AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) is a two-way communication system that is built to collect detailed metering information throughout a utility’s service industry. AMI is typically automated and allows real-time, on-demand interrogations with metering endpoints. FERC defines AMI as “A metering system that records customer consumption hourly or more frequently and that provides for daily or more frequent transmittal of measurements over a communication network to a central collection point.”
SECO embarked on its plan to replace all outdated analog/mechanical meters with new upgraded AMI meters in 2023. The process is expected to be completed in three years, or until full replacement is achieved.
A SECO-contracted meter technician from Honeywell will install the new AMI meter and remove the old one. All SECO contractors carry company ID, and their trucks are clearly marked with a SECO Energy Authorized Contractor decal.
Yes, but just briefly. You will experience a short interruption of a few minutes while the meter is exchanged. Technicians will courtesy knock before performing the meter exchange and will leave a door hanger as well. You do not need to be home for the meter exchange.
AMI is proven utility technology that has become industry standard. AMI meters will help SECO Energy provide reliable and innovative energy services to the homes and businesses in our service area.
Yes. The Honeywell AMI meter uses an industry standard cellular communications system, just like your cell phone. The components of the meter and communication module are UL (Underwriter Laboratories) certified. The meter meets all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines and safety standards.
SECO will utilize both a cellular and mesh (router) system. For our service area, which includes densely populated urban areas and areas that are more rural with heavy vegetation, a mixture of technologies is the right approach. Read Honeywell’s AMI Safety Data Sheets.
No. AMI meters will simply enhance the ability to measure electric consumption, providing quick, useful information for SECO Energy and its members.
The easiest way to read data from the meter is through our SmartHub online account management platform. SECO has made it simple to understand the data the meter collects and what it represents. If you wish to read usage data directly from the meter, the consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) is shown from left to right on the meter display.
No, AMI meters only measure energy consumption. Energy consumption data is sent through a secure wireless network.
AMI meters deliver several time-saving benefits when it comes to power outages, including:
- AMI meters quickly alert System Operations when an outage has occurred.
- AMI meters relay near-real-time data to verify power restoration.
- The time it once took to manually verify proper meter operation will be reduced significantly from hours to minutes or even seconds.
There are many, with more to come! Among those members should find useful are:
- Access to more detailed information about your energy consumption, giving you the ability to isolate sources and monitor electricity use more effectively than what is offered in a monthly statement. This enhances your opportunity to save energy.
- More convenient billing options like flexible payment dates.
- Higher accuracy of usage measurement; no need to “estimate” anymore.
- Usage alerts and billing notifications
- Faster outage response time and diagnostics
Just the opposite! Most members can simply let us know the date service should begin or stop and we will manage remotely. You will not have to wait for a technician to arrive.
AMI meters use low-power radiofrequency transmitters (the frequency used is lower than your microwave or cell phone) to exchange consumption data between the meter and SECO Energy.
Implementing systemwide AMI meters will reduce miles driven and emissions from SECO Energy fleet and contractor vehicles that will no longer engage in monthly meter reading activities. Members will also be alerted quickly if their energy consumption is increasing and by using SmartHub’s enhanced features, they will be able to diagnose an HVAC, water heater or other large-energy-user malfunction.
The SECO AMI meter transfers energy consumption information to our billing center through a secure wireless network. Only the personnel authorized to handle meter and billing data will have access to a member’s information.
Contractors primarily fulfill meter reading activities. While we will see a reduction in our contractor workforce, SECO employment is not expected to decrease due to the deployment of systemwide AMI.
Meters are tested before leaving the manufacturer (Honeywell). Meters return readings in 15-minute intervals and integrate with our online account management platform SmartHub. Members can view their readings, energy consumption and have access to updated SmartHub features such as billing projections and energy usage details.
SECO Energy will continue its practice to perform a random sample test of all meters after installation. Members who request the meter at their location be tested will be charged the current meter testing fee as published in SECO Energy’s Rate Tariff. The Cooperative will continue to conduct routine sample testing periodically to track meter accuracy after installation.
