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Advanced Meter FAQ

You may have questions about our plans to upgrade to avant-garde meters. As the projection unfolds, we will update this page to include new information. Delight check back periodically.

You tin click here to download a full general fact sail about advanced meters.

Final updated February 2022

General Data

Why is TPU upgrading to advanced meters?

Advanced meters back up a diversity of benefits that allow you more than flexibility, the ability to control your h2o and power costs, and aid us operate more efficiently. Many of the power and water meters in our system today utilize engineering that hasn't changed much over the concluding 75 years. Old technology limits the services available.  About of our meters have reached the cease of their lifespan and need to be updated to provide you with reliable service. Advanced meter applied science as well fulfills requests we have received from you lot and your neighbors for additional features, including monthly billing and admission to usage data.

What are advanced meters and how practice they piece of work?

Avant-garde meters are ii-way communication devices that measure and transmit electric and water usage data to provide usa with accurate billing determinants and detailed arrangement information.  This information is besides used during a tempest consequence  or other organization disruption, to restore service more chop-chop and reduce the length of outages and arrangement emergencies.

Advanced meters mensurate usage information at homes and businesses. The usage information is sent between the meter and the utility over a wireless network.  This means that:

• Avant-garde meters collect the same h2o and energy usage information your existing meter provides, just more than frequently that possible via the current bi-monthly transmission reads.
• Residential usage information is typically sent to u.s. most 24 times per day using radio frequency manual. This is similar to the wireless communications used by cell phones and WiFi.

What are the benefits of advanced meters?

The installation of advanced meters volition offering many client benefits. Some of the benefits available from this technology include monthly billing, selectable bill due date, faster outage and leak detection, prepayment options for power, remote plow-on and turn-off of electricity for easier move in, move out, and reconnection, and detailed, near existent-time usage information through a customer web portal. Click hither to view and download a comprehensive summary of Advanced Meter customer benefits and capabilities.

Take other utilities installed advanced meters?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than 75 million electric meters throughout the The states were upgraded to advanced meters as of 2017. That number has continued to grow as more utilities and their customers recognize the many benefits of investing in a mature technology. In the Pacific Northwest several utilities have or are currently installing advanced meters.

Will the avant-garde meters bear on how I use energy and h2o?

Timely usage information can help you lot make more informed decisions and potentially lower your bills past using water and free energy more efficiently. Other utilities take seen an increase in customer satisfaction as a result.

How do advanced meters impact meter readers?

Like you, we're concerned most the employees who read your meters. Our goal is to minimize or avert job loss for our permanent meter reader staff. We're working to identify existing opportunities and build new skills and then these employees can fill needed positions at the utility every bit they come.

What if I don't desire an advanced meter? (Opt-out)

We are committed to loftier-quality customer service and take developed an Opt-Out Policy to provide you with options.

2 opt-out options are available if you do not wish to participate in advanced metering for your residential electric meter.

Opt-out options:

1. To temporarily keep an existing legacy electric meter, you must opt-out before your meter has been upgraded to an avant-garde meter.
2. If you practise not want a communicating advanced meter after your meter has been upgraded, you lot have the choice to opt-out and have your advanced meter's radio frequency transmitter turned off.

Opting-out will require you to pay a monthly fee of $fifteen. This fee is based on TPU'southward cost to provide opt-out service and continue manual meter reading of your opt-out meter.

TPU is not planning to offering an advanced metering opt-out choice for residential water or commercial accounts.

View Opt-Out Policy details hither.
Employ to Opt-Out here.

To request a paper opt-out application, delight email TPUCSBillingOfficeTeam@cityoftacoma.org or call 253-502-8509.

How are advanced meters related to other utility technology projects?

Advanced meters are a foundational modernization projection and evangelize central benefits right away. Modernization projects typically build on one another over time. Some customer benefits or data are enabled past advanced meters and delivered through related utility modernization projects, such as TPU'due south Customer Engagement Portal.

Does COVID-19 change the importance of Advanced Metering?

You are our priority – especially with the health and economical impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advanced Metering volition provide yous with the benefits you've asked for – more than options to control costs, monthly billing, and additional flexible payment options – each beneficial during uncertain economic times. Faster outage and leak detection capabilities also allow the states to locate and restore services sooner. We know there is a lot of interest within our communities for new programs enabled past Advanced Metering and we are dedicated to realizing these benefits. Avant-garde Metering is an essential building block of TPU'due south infrastructure, has been a strategic focus for the by 5 years, and will modernize TPU services now and in the time to come.

Didn't TPU already install advanced meters (Gateway Pilot Plan)?

Tacoma Power ran a pilot program with an early generation of advanced meters. This pilot began in 2003 and ended in 2019 due to meters being at finish of life. The airplane pilot was successful and provided us essential data that showed advanced meters would benefit all of our power and water customers. When the airplane pilot ended, old Gateway meters were set dorsum to transmission reads until individual meters are upgraded. This immune staff to focus on planning and implementing the new advanced metering infrastructure.

Timeline

When will meters be installed?

Advanced meter installation began in 2020 and we are currently mid-style through completing meter upgrades. The schedule for advanced meter installation will be posted and updated on MyTPU.org/AdvancedMeters. Once the implementation is complete, we will focus on launching avant-garde operational and client-focused features.

What areas will receive the new advanced meters first?

In 2020, our crews began to install avant-garde meters in South Tacoma, most Heart Street. Once completed, the crews began work inside the City limits installing new meters in Fundamental Tacoma and the South End and working outward.

There was a service person at my house today. Has TPU started upgrading their meters?

We began installing meters in 2020 and nosotros are currently mid-way through completing meter upgrades. You will receive notifications prior to your upgrade. Yous can view the current installation schedule on our deployment map.

Practice you have natural gas in your dwelling? If yes, Puget Audio Free energy is upgrading their approximately 40,000 gas meters in Tacoma.  If you have questions, you can reach them at 1-888-225-5773.

Residential  and Commercial Meter Upgrades

What can I expect during the meter upgrade?

What are yous doing to ensure my health and rubber during the meter upgrade?

While our Meter Technicians piece of work to amend our infrastructure and enhance your service, the health and safety of our customers and staff during the pandemic is a top priority. The installer will knock on your door, and then step back to maintain advisable concrete distancing. They conduct an ID badge and volition adhere to current WA State Labor & Industries protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They will not need to enter your home for the upgrade.

Whether you are home or not, the installer will exit behind a notice indicating the upgrade was successful or requesting that yous call if your meter could not be replaced.

How will I know when my meter is scheduled for the upgrade?

Residential and pocket-size business customers volition receive three notifications by mail starting 45 to 60 days before the meter upgrade. Yous volition also receive ii autodial messages from the meter installation vendor earlier your meter is upgraded.

Large commercial and industrial customers will receive one notification threescore days before the scheduled upgrade, followed past a phone call from the meter shop to schedule the upgrade if a service intermission is required.

How long volition the meter upgrade have?

For residential customers, the electrical meter installation will average 15 minutes.  The water meter installation will average between 15 and thirty minutes.

For big commercial and industrial customers, the electrical meter upgrade volition average 30 minutes. Commercial h2o meter upgrades take betwixt 30 minutes to viii hours, depending on the meter size.

Volition I be without service during the meter upgrade?

Residential and small business customers will feel a brief interruption of power service during the upgrade. Yous may need to reset your clocks and turn certain equipment such as computers dorsum on subsequently the installation is completed. During your water meter upgrade, you lot won't accept water service available. If your abode has an accessible exterior spigot, the installer will run the water for a short time afterwards installation to release any air defenseless in the line; if you lot do not accept an exterior spigot, you volition exist asked to complete this step using an within faucet.

Your water will be prophylactic to employ later the upgrade, but running your common cold water after installation from a large faucet such as a bathtub should articulate any small amount of air or discoloration that might occur.

Not all large commercial and industrial upgrades will require an interruption of service. If exchanging the meters does crave a service break, our installers will attempt to make contact in person or over the phone at the time of the meter replacement. Nosotros may require dissever appointments for electric and water meter upgrades if you receive both services from TPU.

Practice I need to be onsite for the meter upgrade?

No one needs to exist present for the meter upgrade, unless a meter reader typically needs someone to provide access to your meter.

What if I demand to be abode to give the installer admission?

If your meter is not accessible and TPU does not have access (such as if your meter is behind a locked gate and TPU does not take a key/lawmaking), please call 833-701-2135 to schedule an appointment.

Where is my electric meter?

Residential and small business electric meters are typically located on the side or back of your house.

Large commercial and industrial electric meters are located outside of your building, in a meter room, or inside your concern. The technician volition work with yous to proceeds access to the meter if it is non located outside your building

Where is my h2o meter?

Residential and small business water meters are typically located in front of the house, nearly the sidewalk or street.

Most large commercial and industrial water meters are located at or near the forepart of the business. Some meters downtown are located on the street, at the rear of the building. For some locations, there may be more than one water meter

What role of the h2o service is TPU'southward responsibleness, and what is mine?

Looking at the picture in a higher place, the bluish h2o main, service line, and water meter are what Tacoma Public Utilities owns and maintains. You own and are responsible for the property side service lines and plumbing, shown above in orange.

What role of the electric service is TPU's responsibility, and what part is mine?

Looking at the picture above, the red pole, ability and distribution lines, transformer to the service line and meter are what Tacoma Public Utilities owns and maintains. Y'all own and are responsible for the holding side equipment, shown in green. Blue represents non-utility owned equipment, typically cable, phone, or internet providers.

What if a problem with my portion of the water or electric service equipment is discovered during the meter upgrade?

TPU has developed a Client Side Repair Policy, which will be in place for the project duration. Nether the policy, TPU, at its discretion, will supercede client-endemic equipment required to complete the meter upgrade, including items such as meter socket, jaws or meter post for electric service and up to three feet of customer-endemic pipe and meter box adjustments for water service. (run into pictures in previous two questions)

The policy includes grant and loan options to assist homeowners with larger water repairs and replacements. For more data, view the Water Service Line Grant and Loan Program or call 253-502-8509.

Is there anything I demand to do before the meter upgrade?

Delight ensure nothing blocks access to your electrical meter, such as locked gates, locked doors, trees, and bushes. If you accept pets, please keep them inside during the upgrade. The installer will demand eighteen inches of clearance on each side of your meter and 36 inches in front of your meter.

Please make certain there is nothing blocking access to your water meter, including rock or retaining walls, fences, copse, shrubs or plants, locked gates, or vehicles over the  meter.  Nosotros suggest at to the lowest degree four feet of clearance around your meter.

Who do I contact if there is a problem after my meter upgrade?

If you feel any bug after the meter upgrade, call 833-701-2135.

Who will be doing the meter upgrade?

A certified installer from Tribus, a TPU authorized installation contractor, or a TPU employee, will perform the upgrade.  The installer will knock on your door to let you know they are there to upgrade your meter(s). All installers will carry an ID badge.

Will the installer need to come into my house/business organization?

The installer volition knock on your door but will not demand to come up within to complete the upgrade.

For commercial upgrades, it will depend on where the meter is located. Our installers will attempt to make contact at the time of the meter replacement

What if I can't conform an unplanned service interruption?

We understand unplanned service interruptions tin be disruptive.  You can schedule an appointment for your upgrade if a short, planned service intermission volition seriously impact you. Once you receive notification about your upcoming meter upgrade, delight call 833-701-2135 to schedule an appointment for your upgrade.

Volition there be any disturbance to my yard, trees or plants during the water meter upgrade?

Almost water meter upgrades will accept no impact on the surrounding landscape.  In rare instances, h2o meters requiring maintenance earlier upgrading or having landscaping directly abreast the water meter box may require minimal disturbance of the surrounding landscape.  If this occurs, nosotros volition brand e'er effort to exit the area in the same or better status than we found it.

How do I read my new advanced meter?

Water Meter

Read the water meter from left to right. The showtime iv numbers represent the total water volume of usage through the meter. Usage is displayed cumulatively since meter installation and measured in CFF (centum cubic feet or 100 cubic feet).

To decide how much water you've used, subtract your previous meter reading from the present one. Water usage is billed per CCF used (1 CCF equals 100 cubit feet, or 748 gallons).

The position value of each number on the meter, from left to right, are as follows:

• 100,000 cubic anxiety
• ten,000 cubic feet
• i,000 cubic anxiety
• 100 cubic feet
• ten cubic feet
• 1 cubic foot
• 1 tenth cubic foot
• 1 hundredth cubic foot
• one thousandth cubic foot

If a plus sign (+) is shown inside the circle on the meter display, h2o is currently flowing through the meter.

Power Meter

There are multiple channels on avant-garde electric meters. This allows the meter to periodically show multiple pieces of information on the display.

The first brandish flash shows the total electricity usage through the meter. Usage is displayed cumulatively since meter installation and measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours). We use this read for billing. You volition as well see 88888 flash on the display, which is just a check to ensure the display is functioning correctly.

To make up one's mind how much electricity y'all've used, decrease your previous meter reading from the nowadays one. For ability, usage is billed per kWh used.

Health & Rubber

Are avant-garde meters safe?

Yes! The electric meters we are installing accept two temperature sensors, a loftier current alarm, and an automated disconnect that can shut the meter off in an emergency state of affairs. These meters likewise have multiple sensing capabilities that transport an alarm in the rare event that at that place is an abnormal status with the meter. These meters are subject to rigorous, avant-garde testing. The electric meters come equipped with various alarms and safety features in the rare event of a malfunction.

Should I be concerned almost radio frequency?

Advanced meters typically transmit data via radio frequency well-nigh 24 times per 24-hour interval. The advanced meters emit radio frequency just when they transmit data, which, in total, is typically less than 1 infinitesimal per day.

Significant scientific research has been conducted on radio frequency (RF) for over 50 years. A written report by Washington Land University adamant the corporeality of energy absorbed from advanced meter radio frequency is substantially less than the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety guidelines, even when the trunk and meter are in close proximity.

According to a study conducted by the California Council on Science and Engineering, "wireless smart meters event in much smaller levels of RF exposure than many existing common household electronic devices, especially jail cell phones and microwave ovens."

Learn more nigh advanced meters and radio frequency emissions by downloading this fact sail.

Privacy & Security

How will yous protect my privacy?

We take your privacy very seriously. No customer-identifying data – such equally names and addresses – is stored in the meters or transmitted across the network.

Similar the electric current meters, the advanced meters will simply collect how much energy and water is being used. The advanced meters encrypt energy and water use information to ensure privacy, and transmit information technology to TPU over a wireless network with multiple layers of security.

Per RCW nineteen.29A.0100, nosotros may non sell individual or proprietary client information. Our privacy policy affirms our delivery to securing our customers' personal information by implementing strong consumer data safeguards to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

Read our Privacy Policy hither.

Larn more about Avant-garde Meter security and privacy past downloading this fact sail.

How will you utilize the data collected from my meter?

Nosotros must collect data from the meters to provide service. Like today, the information will be used for billing purposes, operational assay and planning. TPU will not sell any customer data. If y'all choose, third-party providers may be allowed admission under strict controls for purposes of providing enhanced services to you.

Download an Advanced Meter security and privacy fact canvas.

Cost

How much will the advanced meters cost and how will they touch on rates?

The updated, estimated cost for the project's multi-year deployment is nearly $fourscore million, which is the incremental cost to TPU for the project and includes new meters, software, communications equipment, and labor.

Costs for advanced meters are already factored into electric current customer rates. Offset in 2019, the boosted toll increment each twelvemonth for the next ten years is about:

• 8 cents per month for the average residential power customer ($0.96 per year),
• 11 cents per month for the average residential water client in the City of Tacoma ($1.32 per year), and
• 13 cents per month for the boilerplate residential h2o client outside the City of Tacoma ($one.56 per year).

As an case, for the average residential power customer, the boosted cost is projected to be about $0.96 per year in year ane, increasing $0.96 each year to virtually $9.60 per twelvemonth in twelvemonth x.

Are advanced meters financially benign?

Yes, by the cease of the twenty-yr lifecycle for the new metering system, we look this projection to result in a positive financial do good to the utility, ultimately benefitting customers.

We developed an all-encompassing business case assessing the fiscal benefits, costs, and non-financial (soft) benefits over the adjacent 20 years. This analysis was completed in 2016, 2019 and updated in 2020. The 2020 updated analysis shows a positive financial net nowadays value of approximately $8 1000000.

The operational savings associated with advanced meters offset the overall cost, as it is more than expensive to maintain aging meters and continue manual reads than to replace them with advanced meters.

How is the advanced meter project funded?

The avant-garde meter project is funded from existing utility funds and revenue generated from power and water rates.

What projects tin can utility revenue and funds be used for?

Country law and the Tacoma City Charter provide that the use of utility revenue (and existing utility funds) is express to utility purposes or projects. Examples of related uses include costs to provide safe, reliable services, maintain utility infrastructure, protect natural resources near our facilities, conservation projects, and invest in system improvements, such as upgrading meters.

Volition avant-garde meters change the way you charge for service?

The just planned modify is to motion from a ii-month billing wheel to a one-calendar month billing cycle. Based on our research and customer survey data, customers greatly prefer monthly billing. We too plan to offer a prepayment option for electric service and a select your bill due engagement option. Nosotros look forward to offering these conveniences.

Advanced Meters will besides allow TPU to explore new hereafter charge per unit options, including structures such as time of apply (TOU) rates. Any hereafter rate options will have extensive public comment opportunities and crave review and approval by the Public Utility Board and City Council.

Do I have to pay for the new meter to exist installed at my home or business?

There is no cost for the meter or installation. Overall projection costs and savings are factored into the long-term utility budgeting process.

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Source: https://www.mytpu.org/community-environment/projects/advanced-meters/advanced-meter-faq/