Automated Metering
HomeWorks is implementing an automated metering system that will improve reliability to our members. As part of this system, every member’s meter(s) will be upgraded or replaced.
Benefits of Automated Metering
Automated Metering will improve reliability to our members by allowing HomeWorks to:
- Read meters every month without sending a person to each meter location.
- Obtain a meter reading instantly at our office in case of billing questions or transfers.
- Track outages, voltage levels and blinking lights, including any extended power outages - even if you’re away.
- Verify that power has been restored before our crews leave an area.
About Automated Metering
Automated Metering works through a module, located within the electric meter, which transfers information from the meter through the power lines to a net server. The net server uses the information to create profiles for each member account, which will include daily meter readings, meter voltage, and more.
With Automated Metering, transferring information from all of HomeWorks' 25,000 electric meters to the net server will take a total of about four hours. Meters will be programmed to transfer information overnight, typically between midnight and 5:00am.
HomeWorks examined about a dozen Automated Metering programs nationwide before selecting a system. The system we chose is among the largest power-line Automated Metering systems within the US. It's extremely reliable, cost-effective, and has a high rate of customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMR, and how does it work?
AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. HomeWorks is installing communications equipment on our system that allows data to be sent back and forth between your meter and our offices. As you use electricity, your meter records the usage. A module inside the meter transmits this information upon request through the existing electrical distribution lines to your local substation, and from there the data travels to our office, where it is downloaded into our customer information and billing systems.
What is AMI?
AMI stands for Automated Metering Infrastructure. It is the overall system of meters, computers, and data that includes Automated Meter Reading (AMR), which provides a great deal of information to the cooperative to help us serve you better.
How will this system benefit me as a HomeWorks customer?
AMI will virtually eliminate estimated meter readings. Other benefits include the ability to obtain a meter reading instantly at our office in case of billing questions or transfers; far less need for HomeWorks employees to come onto your property; more detailed information about electric outages; and the ability to verify that power has been restored before our crews leave an area.
How much does the AMI system cost? Is it really needed?
The up-front installation cost is about $4 million, but we'll save about $500,000 annually, due to reduced transportation and labor costs. The system actually pays for itself over its projected lifetime. This will help HomeWorks continue to provide reliable electric service, personal customer service, and competitive electric rates.
How much will this project cost the member-owners?
There will be no additional cost to install the system, as the cost savings will pay for the project. However, if during the change-out your equipment is considered to be dangerous or faulty, we will inform you and either replace parts as needed, or request that you call in an electrician to bring your side of the meter into compliance with nationally-recognized safety standards. You are required as a member-customer to keep your electric equipment in safe, working order.
Who is going to receive AMI service?
Every member-customer of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative will have their meter upgraded to the AMI system. Some members already have digital meters, which can be quickly and easily updated to include the AMI module.
Is this new AMI technology really that much faster?
With this system, HomeWorks Tri-County can bring meter reading information and other electronic data back from the member-owner’s location to the Cooperative office in less than six (6) seconds.
What does the new AMI meter look like?
The meter’s exterior appearance is like a typical electronic (digital) meter, with a screen that updates every few seconds. The screen scrolls 8s and then flashes the digital meter reading. The only difference is that an AMI electronic circuit board module is installed inside the meter.
What are the physical components installed for AMI to work?
The AMR system consists of three main components:
Meters – Each existing meter will be replaced with a new AMI enhanced meter that contains an integrated AMI transponder.
Substation Equipment – AMI substation communications equipment is being installed in our substations.
Computer System – An AMI data server has been installed in the Cooperative’s office at Portland.
How is the AMI device in my meter powered?
The AMR device uses electricity from HomeWorks Tri-County’s side of the meter. You will not be charged for this electricity.
When will my meter be changed to AMI?
We have over 25,000 meters across our system, so this will be a multi-year project. We plan to move ahead by substation; the exact order and schedules have not been determined, but you will be notified before work begins in your area.
Where will the meter installation process begin?
We are starting with members served by the Portland Substation, although some other members nearby may also have the new meters installed. Since the meter information is sent through the substation, those meters will not be read remotely until the substation’s communications equipment is activated. Once the new communications system is in place and tested on the Portland substation, we will proceed with installations at other substations. The AMI project has to be built out systematically to make effective use of the communications equipment.
Who will install AMI and how will I be able to identify them?
We are coordinating the project with Chapman Metering, a contractor who specializes in working with cooperatives in the Midwest on AMI projects. Their employees can be identified by a HomeWorks contractor photo identification badge. In some instances, the AMI meters may be installed by HomeWorks employees.
How will I know when I am scheduled to have my meter equipped with AMI technology?
You will receive a mailed postcard notice approximately one week before your meter is scheduled to be installed. The work will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. As a courtesy, the installer will knock on your door to inform you of a brief electric interruption when the electric meter is being exchanged. This electric outage should only last about 10 minutes; however, you may want to be sure your computer data is saved and all computers turned off.
Will I need to be home when you install the AMI device?
In most cases, you will not need to be home. Meter exchange technicians will leave a door hanger at your premises indicating that the meter was successfully exchanged or that an appointment is required to access the meter for exchange.
Is there anything I should do before the AMI device is installed at my property?
Yes. To make our work at your property go quickly and efficiently, you should clear an adequate work area around your electric meter to give our technician ready access to the meter. Please remove any obstructions or barriers, such as overgrown shrubs or other obstacles.
What happens if my meter is not accessible?
HomeWorks, or its representatives, should always have unobstructed access to its equipment including meters to ensure reliable service. This also helps firefighters and other safety personnel in case of an emergency at your location. It is your responsibility to remove any obstructions or barriers that interfere with the installation of the AMI devices. If the meter is not accessible because it is located inside or in a locked area, and an adult is not at home when the meter technician arrives, a notice will be left on your door. The notice provides a toll-free number for scheduling a convenient time for the meter exchange.
I would like to be home when the AMI device is installed. Will your installers make an appointment with me?
No, appointments will only be made for customers whose meters are not accessible. Many factors determine the exact date and time when the devices will be installed at various locations, so it is impossible for us to tell you exactly when the meter is to be installed.
How will I know if my meter has been exchanged?
If no one is home, we will leave a door tag when we exchange the electric meter to indicate that a brief interruption of your electrical service has occurred.
I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
Most likely, we were unable to gain access to your meter. Please call the phone number on the door tag so we can make arrangements to access the meter to complete the installation.
How long will the installation take?
We anticipate that the meter exchange will take about 10 minutes for each meter. It could take longer, however, if you have objects or plants blocking your meter. All efforts you make to help us gain access to your meter are sincerely appreciated.
Will my electric service be interrupted during the meter exchange?
Yes. Replacing your meter will cause a brief loss of power, so please be sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations to protect electronic equipment and data. Clocks and other devices may need to be reset after the meter exchange. In some situations problems with equipment owned by the member may result in a longer disruption of service for repairs.
Will I have to pay for the device on my meter?
There is no additional charge to you for the installation or use of AMI service.
I have a generator that starts automatically when the power is off. What will happen during the meter exchange?
The meter exchange technician will knock on the door to inform the customer of a brief outage while the meter is exchanged. If the customer’s generator is installed correctly to automatically transfer the power source, we would expect the generator to come on when the meter is pulled out of the socket. This should activate an automatic transfer switch that will isolate the customer’s generator from HomeWorks equipment. The installer will verify the transfer switch operated properly by checking for back-feed voltage; if no back-feed voltage is present, he or she will install the new meter. The same sensing device that indicated a loss of power and started the generator will detect that power is restored, and after a few moments, the generator will shut off.
You recently changed my meter from the old dial-type to a digital meter. Is the new meter junk now?
No, the new digital meters can be retrofitted right at each location to include the AMR module.
What if I have a separate dual fuel meter?
The meter will be exchanged for an AMR meter. You will continue to receive our discounted dual fuel electric rate and continue to have your specified electric loads eligible for control during peak periods.
What about my propane meter? Is it also part of this project?
Your propane meter will continue to be read manually. We are looking at technologies that will enable us to read propane meters remotely but no decisions have been made yet.
How long before my meter is read by the AMI rather than by the meter reader?
It could be several weeks or months. Once all meters on a route are equipped with AMI devices, those meters can be read remotely each month. To confirm the equipment is operating properly, a meter reader will read the meter the first billing cycle following the switch to the AMI system.
How will HomeWorks Tri-County read the meters?
Computers at our office will contact the equipment installed at each substation and signal this equipment to request one or more meter readings. A reading request signal is sent over the power lines, and the AMI meters respond back with the readings. The entire process takes less than six seconds for a single meter reading.
Will these new meters notify HomeWorks Tri-County if the power goes out?
No, the meter will not call us; we call it when we need information. You will still need to call 1-800-848-9333 to report a power outage or other emergency situation. The meters will be able to record outages which will allow us to verify whether the outage is on your side of the meter, or on ours.
What information does the AMI meter record?
The new meter records a kilowatt-hour reading and the overall peak demand. It also records the date and time of energy use, if and when the lights blinked and, in case of an outage, how long the power was off and when it was restored.
Is my account information secure? How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?
While the meter display is visible for you to be able to check your energy use; all other information stored in the meter module is secure and the meter is sealed. Each meter has a unique identification number which is transmitted along with the meter reading. This number is compared to your account record to ensure a match.
Will AMR service interfere with my radio, telephone, computer, television, phones, wireless internet access, pacemaker, invisible fence or other equipment?
No. The transmitting device operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices. The AMR system operates independently at a low-power frequency reserved for this purpose and should not interfere with other equipment. The low power signal is at the 12.5 KHz frequency.
On what day of the month will the meters be read?
The new meters will allow HomeWorks to read them at a variety of times to obtain a history of account information. For billing purposes, your monthly billing cycle will remain the same.
Will AMI change the date I am billed during the month?
Customers will see no difference in the timing or billing method for their electric use.
When will I receive my first bill based on the new technology?
Once we begin installation in your community, it could take several months before we are able to generate bills using the new technology. In addition to installing new meters, the project involves the installation of data collection equipment and aligning our customer information and billing system.
Will this affect my automatic bank draft or Budget Billing plan arrangements?
The AMR project should not affect your bank draft or Budget Billing and other payment options.
Will HomeWorks still check the meter regularly?
Routine inspections of all meters and services in accordance with HomeWorks’ policies and industry standards will continue to ensure meters are in proper working condition and to look for safety hazards, theft or other problems.
If no one has to read the meter, does it still need to be accessible?
Yes. According to our member agreement, reasonable access to equipment still must be maintained. An accessible meter is important in case of fire, as well.
What if my bill reports more kWh usage than normal or if I think my new meter is not working correctly?
Call us at 1-800-562-8232 right away to discuss your billing concerns. Every meter is checked for accuracy before it is installed, but some customers may notice an increase in their bill at first because the new meter is measuring usage more accurately. Older, mechanical meters tend to run slower and may not measure all the electricity going through them. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly.
Can I keep track of my electric usage online once the new meter is installed?
At this time we are not able to provide that capability. Once the entire system is installed and working properly (some time in 2010) we will be looking at enhancements such as Internet usage monitoring.
Whom can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about automated meter reading, you can contact our Customer Service representatives at 1-800-562-8232.
