CenterPoint Energy's Advanced Metering System (circled below) features advanced meters and pole-mounted communication infrastructure. The meters will be able to communicate with consumers, retail electric providers and CenterPoint Energy, providing electric usage data in 15-minute increments. Advanced meters will automate not only meter reading but also electric service connection and disconnection, which should significantly reduce the time required for customers to have new electric service connected or to switch REPs. These new meters can also detect outages and communicate the location to CenterPoint Energy so a repair crew can be dispatched. As an added benefit, advanced meters also enable communication with "smart" appliances in homes and businesses.