Automated Metering
People’s Cooperative Services has implemented an Automated Meter Reading system using the Cannon Technologies’ power line carrier (PLC) advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network. With this change the Cooperative will achieve consistency in meter reading and billing, and gain another tool to aid improvement in operational efficiency. More than 200 electric cooperatives throughout North America now utilize the Cannon AMI solution and the company’s Yukon Platform.
How does AMR/AMI work?
Equipment is installed at the cooperative offices and at the electrical substation providing service to a home or business. Meters containing the AMR communications electronics are then installed at the service account location. To read the meter, a command is sent from the Cooperative offices by radio communications to the substation equipment. At the substation the command signal is placed on the power line and sent to the service location. This is the same wire that brings the electric power to the home or business. The command includes the unique identification number that has been assigned at the factory to the meter's AMR communications electronics. The AMR electronics recognizes the command and obtains the read information from the electric meter and sends that data to the office through the power line, substations and radio system.
Why did we change to the AMR/AMI system?
The AMR/AMI system provides People’s Cooperative and members with numerous member service and cost-saving benefits.
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The installation of an AMR/AMI system is part of our strategy to utilize new technology to reduce operational expenses. In this case, meter reading costs will be reduced.
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AMR/AMI allows improved billing accuracy, enhanced member-consumer service on billing and service issues and savings on line loss with more advanced metering efficiencies.
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The AMR/AMI system can provide assistance in locating the source of an outage, allowing for quicker responses with the restoration of service.
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The system can provide daily meter readings if necessary.
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This new system will enhance our efforts to improve overall system reliability by providing the necessary load profile and energy demand data to efficiently size transformers and other equipment.
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The system in general will help secure the overall safety of the cooperative employee from hazards during meter reading, such as dogs or an unsafe environment.
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The AMR/AMI system will give People’s Cooperative the ability to provide members with more detailed information such as power consumption patterns, outage and blink count history and voltage information.
What’s the difference between the AMR/AMI meter and an old meter?
The new meters are digital electronic devices. Most of the old meters were electromechanical. 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/AMI meters will have an electronic circuit board module installed. The module receives and stores the kilowatt-hour (kWh) and demand consumption recorded by the electronics in the meter and is able to transmit this and other data over the power lines to equipment located in its substation.
Can I still read the meter(s) on my property?
Yes, you still will be able to read the meter.
What if my bill reports more kWh usage than normal or if I think the meter is not working correctly?
Contact a customer service representative at the cooperative office right away to discuss your billing concerns. Electronic meters are more accurate than analog or mechanical meters. The AMR/AMI meters installed by People’s Cooperative Services have been tested prior to installation in the field.