ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI)

Getting Smarter and Working Together

AMI smart water meters helps conserve and ensure a better water future. Working with our customers is the best way to reduce water use, improve the reliability and sustainability of our water system and minimize cost. Smart meters provide an outstanding foundation for strong collaboration with our customers.  Smart meter customers now have the tools and information to help save water and save money.

What Is AMI?

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.  It is a method of using communication technology to read meters remotely.

Why Is The City Undertaking This Effort?

Advanced meter systems are quickly becoming the standard for utilities around the country.  These new devices allow for more accurate and faster collection of water usage readings than the current method.  Introducing automatic meter reading as the standard for Brewster is one of the ways we can better serve our customers and improve the overall efficiency of the utility department. 

Will The Electronic Device On The Meter Interfere With Other Electronic Equipment?

No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices. 

Is The Electronic Device and Data Encrypted?

Yes.  Data transmitted from the meter through the system is encrypted through the entire process. 

Is This Part Of A Fixed (Closed) Network?

Yes. The fixed network will collect readings and transmit them electronically for billing purposes without staff needing to go to the location of the meters. 

Can I Access Daily Readings Online?

Yes, when your system is fully installed, the installer will provide you with instructions on how to set up your online account. Water customers will have the ability to access their daily water consumption online in one hour increments and be notified of leaks, if you so choose.

Do I Have To Be Home For The Meter Replacement Work?

Yes. Since the water meter is located inside of the home, someone over the age of 18 will need to be home for the replacement work to be done. 

What Happens If I Have A Problem After The Installation?

If you have a leak, low pressure or some other problem after the installation, or at any other time, you will be provided contact numbers that you can call to report your concern.  Because your water will be turned off temporarily during the meter change process, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases briefly running your cold water will clear up this situation. 

Why Is The Water Meter Being Replaced?

To upgrade the meter to one capable of communicating with the AMI equipment, and as an extension of an existing program to replace aging meters after they have reached the end of their life cycle. With the introduction of newer technology, the existing meters are not able to communicate using the AMI technology. The newer meters will save labor time, prevent recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the need for City employees to access the meter pit, and decrease the need to estimate accounts due to severe weather conditions. 

Does My Meter Have To Be Replaced? 

Yes. All meters will be changed to be read by the automated metering infrastructure technology.  Customers cannot choose to remain on the older reading system. 

Has This New AMI Equipment Been Tested For Accuracy And Reliability?

Yes. Meters come pretested along with results directly from the manufacturer. The radio device will be tested for accuracy during the meter collection process regularly. 

How Does AMI Benefit Customers?

• Improved customer service by increasing accuracy and frequency of meter readings.

• Minimized need to access meters at the property.

• Reduction in estimated bills.

• Ability for customers to set usages alerts on their account before high bills are received. 

Will My Water Bill Go Up?

Possibly.  The City has an aggressive meter replacement program, so it is unlikely that your old meter was reading slowly; however, older meters tend to lose accuracy as they age and, therefore, may not accurately measure all the water being used. The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use.  All new meters are tested prior to delivery by the manufacturer to ensure that they register properly.  If you see a higher bill immediately upon the new meter installation and you have not changed your water use pattern, it is likely the old meter was running slow, or you have a minor leak in the system that wasn’t registering correctly through the old meter. 

Can I Cover Up The Meter After The Installation?

No. Access needs to be available at all times. There will still be instances when meter technicians will visit the meter on site to perform routine maintenance or verify high readings.  Obstructions to the meter box are subject to removal by City personnel. 

What If There Is Something Blocking Or In Front Of The Meter?

Please, keep access to the water meter available at all times to ensure it is accessible for any potential emergency that would require the meter to be turned off.

How Will I Know That You Have My Reading & Not Someone Else’s?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared to your account record electronically to ensure a match.