Automated Meter Reading

As part of our plan to improve and enhance customer service and convenience, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. is upgrading the way it reads natural gas meters by installing a radio-based Automated Meter Reading devices (AMR).

The new AMR devices will be installed on most residential and commercial meters across Columbia’s service territory over approximately two years beginning in early 2011. It will allow the company to eventually eliminate every-other-month estimated meter readings and obtain an actual monthly meter reading.

Technicians from Columbia or our subcontractor, TruCheck, will install the electronic equipment necessary to read natural gas meters using radio technology from a vehicle. As the specially equipped vehicle drives by, it will send a signal to the AMR device on your meter, which then transmits the meter reading data to a computer in the vehicle. All technicians will have uniforms, photo identification and marked vehicles.

Customers will receive a postcard approximately 2-4 weeks prior to receiving an AMR device. There is no separate charge for the installation of the AMR device and the majority of customers will not have their service interrupted during the AMR installation. The installation takes about 20 minutes and, in most cases, does not require the technician to enter the home or business. In the rare cases where service interruption is necessary for AMR installation, Columbia will contact the customer in advance to make an appointment to minimize the disruption of natural gas service.

Frequently Asked Questions