Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Our new metering technology
Columbia Gas is upgrading the way we read gas meters through the installation of advanced metering technology, also known as AMI.
AMI enables Columbia Gas to enhance service to our customers and respond to potential safety issues more quickly.
Benefits of AMI
Through your new meter or module, Columbia Gas will have the ability to provide you with more frequent and enhanced usage data in the future.
This helps you better understand your usage and allows our team to quickly support you if you have questions about your service.
Other future benefits may include:
- Enhanced safety for customers thanks to advanced safety alarms and response capabilities
- Improved customer service by increasing frequency of meter readings
- Reduced carbon footprint from reduced vehicle emissions related to “drive-by” meter reading by Columbia Gas personnel
- More efficient service through automated remote functionalities, so we can resolve issues faster and provide support when you need it
Additional benefits and functionality may be available in future years as technology advances.
Your gas AMI device installation
The process to get your new meter or module:
- Starting in 2026, Columbia Gas will begin installing new AMI meters and modules as part of normal growth and maintenance activities. This means that if you are establishing a new service or there is an issue with your current gas meter or module, a new AMI device will be installed.
- These AMI device installations will be completed by Columbia Gas personnel and designated contractors performing other construction and maintenance work on behalf of Columbia Gas.
- As part of this effort, customer communications and appointment scheduling will feel the same as they do today for other normal meter exchange and maintenance activities.
FAQs - Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Overview
What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, is a technology that allows Columbia Gas to read your utility meter remotely without having to send a person or vehicle to read the meter at your home or business. With AMI, your meter reads are sent automatically back to Columbia Gas systems to support enhanced meter reading, billing, customer service and operational processes. Additionally, these devices are able to detect unsafe conditions at a customer meter and allow us to support our customers in a proactive manner.
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Who is doing the equipment change?
Columbia Gas personnel and trusted partners will install AMI meters and modules. The current contract partners include Trace Services, Heath Consultants, Miller Pipeline, NPL, Desoto, Kinsley Construction and Southeast Connections. All technicians will be identifiable wearing uniforms and driving marked vehicles and will be able to provide proper identification when completing this work.
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What is an AMI communications module?
An AMI communications module is installed onto an existing gas meter that enables the automated and remote collection and sending of gas metering information.
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What is the timeline for deploying AMI to Columbia Gas customers?
Columbia Gas is beginning to install AMI meters and modules in the second quarter of 2026 as part of normal growth and maintenance activities, with AMI being the standard metering technology Columbia Gas will use moving forward.
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FAQs - What to expect during your gas AMI device installation
What is the process for installing my new gas AMI device?
If your current gas meter is being exchanged or you are starting a new gas service with us, a new AMI meter will be installed as part of the meter exchange visit. Customers will receive a notification that their gas meter needs to be exchanged, or they will have called in with current issues, which may require that the gas meter be exchanged. If needed, the customer will call Columbia Gas to schedule the installation. On the day of installation, a Columbia Gas or trusted contractor service technician will come to your home or business to exchange/install the equipment. The technician will knock on your door to check if you are home. If your gas meter is inside and you are not home, the technician will leave a door hanger to reschedule the appointment. A typical AMI meter installation takes less than an hour to install the equipment and perform a relight of the appliances.
If your meter does not need to be exchanged, but your communication module does, a new AMI module will be installed . On the day of installation, a Columbia Gas or contractor service technician will knock on your door to check if you are home. If your gas meter is inside and you are not home, the technician will leave a door hanger to reschedule the appointment. A typical module installation takes less than 30 minutes.
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Do I need to be home for the AMI device installation?
If your gas meter needs to be exchanged, someone 18 years or older will need to be home to allow the Columbia Gas or contractor service technician to check all gas appliances and restart your gas service after completing the meter exchange. If your gas meter is outside and you are unable to be home, the meter exchange can be completed, but the service technician will not be able to restart your gas service. In that situation, a door hanger will be left and a follow-up appointment will be needed to restart gas service.
If your gas meter does not need to be exchanged, but your communication module does, and your gas meter is outside, no one needs to be present to complete the AMI module installation.
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Will my gas service be interrupted or turned off during an AMI device installation?
If your gas meter needs to be exchanged, your gas service will be temporarily shut off in order to install the new meter.
If your meter does not need to be exchanged but the existing communication module needs to be replaced with an AMI module, your gas service will not be interrupted during the device installation.
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What happens if I have a problem after installation?
If you experience problems with your gas service after your installation is complete, please contact Columbia Gas at one of the following telephone numbers to report your issue. Our customer service representatives will be available to address your concerns.
Pennsylvania: 1 (888) 460-4332
Virginia: 1 (800) 543-8911
Maryland: 1 (888) 460-4332
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FAQs - Gas Meter Reading and Meter Safety
Are the communications protocols used by the new equipment harmful to my health?
No, the communications used by AMI gas meters and modules are not considered harmful to your health.
Columbia Gas’ AMI gas meters and modules use cellular communications technology with very low power signals similar in type, but typically much lower in strength and duration, than everyday devices like cell phones and WiFi routers. These devices must comply with strict RF exposure limits set and enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which are designed to protect public health with a wide safety margin.
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Will I have access to my meter data?
As additional AMI technology is deployed in the coming years, you will gain access to more detailed information about your gas usage patterns through the Columbia Gas web self-service portal and mobile app. Additional information and features will be added as we continuously improve the system. These features will enable you to have a better understanding of your energy usage, so you can make better choices about how you use your energy.
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Has this new AMI equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?
Yes, the devices come pre-tested along with test results directly from the manufacturer. The meters have been in the U.S. utility market since 2006, with these meters and modules specifically being tested for accuracy prior to installation.
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Can anyone other than Columbia Gas read the gas AMI devices?
The manufacturer has incorporated security features into the AMI meters and modules. While the meter display is visible so customers can check their consumption, the meters and modules are sealed, and the information and data stored within them can only be accessed by Columbia Gas.
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How will I know that you read my meter and not another customer's meter?
Each AMI device has a unique identifier which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is associated with an individual account and ensures that each customer is billed only for the meter that is on their property.
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Will I still need to report a gas leak once I have an AMI device installed?
Yes. Whenever you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, continue to call 911 and our emergency number 1-800-634-3524 (24/7) from a safe location and wait for crews to arrive.
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Will Columbia Gas be able to control anything in my home or business?
No, Columbia Gas will not have remote access to any other devices at your home or business as a result of the installation of AMI devices.
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