Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

Advanced metering systems are comprised of electronic/digital hardware and software, which combine interval data measurement with continuously available remote communications. These systems enable measurement of detailed, time-based information and frequent collection and transmittal of such information to various parties. AMI or Advanced Metering Infrastructure typically refers to the full measurement and collection system that includes meters at the customer site, communication networks between the customer and a service provider, such as an electric, gas, or water utility, and data reception and management systems that make the information available to the service provider.

In laymen's terms, the meter reading, or consumption, will become available remotely by the Customer Service Representatives in the Utility Billing Department. See the image below for a graphic representation.

WHEN WILL MY METER BE REPLACED? CAN I SEE A MAP?

The meters will be installed by geographic “zones” over the next 5 years. Meters that are newer will be retrofitted.  Our crews may have already been through your neighborhood.  Please view our Interactive Map to see if we have already refit your meter or if we are in your area now.  Road signs are posted in the areas we are servicing.

What Are the Benefits of this New Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?

• More consistent and accurate consumption hourly readings.
• Easily monitor water consumption
• Daily and monthly usage charts
• Compare current usage to previous periods
• 24-hour leak detection
• Ability to set budget and conservation goals
• Reversal of Flow detection, ensure water quality remains high

Why Install this Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) now?

The city is installing this new infrastructure because the old meters are wearing out; many of them have been in use for over 15 years. As meters age, their accuracy begins to decline In addition, the new system will include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology that will save labor time, prevent recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the need for city employees to make site visits for reads, and identified leaks earlier by analysis of data collected. AMI technology will also streamline the process of transferring responsibility for an account when a customer moves in or out.  Any meter that has more life to it, will be retrofitted with a ERT.   The City will be able to improve customer service and operate your utilities at a greater level of efficiency.

My meter works fine; does it have to be upgraded?

Yes. It is necessary to equip all water meters with an ERT.

What do I need to do?

For approximately 2/3 of the customer it will be necessary to schedule time for you to be temporarily out of water service.  Customer will receive a notification 2 days prior to the work being performed.

Will my rates increase?

The cost of the AMI system is included in our current rate analysis.  It is anticipated that the AMI system will recoup the costs within 6 years.

Will this affect my bill?

Monetarily, NO - Consumption Graph, NO

However, you will notice a change on the water meter reads on your bill for one month. You will be billed for your total usage, but your bill will show a zero in the previous reading.  If you have questions regarding your previous read when that time comes, please call our office at 503-925-2315.

Should I be concerned with privacy issues?

There is no video system connected and the only data that is passed is the Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) number (123456) and Usage (20). The new meters use wireless radio frequencies—just like wireless Internet and cable TV—to send and receive information from the City. The meters and communication system meet all federal safety standards and codes.

Are there any hazards to could result from having the radio transmitter outside my home?

No, this type of equipment is regulated by the FCC and transmits with extremely low power (less than 1/100th of a watt). Each radio transmission lasts only a fraction of a second.

Will the radio transmitter interfere with my television, cordless phone, garage doors or pacemaker?

No, the radio transmissions occur on a frequency different from those used by television signals, cordless phones, garage doors, and pacemakers. In addition, the transmissions last less than one second.

What powers the AMI radio transmitter (ERT)?

The ERT is a battery-powered device. The warranty of the battery is 20 years.

How does the new meter reading system work?

A “smart” meter uses relatively low radio signals, similar to the technology used by cable TV and wireless internet, to transmit water readings to the city.

Will the timing of my water bills change?

There will be no change to your monthly billing period at this time.  The city would like to work towards all customers on the same bill cycle.  This would mean everyone would have the same bill day, with the same due date.

How do 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 identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

How do you know that my reading is accurate?

The new meters are tested before installation. These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading before it is sent to the transmitting unit. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.

How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?

A new, more accurate meter may detect small leaks that the older meter missed. Check faucets for small drips. Also check your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl. You may want to place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak. Seek assistance from your local home improvement center or plumbing professional to fix all such leaks.

Will my water bill go up?

Older meters tend to run slower and therefore do not measure all the water going through them. The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly. If you see a higher bill, it is usually not because your new meter is reading too high; it is because the old meter was running slow and did not count all the water through it.

Do I have to be home for the process?

No, the meter is located outside in a meter pit near the street you do not need to be home for this work to be completed.

How long will the meter installation take?

For meters that will be replaced, under normal circumstances, the installation will take 15 minutes. The water will have to be turned off until the meter is changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. This will clear up after running your water for a few moments. You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures. This is normal.

What if we have a leak after the meter is installed?

The City of Sherwood will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action. You may call the Public Works at (503)925-2315 during normal working hours (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday) or after hours emergency (503)625-5722.

Why are you still reading it manually?

If your meter has been upgraded with the AMI technology and your meter is still being read manually it just indicates that we have not completed commissioning the system in your area, and are not yet ready to read your meter electronically. Once we are receiving readings from your meter future readings will be taken electronically.

Didn’t see an answer you were looking for?

Contact the Utility Billing Department at (503) 925-2315.