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GRU

Meter Upgrade

Meter Upgrade

What is an AMI meter?  

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Sometimes called Smart Meters, AMI meters are digital electric, water or gas meters equipped with wireless communication technology. AMI meters collect usage data electronically, daily, as opposed to manual monthly readings. An AMI meter transmits these readings remotely over a private, secure wireless radio network. 

Why is GRU installing AMI meters? 

AMI meters have become the norm for utilities around the country because they allow for more accurate and faster collection of meter readings, improved safety conditions for staff and minimized wear and tear on vehicles. Introducing automated meter reading as the standard for GRU is one way we can better serve our customers and improve the overall efficiency of the utility.  

Are AMI meters required for all customers?

Yes. Click here for more information on GRU's Smart Meter Policy.

How do I read my meter?

Here's how to read your Electric AMI meter.

Here's how to read your Water AMI meter.

Here's how to read your Gas AMI meter.

How do AMI meters benefit me?  

  • You will see improved customer service through increased accuracy and frequency of meter readings. 

  • We won’t need to access your home or business to read a meter, eliminating a possible inconvenience. 

  • You will see a reduction in estimated bills.  

  • You will have the ability to monitor usage on your account. 

How do AMI meters work? 

GRU is replacing electric meters, water meters and gas registers with AMI meters that provide two-way communication from the meter to strategically located collection points. These devices collect and transmit unique identification numbers, operating status information, and various usage alerts to the utility at regular intervals.   

What information does the meter read?  

AMI meters read your utility usage and provide outage notifications to GRU. 

Will someone other than GRU be able to read the meters?  

No, the information collected by AMI meters is secure. 

When are we getting AMI meters?  

You may see meter installers as early as 2022. 

Does my current meter have to be replaced?  

Yes. Most meters must be changed or modified so they can be read remotely. Customers cannot choose to remain on the older, manual reading system.  

Do I have to be home while GRU replaces my meter?  

In most cases, no. Since meters are generally located outside of the home, you will not need to be there for the replacement work; however, some gas meters may need to be replaced. In this case, you will need to make an appointment to restore service. 

How will I know you’re reading my meter and not somebody else’s?  

Each device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading.  

How often will meter data be collected? 

Meter data is collected in 15-minute intervals for electric and one-hour intervals for water and gas. This data is transmitted once a day. 

Will I have access to my meter data? 

Yes, as the system is developed, you will have access to more detailed information about your energy usage via GRU’s customer portal. You will be able to make informed decisions about how to use your GRU resources. 

How will I know my information is secure?  

AMI data is encrypted and protected by multiple layers of security to guard against unauthorized actions, breaches and tampering. Personal customer information such as names, addresses or account numbers is not transmitted or stored by the AMI system. 

Will I still need to call when my power is out? 

Initially, we are asking customers to continue reporting outages, even after an AMI meter has been installed. As we deploy the meters, we will be testing many aspects to ensure the communication is flowing efficiently and effectively. Once stable, customers will no longer need to report power outages.  

Will my electric service be interrupted during my meter installation?    

Yes, you will experience a brief outage while the meter is exchanged.  

Will my gas or water service be interrupted during my meter installation?    

Possibly. A variety of factors could create the need to interrupt service momentarily while we upgrade your meter.  

Whom do I contact if I have a question about my bill or if I don’t believe my meter is working accurately?  

You can reach a representative by calling 352-334-3434 or email us at customerservice@gru.com. 

Is the AMI technology safe? 

AMI meters will not negatively affect your health. The wireless portions of the system are operated per Federal Communications Commission rules and will not interfere with other radio frequencies in the area. The transmitters use one-quarter of the power of a smartphone transmission. Exposure to radio waves from smart meters is tiny compared to smartphone transmissions. The amount of exposure to radio waves decreases with the square of the distance from the radio source and the total transmission time is only 15 second per day. 

How does the radio frequency of the AMI communications device compare to other common household devices? 

Please see the chart below:

Can I Opt Out of the AMI Meter Upgrade?

Yes. You can opt-out by completing the following steps:

  • The property owner must acknowledge the terms and conditions of the opt-out program to enroll.
  • A one-time set-up fee of $85 will be charged to your account. 

  • A monthly fee of $38 per property will be charged to your account.

  • Fees are subject to annual increase based on cost-of-service analysis.

  • Opt-out is available only to single-family premises in good standing*.

  • Access must be provided for installation and meter reading.

  • The opt-out program will end once non-standard meters become unavailable from existing stores.

*An account in good standing is defined as one without non-payments of evidence of theft or tampering.