Your meter type determines which electricity plans you can choose from. Texas has three main meter types: AMSR (smart with remote), AMSM (smart without remote), and Standard. Understanding the difference can save you money.
Real-Time Data
Smart meters record usage every 15 minutes
More Plan Options
Smart meters qualify for time-of-use plans
Better Cost Control
Monitor your usage and adjust habits to save
Faster Connection
AMSR meters enable same-day connection
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter (officially called an Advanced Metering System or AMS) is a digital electric meter that records your usage in 15-minute intervals and communicates that data wirelessly to your utility.
Standard Meter
- • Manual monthly reading
- • Total monthly usage only
- • Requires technician visit
- • Fixed-rate plans only
- • No usage data portal
Smart Meter (AMS)
- ✓ Automatic digital recording
- ✓ 15-minute interval data
- ✓ Wireless communication to utility
- ✓ Enables time-of-use plans
- ✓ Smart Meter Texas integration
The Three Meter Types in Texas
ERCOT classifies meters into three categories based on their capabilities:
AMSR
Smart + Remote
Smart meter with remote connect/disconnect capability
AMSM
Smart Meter
Smart meter without remote connect/disconnect
STANDARD
Standard Meter
Traditional meter without smart capabilities
Find Out What Meter You Have
Use our free ESIID Facts Tool to instantly look up your meter type. Just enter your address and we'll show you exactly what ERCOT has on file.
Plan Eligibility by Meter Type
Your meter type determines which plan types you can choose from:
| Plan Type | AMSR | AMSM | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Rate Plans Consistent rate per kWh throughout your contract | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free Nights / Weekends Free electricity during specific hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Time-of-Use Plans Lower rates during off-peak hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Prepaid Electricity Pay ahead, no deposit or credit check | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Real-Time Pricing Rates that change based on market prices | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Why Your Meter Type Matters
Home Service
- → AMSR meters can be connected in hours, not days
- → No technician visit needed for connections
- → Reconnections after outages are faster
Energy Savings
- → Access usage data through Smart Meter Texas
- → Identify when you use the most electricity
- → Optimize usage to match free hours
Modern Tools
- → Works with our Live Link feature
- → Real-time usage spike alerts
- → Accurate bill credit tracking
Can I Upgrade My Meter?
If you have a standard meter and want a smart meter, contact your utility (TDSP). Most Texas utilities have completed their smart meter rollouts, but some older properties may still have standard meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between AMSR and AMSM?
Both are smart meters that record usage data every 15 minutes. The key difference is that AMSR meters have remote connect/disconnect capability, while AMSM meters require a technician visit for service changes.
Why do some addresses have standard meters?
Most Texas utilities completed smart meter deployments by 2020, but some properties still have standard meters due to access issues, older electrical systems, or simply not being upgraded during the rollout.
Can I get a Free Nights plan with a standard meter?
No. Free Nights and Free Weekends plans require a smart meter (AMSR or AMSM) because they need 15-minute interval usage data to calculate which electricity was used during the free hours.
Why is prepaid electricity only available with AMSR meters?
Prepaid plans require the ability to disconnect service automatically when your balance runs out. Only AMSR meters have remote disconnect capability.
What is Smart Meter Texas?
Smart Meter Texas (smartmetertexas.com) is a free portal where you can view your detailed usage data if you have a smart meter. It shows your 15-minute interval usage, daily and monthly reads, and historical data.
How do I know if my meter was upgraded?
Use our ESIID Facts Tool to look up your address. It will show your current meter type according to ERCOT records.
Ready to Find the Best Plan?
Now that you understand meter types, compare plans that work with your meter.