An automated meter sends readings electronically over the power lines to an Adams Electric substation. The readings are then relayed by microwave signal to the co-op’s headquarters in Gettysburg and automatically recorded.
Automated meters have been installed in upper Franklin and lower Cumberland counties. Plans call for all Adams Electric accounts to have automated meters by 2009. Until they are notified that their meters have been activated, members must continue to read their meters and report those readings each month.
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Why is Adams Electric switching to AMR?
Adams Electric will save money through fewer property visits and less employee time spent gathering readings. Also, the co-op will be able to obtain more accurate readings and get information on each account more quickly, which translates to better service to the members.
Why switch now?
Adams Electric has been exploring AMR for quite some time, and the cost of installing automated meters becomes more affordable with each new generation of technology.
How are the meters being deployed?
The first meters were installed for members in Franklin and Cumberland counties. Those meters were activated with readings taken at the end of May 2007. Plans call for automated meter to be installed in Adams County in 2007 and then in York County, with every account having an automated meter by 2009.
Will I be billed for the new automated meter put on my house?
You will not be charged separately for the automated meter or the installation.
When will my meter be read?
Readings will be gathered from all the meters on the 30th of each month. In February, meters will be read on the last day of the month.
Will the automated meter affect when I receive my bill?
You should continue to receive your bill within a day or two of the date you are used to getting your bill in the mail.
Will the new meter affect when my bill payment is due?
Your bill payment date may be affected by only a few days. The due date now is 20 days after the billing date listed at the top of your bill.
Is it true that the automated meter can tell Adams Electric when my power is off?
The cooperative can use AMR to more quickly and easily identify those areas where power has been restored following an interruption. AMR helps take the guesswork out of determining where a problem might be when outages occur. This is particularly useful in remote locations that are electrified but aren’t necessarily reached by phone lines.
When can I stop reading my own meter?
The cooperative will notify you when your automated meter has been activated. Do not stop reporting your readings until that time.
What if I already have an automated meter?
The cooperative deployed a number of automated meters that reported readings via a phone line and charged a fee for that service. Those meters will eventually be replaced by new ones and the fee members pay now for that convenience will go away.
Do I have to be home when the meter is changed out?
You do not have to be home unless you have a meter that is not accessible from the outside. If you have a meter that is easily accessible and you are not home, the person installing the meter will leave a notice that the work has been performed.