Category: UTILITIES

PUDS ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT 20171130 EMAIL CAMPAIGN

PUD’S ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

The Utilities Committee will recommend that that the PLVC support implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project which includes smart meters and will present its recommendation to the Board on December 7, 3pm, at the Bay Club.

The Committee has met with PUD management and reviewed implementing the project in our Community, as well as throughout the PUD service area.

The advantages of these new smart meters include more accurate meter readings, ability to receive instant notifications of service interruptions, cost savings related to outside vendors currently doing meter readings, inefficient use of PUD manpower to replace or repair the hodgepodge of current meters, and manpower costs to handle moves or non-payment disconnects. Once fully implemented, savings in the $1-1.5 million dollars a year range are anticipated

Objections to this conversion have focused on radio frequency (RF) emissions and privacy. Currently, most of our meters already generate RF signals and the new ones will actually reduce those emissions. Customer data and privacy will be maintained in exactly the same way it is today by the PUD.

We invite all members of the Community to attend the PLVC meeting on December 7 to hear the discussion on this subject.

Russ Michel
Utilities Committee Chair