Austin Utilities is about to begin its Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) project. This project will involve installing new electric, natural gas, and water meters in our entire service territory. The new equipment will allow us to provide improved service, operational savings, and better billing information, all at no cost to you.

We will begin installing meters Winter 2021. Due to the unique features of each type of installation, meters will be installed in neighborhood sweeps by meter type. It is likely your electric meter will be installed first.

Project Launch Letter

Project Update Map (coming soon)

The Project

What is the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project?

This project will involve installing new electric, water and natural gas meters in our entire service territory. The new equipment will allow us to provide improved service, operational savings, and better billing information, all at no cost to you.

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What is AMI?

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Reason for the Upgrade of Equipment?

Austin Utilities routinely upgrades their equipment according to industry standards. AMI meters are currently the utility standard. Equipment upgrades allow Austin Utilities to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively, which lowers and reduces pressures on rates.

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How does Advanced Metering benefit me?

At a high level, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will provide you with better information to utilize your utility resources more efficiently. You will have access to more detailed information about your energy and water usage using the Austin Utilities SmartHub web and app based customer portal. This data will also help us to better address your questions and issues about usage.

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What will Advanced Metering cost me?

There will be no additional customer bill charges for this new technology. The project is being funded out of normal operating budgets.

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AMI Technology and Equipment

Is Advanced Metering a new Technology?

No, Advanced Metering has been around in Austin since 2003 and is a utility standard around the country. These devices allow for more accurate and faster collection of usage readings than our current method, improve safety concerns, and provide overall efficiency.

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Is my information safe?

Yes, data transmitted from the meter through the AMI system is encrypted throughout the entire process.

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Will I have access to my meter data?

Yes. As the system is developed, you will have access to more detailed information about your electricity, water and natural gas usage patterns through the Austin Utilities SmartHub customer web and app based portal. Additional functionality will be added as we continually improve the system. This functionality will enable you to have a better understanding of your usage patterns so you can make better choices about how you use your utility resources.

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Will Austin Utilities be able to control anything in my home or business?

No. Austin Utilities access stops at the meter.

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Will the electronic box on the meter device interfere with other electronic equipment in my home or office?

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

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How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?

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

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Are the electromagnetic fields produced by the new equipment harmful to my health?

Some people have asked about the potential health effects from exposure to the radio frequency (RF) emitted by smart meters. Although the meters utilize RF technology, they represent no known health hazards and emit significantly lower exposure levels than most other typical devices that emit RF, such as cellular phones, wireless routers and microwave ovens. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact AU at (507) 433-8886.

Myth Vs Fact: The Truth About Smart Meters

MN Department of Health Smart Meter: Radio Frequency Radiation

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Equipment Installation

Will I be notified to any meter installation at my home or business?

Yes, you will be notified by postcard approximately two weeks prior to your meter installation

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Who is the contractor doing the equipment change?

Austin Utilities staff and our installation partner, Allegiant Utility Services, will install the meters. All installers will be able to provide proper identification at your request.

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What can I expect during installation?

On the day of installation, the installer will be on your property to change out the equipment. A typical change out takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Each installer will have proper identification, as well as a logoed vehicle.

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Do I need to be home for this equipment change?

For installations when home entry is required you will be contacted by Austin Utilities or Allegiant Utility Services, our installation partner, to make an appointment. Your installer will arrive in a company vehicle and provide an ID card verifying identity.

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How will I know that my meter has been changed?

You will receive a door hanger notifying you when a meter has been changed.

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Will my service be interrupted during installation?

In some cases, there may be a need to interrupt service during your new meter installation. This interruption will be very brief and should not cause any inconvenience.

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What happens if I have a problem after installation?

If you have a water leak or low water pressure, no heat, or loss of power, or some problem after installation, or at any other time, you will contact Austin Utilities 507-433-8886 to report your concern. Please note that because your water will have been turned off temporarily during the meter change process you may experience air bubbles or discolored water. In most cases briefly running cold water will clear up this situation.

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What do I do if I have questions about the AMI equipment change, or have received a notice to schedule an appointment?

• You may call Austin Utilities at (507) 433-8886.
  
• You can email Austin Utilities at talk2au@austinutilities.com.
  

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Can I choose to not have the upgraded equipment?

All customer homes and businesses need to be upgraded to the new equipment. The efficiency of our billing, technology and operations systems depends upon the instantaneous exchange of information. Leaving any existing meters in place would create “holes” in our system which would hurt efficiencies and drive-up costs. Customers who would like to discuss opting out should call our office.

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