(541) 746-1583
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AMR - Frequently Asked Questions
EPUD is implementing an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system that will allow all 19,000 meters to be read remotely. This system will require EPUD to exchange the existing electricity meters with new AMR meters.
Below are frequently asked questions, arranged by category:
About AMR
Benefits
Installation
Cost
What if?
Security
Meter Readers
Internet Access
Remote Disconnects
About AMR
What is the difference between the new AMR meter and the old meter?
The new meters are digital electronic devices while the old meters were an electro-mechanical device. The new meters will continue to display the meter reading, but it will be in a digital LED format. The biggest difference is that the new AMR meters will have an electronic circuit board module. The module stores the kilowatt-hour (kWh) and consumption record by the electronic meter, and is able to transmit this data over the power lines to equipment located in our substation. From the substation, the data is transmitted to our office billing computers.
How will EPUD read the meters?
EPUD's computer will communicate with equipment at its seven substations and signal this equipment to request meter readings. A reading request signal is sent over the power lines and the AMR meter responds back with the meter reading. The entire process takes about 6 seconds per meter.
What information does the new AMR meter record?
The AMR meter records the electrical usage in kilowatt-hours (kWhs), the number of times the meter has experienced a loss of power, and if the meter has been tampered with. It records the date and time of all these events.
What day of the month will meters be read?
For the beginning of our program, we'll be using the same read schedule as before. We have a lot of flexibility with AMR, and expect to offer options later on that would be best for you. In other words, when would you like to receive your bill? ("Never" is not an option!)
Benefits
Why are we changing to the AMR system?
Accuracy - The new digital meters reduce human error, so your energy readings and bills are more precise.
Convenience - We'll no longer need to enter your yard to read your meter, so there's no need to unlock your gates or keep your pets inside on meter reading day. You'll also receive your EPUD bill at regular intervals.
Security - Meters won't transmit any personal information or interfere with any electronic or medical devices you may have in your home.
Cost Savings - We expect the $3.5 million system to pay for itself in eight years, primarily through labor and fuel savings. We'll also see efficiency improvements in Customer Service since our billing system will be greatly streamlined with the digital meter reads.
Environmental Benefits - Fewer vehicles on the roads saves fuel and reduces pollution.
What are other benefits of AMR?
AMR reduces the need for estimated billings, and enhances EPUD's response to customer service issues or questions.
AMR allows us to better manage outages.
AMR provides for fully automated, daily meter readings on all meters.
AMR will save time for our self-read customers.
AMR can provide customers with more detailed information about their power usage.
How will the new AMR meters help customers?
The new system will be less intrusive for you. Once installation is complete, EPUD will not enter your yard on a regular basis, except for periodic safety inspections. You will no longer have to unlock gates or secure pets on the day your meter will be read. The new meters also will reduce human error, which means you will receive more accurate bills and fewer estimated bills. The billing cycles will also be set, so no more 28- to 32-day cycles.
Will the new AMR meter notify EPUD when the power goes out?
No. If you have an outage, you'll still need to notify us. The meters operate on a poll basis, meaning we have to request data from the meter and then it sends it. If there is a system wide outage, we may use the AMR system to tell us which meters are energized and which aren't, but that's something we have to initiate here at our office.
Installation
What is the installation schedule?
EPUD launched a pilot project in the Creswell area with 200 AMR meters in December 2006. The pilot project allowed us to monitor the system closely, understand it fully, and work out any bugs before the system wide installation. In February 2007 we expect to begin installing the rest of the meters in the Creswell area. We'll soon post a schedule of when each area in the District will get AMR. We expect to have our entire system "AMR ready" by midyear 2008.
How is the installation schedule decided?
The AMR system relies on the power lines to transmit meter reads from your home to the distribution substation nearest you. When we pick an area to install new AMR meters, we're really picking one of our 7 substations to work out of and we'll install meters on all feeders and lines connected to that substation. In some cases, if there is a tie to an adjacent substation, we'll proceed to that one next.
What and where are EPUD's distribution substations?
Creswell
Latham (serving the Cottage Grove area)
Pleasant Hill
Marcola
Power Line (serving the Coburg area)
Cheshire (serving the Junction City area)
Elmira
Who will change out the meters?
EPUD employees trained in meter installation will complete this project.
Do I need to be home for the meter change out?
No. But if you are home, we will notify you that we're changing out the meter and that there will be a short outage. If you're not home at the time, we'll change the meter out and leave a door hanger that we've been there. That will explain why you need to reset your clocks!
Will I need to provide anything?
In the majority of installations, our customers will not need to do or provide anything. One exception would be if your existing equipment has been identified as faulty or hazardous. Then it will need to be upgraded. EPUD will also work with you to find a solution if your existing equipment is enclosed or presents an access issue. In either case, we will assist you to find a qualified electrician to do required work and we can also provide payment options.
Will EPUD notify me prior to installation?
We'll post our installation schedule on the web and also send out periodic progress reports by mail. At the time of installation, we'll check to see if you're home. If you're not there, we'll complete our work and leave a door hanger.
Will a power outage occur during the installation?
Yes. When one meter is removed and the other installed, there will be a short outage. If you're home, we'll notify you first. If not, we'll leave a door hanger.
Will installation of the new meter interfere with my security system or other home electronics? Or my pacemaker?
No. Aside from the momentary interruption of power as the meter is installed, the equipment will not interfere with any appliances or medical devices. For a handful of security systems, the brief power outage may trigger a false alarm when power is restored.
We have learned that in some cases, touch lamps in the home may turn on when a meter is read by our system. We ask that you call in to 541-746-1583 and let us know if your touch lamp is affected. EPUD is currently researching options available to address this issue. Your call will enable us to provide a solution to you and field any additional questions you might have.
How will I know my AMR meter is working?
Your new meter will have an easy to read digital display for your convenience. After all the meters are installed in your area, and we've verified that the system is collecting data, we'll begin the "automated" part of meter reading. But until then, you might still see a meter reader in the area.
How big are the new meters?
The new meters are the same size as the existing meters.
What will happen to the old meters?
Because so many utilities are switching to AMR, the market is glutted with old mechanical meters. If EPUD can't find a buyer, then we will recycle the glass, plastic and metals from the older meters.
Cost
What is EPUD paying for this new AMR system?
The total cost of the AMR project is $3.5 million. The approximate cost components are $2,250,000 for the 19,000 AMR meters, $500,000 for AMR equipment in the seven substations and our office, and $250,000 for labor to install the meters.
How much is this going to cost EPUD customers?
There is no additional cost to you for the AMR meter installed at your residence or business. And there is no rate increase associated with this project. The savings in labor will pay off the cost of the AMR project in eight years. EPUD does expect to raise rates in the future, in response to cost increases we've experienced in materials and services throughout the utility, and for new capital projects.
Is there any circumstance where I will have to pay something?
Yes. If customer-owned equipment is considered to be dangerous or faulty, it will be the customer's responsibility to correct the problem. EPUD can assist in finding a qualified electrician to correct the problem and even provide payment options.
What if?
What if my bill reports more kilowatt usage than normal or I think my meter is not working correctly?
Call us right away to discuss your billing concerns. Generally, electronic meters are much more accurate than mechanical meters. Mechanical meters tend to slow down as they get older (don't we all), and that might contribute to the difference. The new electronic AMR meters have all been tested before installation.
I have an EPUD lock on my gate. What will happen to it now?
Meter reading will no longer require a physical visit to your home or business, but we will need continued access to your property for routine safety inspections and possibly emergency repairs.
Once the AMR system is installed, are there any problems that can happen?
The new system will identify any problems that may have occurred during installation or even later on. Should we get notification a meter isn't working properly, we'll promptly dispatch an employee to replace the meter.
Security
Can someone other than EPUD read my meter?
No. The AMR computer software is especially written for EPUD use only. The substation communications equipment must be set up by the meter model and serial number and each meter must be added to the AMR computer by its serial number and substation location. Someone using a home computer would not be able to read this electronic meter.
How secure will the new AMR meters be?
Similar to the old style meters, you will be able to look at your new AMR meter and read the kWh display. All other data is stored inside the meter and is only accessible by EPUD.
How does the new AMR system know that it is reading my meter and not my neighbors?
During installation, EPUD will perform several procedures to insure this doesn't happen. First we'll record the serial number and kWh reading from your old meter and make reference to your name and address. The new AMR meter will be installed and the serial number will be matched to your name and address as well. Back at the office, our computer system will be updated to reflect the new meter change out. Fortunately for everyone, meter change outs are something utilities do on a regular basis, and we've got an excellent track record for keeping things straight.
Meter Readers
Are the meter readers going to lose their jobs because of AMR?
No. Three years ago, when we first started seriously looking at AMR, we made the commitment to our meter readers that they could continue working at EPUD, but in a different job if they were qualified to do so. So far, several have moved to other jobs in the utility and we fully expect the remaining full-time meter readers to get other jobs with us too.
I like to leave cookies for my favorite meter reader, what do I do now?
We LOVE cookies! Please bring them to our office and we'll get them to your meter reader!
Internet Access
Will I be able to view my energy usage on the Internet?
Currently, customers are able to view their bills though the Autopayments section on our website. That information is for a full billing cycle, or approximately 30 days. With AMR, we hope to offer customers a way to view their daily usage. We think it would be very helpful in understanding usage patterns and learning to use electricity efficiently. When that option is available, we'll let everyone know.
Remote Disconnects
Can EPUD disconnect my power remotely?
Yes. Some meters will be equipped with the ability to disconnect electric service. Unfortunate as it is, EPUD has always had a collections employee that, as a last stop measure, will disconnect the power for non-payment. With the new AMR system we will not have that employee. We will continue to work with customers over the phone and in person for payment arrangements, and if necessary disconnect power remotely.