Office (509)
928-4540AMR
Automated Meter Reading – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Modern Electric Water Company will be installing new meters throughout its service territory beginning in January 2008 and continuing until all meters are replaced.
The nine month process involves removing existing meters on customers' homes and replacing them with ones that can be read remotely. This means that instead of meter readers walking house-to-house to obtain readings, the new meters can be read more quickly and efficiently by special equipment through the existing power lines.
Many utilities are using AMR as a way to improve customer service and control their meter reading costs, especially in areas where fenced yards, dogs, landscaping and other issues make accessing meters difficult or unsafe.
How does AMR benefit customers?
What is AMR?
AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. It is a method of using communication technology to read meters without having to access a customer's property.
How does it work?
There are several ways to read an electric meter remotely. We've chosen a system that uses the existing power lines via narrow-band communication at pre-determined intervals or on demand to access the data in the meter and bring that data back to our headquarters.
Is this new system really needed?
We strive to provide the best possible customer service, high reliability and low rates. AMR will help us achieve these goals. AMR has proven to provide wide-ranging operational and customer-satisfaction benefits for other utilities. AMR will help us provide better service to you, such as alerting us when your power is out or when you're experiencing other power problems. AMR will also help us minimize estimated bills. AMR will also give you more information about your energy use -- information that you can use to more effectively manage your energy costs.
Is my account information secure?
Yes, only meter readings and meter or module numbers are transmitted. Personal customer information will not be transmitted.
How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?
Each metering device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is then paired with your account record to ensure a match.
Will the AMR System interfere with my television or phones?
No, the AMR signal is very different and will not interfere.
Does someone need to come into my home to change meters?
Not in most cases. As MEWCO exchanges electric meters, personnel will need to access certain meters, such as those in basements or on enclosed porches.
What time of day will the AMR meter exchange take place?
Most of the meter exchanges will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
Not in most cases. If we visit your home and have trouble gaining access to the meter, we will leave a door tag requesting that you contact us to set up an appointment.
I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
If you had a door tag asking you to call us, the most likely reason is that we were unable to gain access to the meter.
Will MEWCO need to turn off my service?
The residential electric meter installation will cause your power to be interrupted briefly as the service is transferred to the new meter, so your digital clocks and other electronic equipment may have to be reset afterward.
The majority of our commercial and industrial electric meter installations is equipped with a by-pass meter socket, and will not experience a service interruption.
The commercial and industrial customers that are not equipped with a by-pass meter socket will be contacted to schedule an appointment to install the new technology. We will work with you to minimize any impact to your operation.
When multiple meter exchanges are performed, such as at apartment complexes, strip malls, shopping centers or office complexes, will the service be interrupted to all meters at once?
No. Only one service meter will be without power at a time, even at panels with multiple meters.
How will I know the person at my door is working on this project?
MEWCO employees will be wearing clothing with the MEWCO logo and will carry MEWCO identification. In addition, their vehicles may be identified by the special MEWCO logo shown at the top of the page. If you ever have any question about the identity of someone who claims to be working for MEWCO, please call our Office at 928-4540.
Will the size of the new meter be different?
No. The new meter will have the same approximate size and appearance. Although they are the same size as existing electric meters, the new electric meters will have a digital display instead of the traditional dials
.Will I see a change in my service after AMR is installed?
The only significant change to your utility service will be that meter readers will not need to visit your property to collect the meter readings. Service personnel may visit periodically to confirm proper operation or perform routine maintenance.
Will I need to read the electric meter anymore?
AMR will eliminate the need for those that currently call in their own monthly meter reading.
Will I still be able to view the meter reading?
Yes, the digital reading will remain visible, so you can view the meter reading(s) if you wish. However, MEWCO will not use customer reads for billing purposes when AMR reads are available.
Will my electric bill go up with the new meter?
Some customers may notice an increase. Of course, a higher utility bill can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased electricity usage or the addition of appliances or electronic equipment in the household.
Some customers may notice a slight increase because the new meter is measuring usage more accurately. Older meters can run slower over time and therefore may not measure all the electricity going through them. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly.
If you have further questions, please call our Office at 928-4540 or send an e-mail to modern@mewco.com.