for NYSEG and $11.56 for RG&E, subject to the applicable tariff.
PSEG Long Island / LIPA service territory
Residential opt-out appears to be available, generally involving a non-communicating or manually read meter and a monthly opt-out/manual-read fee. Customers should contact PSEG Long Island directly to confirm current eligibility, meter type, and fees.
Oregon: Some utilities offer opt-outs with service fees.
Wyoming: Case-by-case utility commission treatment
This list should be treated as a starting point, not a final legal answer. The correct answer for a homeowner is always determined by their specific utility, meter type, and current tariff.
For example, PG&E currently says California residential customers may request an analog meter and manual reads, with an initial $75 setup charge and $10 monthly charge for the first 36 months, reduced to $10 setup and $5 monthly for qualifying assistance customers. PG&E also says the CPUC approved analog mechanical meters as an alternative for residential customers.
In Ohio, AEP Ohio says a property owner whose smart meter has already been installed can have it removed and replaced with a digital, non-communicating meter for a one-time charge, and FirstEnergy lists a one-time removal/install charge plus a monthly manual-read charge for Ohio customers who opt out.
Maine’s Office of Public Advocate says smart meters are the standard for certain utilities, but customers may opt out and will be charged utility-set fees approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel says customers can say no to a smart meter, but must pay a fee to the utility company under a Maryland PSC-approved option.
What Is Involved With Opting Out?
Most opt-out programs involve some combination of:
Formal request: Customer must call or submit a utility form.
Account eligibility: Some utilities limit opt-out by account type or service configuration. Replacement meter. Utility may install an analog or non-communicating digital meter.
Setup fee: One-time charge for removal/replacement/admin work.
Monthly fee: Ongoing charge for manual reading or additional handling.
Meter access: Customer must provide safe access for manual meter reads.
Estimated bills: Some months may be estimated if manual reads are less frequent.
No tampering: Customer cannot modify, remove, cover, or interfere with utility equipment.
The most important distinction is this: opting out is a utility-approved process. Shielding or modifying the meter yourself is not the same as opting out.
Is Shielding a Smart Meter Effective?
Shielding can reduce RF levels in a specific direction, but it is not always the best first step and can create problems.
A metal shield, conductive mesh, or RF-reflective barrier placed between the meter and the living space can reduce RF penetration into the living space. For example, a grounded conductive barrier on the interior wall behind the meter can sometimes reduce in-home RF levels without touching the meter itself.
However, shielding is highly situational. Effectiveness depends on:
Frequency: Material effectiveness varies by frequency. Coverage gaps, seams, and edges allow leakage.
Grounding: Some materials need proper grounding for electric-field control.
Placement: Shielding outside vs. inside changes risks.
Meter network: A blocked signal may cause retransmission attempts.
Safety and legality: Utility equipment cannot be tampered with
From an ELEXANA perspective, shielding is often a secondary approach. The better hierarchy is:
Determine whether the meter is a significant energy source in the home.
Measure RF levels at the bed, in the living areas, and at the meter wall.
Check whether opt-out or relocation is available.
If shielding is used, shield the occupied space, not the utility equipment.
Verify before-and-after measurements.
What Can Happen If I Shield a Smart Meter?
This is where homeowners need to be careful.
If shielding blocks the smart meter’s communication path, the meter may have difficulty communicating with the utility network. Depending on the meter and utility system, possible consequences include:
Increased transmission attempts. Some communication systems may retry when communication fails.
Utility service visit. The utility may inspect the meter if communication is lost.
Estimated bills. If remote reads fail, bills may be estimated.
Opt-out or manual-read charges.
The utility may move the account to a different read process.
Violation of utility rules: Covering, enclosing, or modifying meter equipment may violate service terms.
Safety issue. Improper materials or placement around electrical equipment can create heat, access, or code concerns. Tampering allegation. Anything attached to or interfering with the meter may be treated as tampering.
Poor shielding outcome: RF can reflect, leak around edges, or be redirected into other areas.
Do not place metal, foil, mesh bags, boxes, or unapproved materials directly over the meter. Do not break seals, open the meter, alter the socket, block required ventilation, or prevent utility access.
A safer approach is to shield the interior wall area between the meter and the living space, or to redesign the room layout so beds and long-duration occupied areas are not directly behind the meter. Even then, shielding should be measured before and after, because reflective materials can change the RF pattern rather than simply make it disappear.
Practical Homeowner Guidance
For a homeowner concerned about a smart meter, the best sequence is:
Step Action:
Identify the meter model and utility, and verify it’s a Smart Meter. Check the meter for an FCC ID.
Measure RF levels inside the home, especially near bedrooms.
Determine whether the meter is the dominant RF source or whether Wi-Fi or cell devices are stronger.
Check the utility’s opt-out policy.
Ask whether an analog or non-communicating digital meter is available.
Ask about fees, manual-read requirements, and billing changes.
If opt-out is unavailable, consider changes to the meter-wall room layout.
Use shielding only when it has been properly designed and verified.
Never attach shielding directly to the utility meter without utility approval.
Re-measure after any mitigation.
Conclusion
A smart meter is a digital utility meter that measures usage and communicates data back to the power company, often using RF signals in the 902–928 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, cellular bands, or other utility communication methods. These signals can penetrate many building materials, including some concrete, although reinforced concrete and metal-containing materials can significantly reduce their penetration.
Smart meters are usually outside, usually transmit intermittently, and usually produce much lower average indoor RF levels than nearby personal wireless devices. But placement still matters. A smart meter directly outside a bedroom wall can be more relevant than one mounted on a detached garage or in a faraway room.
Utilities use smart meters for remote reading, outage detection, grid modernization, load management, and billing programs. Homeowners who object may have opt-out options, but these options vary widely by state, utility, and current tariff.
Shielding can be effective when properly designed, but shielding the meter itself can create communication failures, utility disputes, increased retransmission attempts, access problems, and safety concerns. The better approach is measurement first, opt-out if available, room-layout changes where practical, and carefully designed shielding only when necessary.
For ELEXANA clients, the most responsible path is not fear and not guesswork. It is measurement-based evaluation, practical exposure reduction, and thoughtful electromagnetic design that keeps useful technology from becoming unnecessarily intrusive in the spaces where people live, sleep, and recover.