Automated Meter Reading – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Omaha Public Power District will be installing new meters throughout its service territory beginning in June and continuing until all meters are replaced. A brief video showing the installation process is available.
(Video is best viewed via high-speed connection using Windows Media Player.)
The two-year process involves removing existing meters on customers' homes and replacing them with ones that can be read remotely. This means that instead of meter readers walking house-to-house to obtain readings, the new meters can be read more quickly and efficiently by special equipment in a vehicle that will drive by monthly.
Many utilities are using AMR as a way to improve customer service and control their meter reading costs, especially in areas where fenced yards, dogs, landscaping and other issues make accessing meters difficult or unsafe.
How does AMR benefit customers?
What is AMR?
How does it work?
Is this new system really needed?
Is my account information secure?
How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?
Will the radio frequency interfere with my television or phones?
Does someone need to come into my home to change meters?
What time of day will the AMR meter exchange take place?
Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
Will OPPD need to turn off my service?
When multiple meter exchanges are performed, such as at apartment complexes, strip malls, shopping centers or office complexes, will the service be interrupted to all meters at once?
How will I know the person at my door is working on this project?
Will the size of the new meter be different?
Will I see a change in my service after AMR is installed?
Will I need to read the electric meter anymore?
Will I still be able to view the meter reading?
Are there additional benefits?
Will my electric bill go up with the new meter?
How does AMR benefit customers?
- Improved customer service, which includes:
- Minimizing the need to access customer property to read meters
- No need for customer to read the electric meters due to meter access issues
- Controlled meter reading costs
- Enhanced customer convenience
- Fewer employee injuries, especially in areas with fenced yards, dogs and landscaping
- Reduction in estimated bills
- Reduction in operational costs, thereby allowing OPPD to keep your electric rates well below the national average.
What is AMR?
AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. It is a method of using communication technology to read meters without having to access a customer's property.
How does it work?
There are several ways to read an electric meter remotely. We've chosen a system that uses a small radio transmitter in the meter. That reading will then be sent via the transmitter to a receiver in a vehicle that’s being driven through your neighborhood.
Is this new system really needed?
We strive to provide the best possible customer service, high reliability and low rates. AMR will help us achieve these goals.
Is my account information secure?
Yes, only meter readings and meter or module numbers are transmitted. Personal customer information will not be transmitted.
How will I know that you have my reading and 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 to ensure a match.
Will the radio frequency interfere with my television or phones?
No, the AMR frequency is very different and will not interfere.
Does someone need to come into my home to change meters?
No, in most cases. As OPPD exchanges electric meters, personnel will need to access certain meters, such as those in basements or on enclosed porches.
What time of day will the AMR meter exchange take place?
Most of the meter exchanges will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
No, in most cases. If we visit your home and have trouble gaining access to the meter, we will leave a door tag requesting that you contact us to set up an appointment.
I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment.
Why do I need to do that?
If you had a door tag asking you to call us, the most likely reason is that we were unable to gain access to the meter.
Will OPPD need to turn off my service?
Momentary electric service interruptions will occur to change out the meter.
When multiple meter exchanges are performed, such as at apartment complexes, strip malls, shopping centers or office complexes, will the service be interrupted to all meters at once?
No. Only one service meter will be without power at a time, even at panels with multiple meters.
How will I know the person at my door is working on this project?
OPPD employees will be wearing clothing with the OPPD logo and will carry OPPD identification. In addition, their vehicles may be identified by the special OPPD logo shown at the right. If you ever have any question about the identity of someone who claims to be working for OPPD, please call our Customer Call Center at 536-4131 or 1-877-536-4131.
Will the size of the new meter be different?
No. The new meter will have the same approximate size and appearance.
Will I see a change in my service after AMR is installed?
The only significant change to your utility service will be that meter readers will not need to visit your property to collect the meter readings. Service personnel may visit periodically to confirm proper operation or perform routine maintenance.
Will I need to read the electric meter anymore?
AMR will eliminate the need for you to read the electric meter.
Will I still be able to view the meter reading?
Yes, the digital reading will remain visible, so you can view the meter reading(s) if you wish. However, OPPD will not use customer reads for billing purposes when AMR reads are available.
Are there additional benefits?
The up-front installation cost is about $22 million, but we'll save about $3.3 million annually. The system actually pays for itself in 7 years.
Will my electric bill go up with the new meter?
Some customers may notice an increase. Of course, a higher utility bill can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased electricity usage or the addition of appliances or electronic equipment in the household.
Some customers may notice an increase because the new meter is measuring usage more accurately. Older meters tend to run slower and therefore do not measure all the electricity going through them. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly.
If you have further questions, please call our Customer Call Center at 536-4131 or 1-877-536-4131 or send an e-mail to OPPD Consumer Relations.
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