NEED TO KNOW: What Those Weird Boxes On Sioux Falls Light Poles?

I've walked our dog in the blocks around Southeastern Sioux Falls for years. For some reason, for the first time, I looked up and noticed a large metallic box with antennas hanging from the top of a light pole.

Have you seen one of these hanging in your neighborhood? There was a phone number on the side that read “Call 1-800-597-2809 if this unit is damaged or prior to removal”.

So I called the number. Why wouldn't cha?

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A nice recorded voice said, “Thank you for calling Landis & Gyr Technology, Roseville (Minnesota) where we help the world manage technology better.”

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It turns out that those grey metal boxes with antennas are part of a “Smart Grid”. They collect data from smart utility meter systems on area homes via radio signals. They transfer your home's electric power usage data.

A smart meter is like a conventional power meter in that it also measures your electric power usage, but it has other capabilities, such as the ability to be read remotely without sending a person out to your meter.

According to arrl.org the modernization of the electric power grid, often called the "smart grid" by its proponents, is an important goal.

Efforts such as the Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Automated Meter Reading, and the other phases of intelligent grid management are all part of a smarter grid.

Apparently, there are smart meters that have been deployed all over the United States and in many other countries.

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The Phillips House, Oldest House In Sioux Falls

You Can Get This South Dakota Home Now For A 'Heck Of A Deal'

If you're looking for a three-bedroom, nine-bathroom, retractable roof home with a fish pond that sits on over eight acres of land...you're in luck! There is a home in South Dakota just like this located only 65 miles west of Sioux Falls.

The Mitchell Republic in Mitchell, South Dakota is reporting that the former Kelley property in Mitchell is still on the market right now for a great price. In fact, Mayor Bob Everson of Mitchell says this house is available for a "heck of a deal."

One Of South Dakota's Coolest Parks Is Just East of Sioux Falls

Before this South Dakota State Park was dedicated it had been more than 40 years since South Dakota had a new State Park. And this Sioux Falls green space is a gem!

Good Earth State Park is on the southeast edge of Sioux Falls right on the Iowa / South Dakota border.

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