Vectren to adapt meters

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DAYTON — Starting this month, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (Vectren) will launch a 15-month plan to install automated meter reading (AMR) devices throughout its west-central Ohio service territory.

Crews working for Vectren will soon begin installing encoder receiver transmitters (ERTs) on meters that do not yet have the technology, as well as upgrading approximately 90,000 meters already installed with older ERT technology. When completed, AMR technology will enable Vectren to efficiently obtain actual reads by driving routes, rather than walking the routes, increasing reads per day and eliminating complications caused by weather, meter-reader turnover, animals and locked gates.

The majority of existing meters will be quickly retrofitted to house the new technology. The retrofit process can take as little as 10 minutes and doesn’t require any action on the customer’s part if the meter is located outside the home. In some cases, replacement of the entire meter may be necessary as a result of the current meter’s being unable to accept the new technology. If inside-home access or a complete meter change is required, customers will be contacted by a Vectren representative prior to the start of the required work.

As Vectren transitions from walking meter-reading to mobile data collection, customers may see changes in their monthly bills’ due dates. Any changes will be communicated to customers as they occur.

AMR uses ERT devices, which are installed on natural gas meters in order to transmit encrypted meter information via radio signals to data collection devices located within specially-equipped vehicles. Powered by a battery, this technology operates at a special low-power frequency and has been proven by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate at a safe RF level and nationally via many utility installations not to interfere with any other electrical equipment such as computers, radios, satellite television, home security systems, mobile devices or pacemakers. The ERT’s radio frequency level is significantly less than that of cell phones, microwave ovens, or home Wi-Fi systems.

The implementation of AMR is intended to improve the efficiencies of the utility’s natural gas infrastructure and enhance customer experience in the communities throughout its service territory. For information, visit vectren.com/AMR.

Staff report

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