Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Automated Meter Reading?
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) is a computerized, radio-transmitted meter reading system. Once installation is complete in your community, this technology will allow us to eliminate every-other-month estimated meter readings and will provide us with actual monthly electronic meter readings.
2. Why is Columbia doing this?
Columbia is upgrading its meter reading technology on residential and commercial meters to improve service and customer convenience.
3. How will my meter be read by AMR?
An AMR device uses radio technology to obtain a reading from your gas meter without having to gain physical access to the meter. As a specially equipped vehicle drives by, it sends a signal to the device on your meter, which in turn transmits the meter reading data to a computer in the vehicle.
4. What is the installation schedule for the new AMR devices?
The new AMR devices will be installed on most residential and commercial meters across the company’s service territory over approximately the next two years beginning in early 2011. Customers will receive notification approximately 2-4 weeks before receiving an AMR device.
5. What is the expected length of time to convert my gas meter?
The installation process is expected to take approximately 20 minutes.
6. Do I need to be present during the AMR device installation?
The vast majority of installations does not require the technician to enter the home or business, and do not require the customer to be present during the work. Customers requiring additional upgrades to their gas meter assemblies will be contacted in order to set up an appointment, thus minimizing any service disruption.
7. Will there be any disruption to my natural gas service to install the AMR?
The majority of customers will not experience a disruption in service. Some customers may need to have an additional meter upgrade and this may require briefly shutting off service. If you are in this group, you will be notified by letter to make an appointment so we can better serve you and minimize the disruption of your natural gas service.
8. Who will install the new AMR device?
Columbia employees or employees of our subcontractor, TruCheck, will install the new AMR devices.
9. Do the subcontractor employees and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania employees have identification?
Yes. All Columbia Gas employees and subcontractors have photo identification, uniforms and marked vehicles.
10. Will there be any charge for having an AMR device installed?
There will be no separate charge for the installation of the AMR device.
11. When will Columbia Gas start to use this AMR System for billing?
For Columbia's Western and Central Pennsylvania operating area, Columbia is now reading meters remotely. Impacted aeas include the Greater Pittsburgh area, New Castle, Washington, Uniontown, New Bethelehem, Warren, Bradford, State College, Mount Lebanon and surrounding communities.
Columbia is currently installing the AMR devices in its Eastern Pennsylvania service territory, and will begin to read meters remotely with this device in late 2012 after installation has been completed. Until then, meter readers will continue to walk customer routes.
12. What if I read my own meter? How will I know when I no longer need to do that?
You will be notified on your monthly bill when we start monthly meter readings and it is no longer necessary for you to read your own meter.
13. What if my meter is indoors? How does that impact me short term and long term?
Short term, we will need to gain access to your home to install the AMR device. Following installation, we will no longer need to enter your home to read your meter. Columbia will continue to require access to your meter to perform periodic safety inspections as required by applicable safety regulations.
14. How is the AMR device powered?
The AMR devic is powered by its own long-term battery that is expected to last up to 20 years. The device will be replaced by Columbia when necessary. The unit does not draw any current from your electrical system.
15. Will the AMR System interfere with my home electronic equipment?
It is highly unlikely that you will have any interference from the AMR System. The AMR signal meets all applicable FCC regulations and operates on a frequency similar to other devices such as car toll transponders or portable telephones.
16. Does the AMR device in any way impact the security of my account information?
No information about your account is broadcast by the AMR device. The security-enabled device transmits a code designating your meter and the current reading on the meter to the device carried by the meter reader or within their vehicle. The matching of that information to your account later occurs within a secure network.
17. Columbia has said for years that its estimated reads are extremely accurate and that any discrepancies with the actual reads are quickly reconciled. If that’s true, why are you eliminating the estimated reads after all this time?
Although estimated meter readings are very accurate based on the customers’ historical usage patterns, installation of new appliances, the number of household occupants, extreme weather conditions and other factors that can cause unexpected changes in customers’ gas usage during estimated months. With monthly meter reading, billing will be based on actual natural gas usage every month.