Kosciusko Water & Light (KWL) will begin installing new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters at residences and businesses as early as next Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Once fully installed over the next three years, the system will use radio frequencies to collect usage data from remote locations. Utility employees will no longer have to physically visit customer homes and businesses to collect the information.
KWL is currently installing computer hardware and software in their downtown offices to support the system.
Installation of the $1.9 million system is expected to be funded by monthly cash flow and Replacement Reserve Funds, and should not result in any rate increases.
When announced last summer, KWL General Manager Les Clark said there are several benefits of AMI implementation, including improvements to operational efficiencies such as remote meter readings, outage information, time of use information, meter tampering indications, remote connect and disconnect and voltage sensing. He also expects to see increased employee productivity and improved level of service to customers since staff will be able to metering information in real time.
Eventually, customers will also have access to their metering information through a private customer portal using the internet, and they will be able to specific power outage information, low or high voltage notifications and customer water leak information sooner.
Meter change personnel will attempt to notify customers when they arrive to install one of the new meters, but that notification may not always be possible. Installation is reportedly a simple process and should result in only a short interruption in customers’ electrical service.
Customers with questions can contact Les Clark or Chad Kyle at the Kosciusko Water & Light Plant office by calling 289-1141.
