FAQs: Management of my Home Area Network

You don't have to be at your home or business to connect your device.



Make sure your device is plugged in and ready for connecting. Some devices need to be placed in "connecting" mode and located within 75 feet of the Ameren Illinois smart meter before connection is successful. Please have the following information handy:

	Device MAC Address
	Device Install Code
	Device Model
	Manufacturer Name

After completing the connection form, you will have a 7-day pairing window to complete the connection process. If the pairing window expires, you will need to resubmit your request. Typically, connecting the device is quick, similar to pairing a Bluetooth device to a cell phone.

If your device is not receiving energy information, it might be because the device has lost connection with the Ameren Illinois advanced meter. Please confirm that:

	The device is turned on and plugged into an energized outlet.
	The device is within 75 feet of the Ameren Illinois smart meter.

If the device still is not receiving any information from the Ameren Illinois smart meter, please contact the manufacturer of your device for assistance. To troubleshoot any connection difficulties that you perceive to be related to Ameren, please contact us.

You may log in to your online account to disconnect your Home Area Network device from the smart meter. Your Home Area Network information can be found listed in the programs section to view and remove your connected devices.



If you are moving, your device will automatically be disconnected when your service is canceled. However, we do recommend disconnecting your device prior to requesting a service cancellation.

Your ability to reconnect your Home Area Network to an Ameren Illinois meter after moving requires your new location to have an advanced meter. If you are not certain what type of meter is at your new location, please contact us or use the chart below: 

 

Meter Type	Visual Clue	Technical Clue	HAN Compatible	Residential/ Small Commercial	Large Commercial/ Industrial
Focus Advanced Meter	Yellow or green label, clear cover	Uses 2-way communications	x	x
S4X Advanced Meter	Yellow label, tinted cover	Uses 2-way communications	Temporarily not available for Home Area Network	Temporarily not available for Home Area Network	Temporarily not available for Home Area Network
Automatic Meter Reading/ Electro-magnetic Meter Reader	White label	Uses 1-way communications	Not compatible

Disclaimer: The compatibility testing does not deem the device "certified" in any other respect, nor does it promise that all device functionality claimed by the device manufacturer will work correctly. Our list of devices simply demonstrates that the device has passed compatibility testing with the Ameren Illinois meter. Our list of compatible devices does not constitute an endorsement of such devices, nor does it represent an exhaustive list of devices that may be compatible now or in the future. You should also understand that there are other factors within your home or business that can impact the communication between your device and the advanced meter, such as the distance between the devices, barriers such as concrete walls and other wireless devices.

No, your device only works with one meter at a time. If you move or you'd like to give your device to a friend, you must disconnect the device from our meter. Just log in and visit the Home Area Network section of our programs to remove your connected devices. The Home Area Network device associated with the account should be removed from your account.

If you are moving, your device will automatically be disconnected when your service is canceled. However, we do recommend disconnecting your device prior to requesting a service cancellation.

A range of issues might interfere with the connection process:

	Distance to the meter is important for connecting a device. Your device should be located within 75 feet of the meter at your home or business. If connection issues persist, reduce the distance between the meter and the device.
	Certain types of wireless electronic devices operating on the same channel as the ZigBee radio in the meter (e.g., Wi-Fi router, microwave, baby monitor, cordless phone, etc.) may interfere with the connection to your device.
	Wireless range could be impacted by the layout or construction of your home or business. If connection issues persists, try to reduce the distance between the meter and your device.

Most devices will display an indicator showing they are connected. If your device displays energy usage information, this confirms it is connected to the Ameren Illinois advanced meter.