AMR Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions about these new meters and how they work. Here are the most common questions we have received – and answers:
Why is the new system needed?
We are investing in new meters to improve the efficiency and reliability of our electric system and enhance service to you. Some of the benefits include:
How much is this going to cost me?
There will be no additional direct costs to you to install the new meter. There is no rate increase anticipated in association with this project.
Will I remain on the same electric rate?
What rate you are on is not determined by the meter installed at your location. Your primary rate will not change simply because the meter was exchanged.
What if after my meter is exchanged, I think my meter is not working correctly?
Contact our office right away to discuss your billing concerns. Both new and old meters must meet strict American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations for accuracy.
What information does the new meter record?
The same information that has been getting recorded, which includes the amount of electricity used, the overall peak demand of the electric account, and the number of times the meter has experienced a loss of power for any reason. You can log on to SmartHub to view your own electric usage information.
What day of the month will the meters be read?
We are not anticipating changes in billing or due dates, so for billing purposes monthly schedules will remain the same. All the co-op’s meters can be read at a variety of times to get useful information including data for analyzing the performance of the distribution system. For several years, we have been reading meters daily.
How will the co-op read the new meters?
We read the meter on command from our offices, through a computer-generated request. Information from the meter is then returned to the co-op via an encrypted, secure, dedicated network. The collected data includes electric usage and outage/blink information.
How does my new meter work?
The meters send their reading via an encrypted data packet to the office via a combination fiber optic and cellular network.
How secure will the new meter readings be?
Like always, the meter display is visible for members to be able to check their own reading. All other data reported by the meter is encrypted, and the meter is physically sealed.
Is my personal data secure?
Yes, only metering data will be transmitted via an encrypted, highly secure system. No personal information about members is stored within the meter or included in what is delivered from the meter back to the office. And, the meter cannot identify individual appliance usage. Instead, the meter records whole-house energy usage just like your existing meter.
How will I know if my meter has been changed?
If you are not home, a co-op employee or contractor will leave a door hanger on your front door to let you know they have changed the meter. We will work with businesses to minimize any inconvenience. You do not have to be present during the meter exchange. If workers are unable to access your meter because of a locked gate or other obstruction, we will be in contact with you.
Can the cooperative disconnect electric service using the new meters?
Yes, in most cases the meters will have remote disconnection capabilities, allowing us to disconnect service at the meter from the office.
Will the new meter notify the co-op when my power goes out?
Yes, in most cases. The new meters can signal NVEMC system monitoring equipment of outages without being prompted by our office. However, we still recommend that you report your own outages by phone to ensure that your outage is documented.
Will the communications system interfere with any equipment in my home?
No, our system meets criteria set by the Federal Communications Commission and should not interfere with any equipment inside a home or business.
When will my meter be installed?
Installation of the new meters will take approximately four months start to finish, beginning July 2021.
Who will be installing the meters?
The majority of the meters will be installed by Powermetrix contractors. Our employees will be installing the multiphase meters, while our contractor, will be installing the balance of them. Contract employees and vehicles will have co-op identification, so you will know they are acting on behalf of the co-op. Powermetrix has installed hundreds of thousands of AMI meters throughout the country.
Will I lose electrical service during installation?
Yes, for a few minutes. You may need to reset electronic clocks and other devices. The technician will notify you before turning off the power. If you are not present, the technician will leave a door hanger to notify you of a successful meter exchange.
Why is the new system needed?
We are investing in new meters to improve the efficiency and reliability of our electric system and enhance service to you. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved efficiency—Reading all meters, residential and commercial, remotely is more cost effective than having employees drive to remote locations when check reads are required throughout the month.
- Offer more billing options
- Improved reliability— Pinpoint the exact location of outages more quickly, meaning a faster response time
- Improved power quality—The new system reports variances in voltage and other line conditions that help us maintain a more reliable power distribution system.
- Improved member service—You can receive more timely information about your energy consumption to help you make wise decisions about how you use energy. We can review that data to help you address any high-bill concerns.
How much is this going to cost me?
There will be no additional direct costs to you to install the new meter. There is no rate increase anticipated in association with this project.
Will I remain on the same electric rate?
What rate you are on is not determined by the meter installed at your location. Your primary rate will not change simply because the meter was exchanged.
What if after my meter is exchanged, I think my meter is not working correctly?
Contact our office right away to discuss your billing concerns. Both new and old meters must meet strict American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations for accuracy.
What information does the new meter record?
The same information that has been getting recorded, which includes the amount of electricity used, the overall peak demand of the electric account, and the number of times the meter has experienced a loss of power for any reason. You can log on to SmartHub to view your own electric usage information.
What day of the month will the meters be read?
We are not anticipating changes in billing or due dates, so for billing purposes monthly schedules will remain the same. All the co-op’s meters can be read at a variety of times to get useful information including data for analyzing the performance of the distribution system. For several years, we have been reading meters daily.
How will the co-op read the new meters?
We read the meter on command from our offices, through a computer-generated request. Information from the meter is then returned to the co-op via an encrypted, secure, dedicated network. The collected data includes electric usage and outage/blink information.
How does my new meter work?
The meters send their reading via an encrypted data packet to the office via a combination fiber optic and cellular network.
How secure will the new meter readings be?
Like always, the meter display is visible for members to be able to check their own reading. All other data reported by the meter is encrypted, and the meter is physically sealed.
Is my personal data secure?
Yes, only metering data will be transmitted via an encrypted, highly secure system. No personal information about members is stored within the meter or included in what is delivered from the meter back to the office. And, the meter cannot identify individual appliance usage. Instead, the meter records whole-house energy usage just like your existing meter.
How will I know if my meter has been changed?
If you are not home, a co-op employee or contractor will leave a door hanger on your front door to let you know they have changed the meter. We will work with businesses to minimize any inconvenience. You do not have to be present during the meter exchange. If workers are unable to access your meter because of a locked gate or other obstruction, we will be in contact with you.
Can the cooperative disconnect electric service using the new meters?
Yes, in most cases the meters will have remote disconnection capabilities, allowing us to disconnect service at the meter from the office.
Will the new meter notify the co-op when my power goes out?
Yes, in most cases. The new meters can signal NVEMC system monitoring equipment of outages without being prompted by our office. However, we still recommend that you report your own outages by phone to ensure that your outage is documented.
Will the communications system interfere with any equipment in my home?
No, our system meets criteria set by the Federal Communications Commission and should not interfere with any equipment inside a home or business.
When will my meter be installed?
Installation of the new meters will take approximately four months start to finish, beginning July 2021.
Who will be installing the meters?
The majority of the meters will be installed by Powermetrix contractors. Our employees will be installing the multiphase meters, while our contractor, will be installing the balance of them. Contract employees and vehicles will have co-op identification, so you will know they are acting on behalf of the co-op. Powermetrix has installed hundreds of thousands of AMI meters throughout the country.
Will I lose electrical service during installation?
Yes, for a few minutes. You may need to reset electronic clocks and other devices. The technician will notify you before turning off the power. If you are not present, the technician will leave a door hanger to notify you of a successful meter exchange.
How to Read Your New Automated Meter
1. Your meter will run through a series of five different screens. First, wait for the screen that flashes all 8's. This is not your meter reading screen. See picture below.
2. The screen directly after the one flashing all 8's is your meter reading screen. There should be a "01" at the bottom of the screen indicating Screen 1. Beside that it should say "kWh". See the arrows indicating where the "01" and "kWh" are located on your meter on the picture below. This screen is your meter reading located within the blue box as shown below.