The City of Guthrie will begin installation of an advanced water meter reading (AMR) system from Sensus using the iPerl meter for residential accounts and the Omni meter for commercial accounts with a 2” or larger size of meter. The innovative system will replace monthly manual meter reads with a wireless system (smart meter) that collects multiple remote reads per day, allowing for better leak detection, increased billing accuracy and improved customer service.
Residential iPerl meter inside meter box
Advanced metering works via wireless technology to send readings to regional collectors that transmit the usage data to City Hall. Regional collectors are located on existing water tanks and towers. The innovative system replaces monthly manual reads with the wireless system that collects multiple remote reads per day, allowing for better leak detection, increased billing accuracy and improved customer service.
Unlike a cell phone, which is “on” all of the time and emitting radio frequency as it searches for a signal, the smart meter is “on” and transmitting data less than one minute per day. Each transmission is just milliseconds (thousandths of seconds) in duration. Three of these “millisecond” signals involve sending data, and the others involve communicating with nearby devices to be sure the meter is connected to the network and available to send and receive messages. When not transmitting, the smart meters are in “idle” mode.
“Sensus is a global leader in utility infrastructure systems and resource conservation and supports our commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for our citizens through cost-effective, innovative programs. Advanced metering also supports our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment by reducing carbon emissions by taking meter readers off of the road, enhancing our ability to quickly detect and stop leaks, and providing customers with daily information on water use so that they can improve their efforts to conserve.”
Residential iPerl Meter
The installation of commercial 2” and larger meters is currently underway. The installation of residential meters will begin the last week in February. Because changing out approximately 3,800 meters will take several months, customers will receive a letter prior to installation in their area no less than 5-7 business days prior to installation. During installation, contractors working on behalf of the City of Guthrie will interrupt water service. Before leaving the site, crews will test the new meter by running about 10 gallons of water from an exterior hose or faucet. Door hangers will be left at the main entrance to the property informing the resident or business owner of the status of the visit (installation complete, installation pending; water was being used, or unable to access water meter).
Contractors will carry proper identification and have successfully completed a comprehensive background check; contractor vehicles will also be clearly marked. During this process, yards will not be damaged. To view a list of frequently asked questions, please visit:www.cityofguthrie.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=215
Will the new meters be able to be shut off and turned on remotely? It would be convenient if this is doable when in-house plumbing repairs are necessary.
The replacement of the meter does not interfere with existing residential shut off valves.