Why install these meters now?
- Increased customer expectations. Customers are looking for enhanced technology and information from their utility provider, such as usage patterns or leak detection.
- Financially responsible. Like most technologies, as AMI has become more widespread and common place, the implementation of this system has become more financially feasible over time. Especially when considering rising labor costs for manual processes.
- Improved quality and service. As the parameters of our operating system continue to evolve with solar systems, EV’s, renewable energy and energy-efficiency requirements, we need faster, more detailed data to respond to and plan for these needs.
What makes this meter exchange an upgrade?
The new meters are “smart meters”. Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, is a technology solution we are utilizing that allows two-way communication between individual meters and SPU using an integrated network system. The AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) and non-digital meters currently installed throughout our service territory allow for only one-way communication – customer meter to SPU – when read monthly. With AMI, interval usage data will be shared in real time for enhanced analysis, troubleshooting, outage management, and alerts that can prove to be cost-saving measures for customers. Response time for new connections or reconnections takes only seconds from the SPU Service Center – no more delays waiting for a truck to be dispatched.
How does a smart meter work?
An advanced (“smart”) meter utilizes radio frequencies for two-way communication on a mesh network. Access points and relays are installed throughout our service territory that are utilized by the meters to “talk” and route the data back to SPU.
Is AMI new Technology?
No, advanced metering has been around for many years. Approximately 68% of all electric utility customers nationwide have a smart meter. SPU has been using AMR meters for collecting utility readings since 2015. The AMI meter will further improve this process and provide two-way communications.
Will SPU be controlling anything in my home/business?
No. This system will be used for collecting and reporting utility usage data from the meters. In the future, there could be programs customers may want to participate in utilizing this technology, but enrollment would be voluntary and at the discretion of each customer. These programs could be related to energy conservation, load management or time-of-use savings.
Will I have access to my meter data?
Yes. Utility data can currently be accessed through SmartHub, SPU’s online account management tool. Customers can view monthly data collected via our manual reading process. With AMI, you will be able to view daily usage data – with the ability to drill down to the hour when wanted. For instance, you will be able to see with confidence when the toilet started leaking or the garden hose was left on. You may even be able to identify when your thermostat was lowered to 65 in the middle of July and wasn’t reset. Additional functionality will be added over time so customers can better understand usage patterns and make educated choices about how their utility resources are used. This could result in cost savings for you!
If you have not already enrolled in SmartHub please do so. If you have questions or need assistance enrolling, please contact our customer service staff during normal business hours. We’d be happy to help you get started!
How will SPU implement this new metering system?
For electric customers the process will be very easy. Your meter will simply be exchanged with minimal or no interruption in service. Because water meters are located inside homes/buildings, customers will need to schedule an appointment for the meter exchange. Water customers will receive a communication via USPS firs-class mail when it is time for their water meter to be exchanged. Customers will be given several weeks notice to make an appointment for the scheduled meter exchange.
SPU will systematically move through our service territory performing the exchanges until all meters are exchanged. Follow along on this website to monitor the progress.
Will my electric and water meter be exchanged at the same time?
No, each meter could be exchanged on a different day. Electric meters can be exchanged without appointments and at a much faster rate. Water meter exchanges will require access to the meter inside customer property so appointments will need to be scheduled. Water meters require an electric meter to communicate so the coordination of both meter exchanges will happen in a general timeframe. “Areas” will be identified, with crews working sections of our territory at a time to complete both meter changeouts.
Will I be charged for the new meters?
No, these meters will not be charged to SPU customers.
Do I need to change my meter if I don’t want to?
Per policy, meters are SPU-owned equipment. SPU is responsible for, and has the right to access, this equipment for purposes of replacing, repairing, maintaining or reading. All meters – electric and water – will be exchanged under the implementation of the AMI system for performance, efficiencies, quality, service and financial reasons.
Because water meters require a communication module (separate from the meter itself) there is an Opt-Outside install option for this device, but the meter will still be exchanged.
Are these meters safe?
Yes. These meters utilize radio frequency technology, but at levels well below guidelines set by the FCC. They have lower radio frequency levels than cell phones, microwaves and WiFi routers. Itron Gen5 Riva meters used in our meter exchange program are fully authorized, licensed and in compliance with FCC guidelines. Please click below for more information.
Itron Radio Frequency White PaperWhat is an Opt-Outside Installation?
The water meter inside your home requires a communication module to talk to the smart electric meter. Data from the water meter is sent to the electric meter and then back to SPU. The communication module is a low-frequency RF device (that transmits less radio frequency transmission waves than other RF devices within your home, such as baby monitors, microwaves, wi-fi or your cellphone) and is installed in your basement near your water meter by SPU or SPU-approved installers.
If requested, this device can be mounted outside your home on an exterior wall near the electric meter. If you select the Opt-Outside option, as the homeowner/property owner you will be responsible for any work that needs to be performed by a professional to get the proper wiring from the meter to the outside of your home. SPU will only connect the ERT to the wiring once it has been brought to the exterior wall.
This decision needs to be made prior to the standard water meter and communication module installation. If a change is required after the original installation standard SPU truck and labor fees will apply, in addition to above costs.
AMI Opt-Outside Policy