|
What
is automated meter reading (AMR)?
AMR
systems use a digital meter to send meter reading data over power lines,
eliminating the need to read meters manually.
Top
Why
is Walton EMC installing AMR?
The
main benefit is that it saves money, which helps keep
our electric rates low. It also saves labor and fuel
and cuts vehicle emissions by eliminating the use of
meter reading vehicles.
Other benefits
include more efficient power outage response and easier diagnosis
of high energy bills. As we enhance the system, more benefits
will become available.
Top
When
will AMR happen?
The
project began Fall 2007 with the first meter and substation equipment installations.
It will continue over the next three to four years as we continue to change
out meters and install associated equipment over our entire system.
Top
Where
is the AMR installation process now?
The
current work is being done in the area served by
our Bold Springs substation. The general locations are
northwest Walton County and east central Gwinnett County.
The
Bold Springs substation serves customer-owners on and
around these roads:
Circuit
1-
Bold Springs Road to Harbins,
Indian Shoals Road, Berry Hall Road, Cammie Wages Road, New Hope Road, Ewing
Chapel Road, Kilcrease Road, Harbins Road, Brooks Road, Harbins Elementary
School, Luke Edwards Road, Jones Phillips Road.
Circuit
2-
June Ivey Road, Bold Springs
Road, Bold Springs Road thru Bold Springs, Mitchell Road, Highway 81, Ozora
Road, Bullock Bridge Road.
The next phase covers
customer-owners served by our Bethabera substation, generally parts of north
and central Oconee County and southeast Barrow County.
Top
Who
will be changing the meters?
We have selected Tru-Check,
the same reliable contractor that has provided meter reading services for Walton
EMC for several years.
Top
Will I need
to upgrade my meter base?
In most cases, no.
The new AMR meters fit right into the same meter base as your current meter.
If our AMR installers
discover that your meter base is broken or needs maintenance, you'll need to
call a licensed electrician to fix the problem. The meter base at your home
or business is part of your electrical system, just like the breaker panel
or wiring inside the walls. Walton EMC's service rules require customer-owners
to provide a suitable meter base and keep it in good working order as a condition
of receiving electric service from the cooperative.
Top Do
I have a choice in getting an AMR meter?
No. AMR meters will
be installed on all accounts.
Top
What’s
the difference between the new AMR meter and an
old meter?
The
new AMR meters are electronic and the old meters are
mechanical. The new meters will still display the meter
reading, but it will be in a digital LED form. The biggest
difference is that the new meters have an electronic
AMR module installed.
The AMR module
can receive and store electricity consumption data and send
it over power lines to equipment located in our substations.
From the substation, the data is sent through telephone lines
back to our billing system computer, located in the Monroe
headquarters office.Top
What
information does the AMR meter record?
The
AMR meter records the kWh reading, the number of times the meter has lost
power and if the meter has rotated backward. It does not record the date
and time of energy use, when the lights blinked, how long the power was off
or video images of the meter.
Top
What
day of the month will the new meters be read?
The
AMR meters will actually be read every day. Your billing date will remain
the same as it is now.
Top
How
will Walton EMC read AMR meters?
Our
billing system computer contacts the AMR substation equipment to request
one or more meter readings. The substation equipment sends a reading
request signal over the power lines and the meter responds back with its
meter reading. The entire process takes less than 20 seconds.
Top
Will
someone other than Walton EMC be able to read AMR
meters?
No.
The computer runs software especially written for the AMR system. The substation
communications equipment must be set up by model and serial number and each
meter must be added to the computer by its serial number and substation.
Someone using a home computer will not be able to read an AMR meter. Also,
other electric companies with AMR systems will not be able to read Walton
EMC meters.
Top
Will
Walton EMC still do meter inspections?
Routine
inspections of meters will continue so we can spot safety hazards, maintenance
issues, theft or other problems.
Top
Will
the AMR meter notify Walton EMC when the power
goes out?
No. You
will still need to contact us by phone or at waltonemc.com
to report a power outage.
Top
Can
Walton EMC disconnect the power using the AMR meter?
No,
AMR meters do not have disconnect capabilities. There are accessory disconnect
switches for that purpose, but Walton EMC has not purchased them. Future
installations of this equipment are possible on some accounts.
Top
What
benefits does the AMR system provide?
Here
are the top reasons why AMR is good for you:
-
Saves
money.
- Helps the environment by saving fuel and reducing pollution
from taking meter reading vehicles off the road.
-
Reduces
visits to your home/property.
-
Reduces
the potential for misreads and data entry errors.
-
Reduces
estimated bills because of locked gates, bad dogs,
etc.
-
Provides
easy, quick, inexpensive meter re-reads.
-
Enhances
accuracy of electric bills.
-
Contributes
to more efficient outage restoration.
-
Enables
extensive data gathering for troubleshooting service
problems.
-
Enables
data gathering on energy use to help spot high bill causes.
-
Quickly
spots meter tampering and energy theft.
-
Precursor
to future services.
Top
|
