SMART GRID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mohave Electric Cooperative Makes Advances with Innovative Metering System
Mohave Electric Cooperative is in the process of bringing you the latest advancement in meter reading equipment – Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) This state-of-the-art technology will allow us to remotely record your electric consumption and eliminate the need for meter readers to manually read your meter each month. Installation of AMI meters is aimed at improving customer service, while providing our members with the most accurate billing possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is automated meter reading (AMI)?
AMI technology enables data to be shipped back and forth between your meter and MEC resulting in more accurate electric meter readings.
Why is MEC installing AMI?
As your member-owned cooperative, we are always looking for ways to improve your service now and for the future. The AMI system has numerous member benefits in a variety of areas and will prepare us for the electric power industry’s fast-paced technological advancement. AMI advantages over current technology include:
- Improved meter reading accuracy—provides meter reading automatically, and records it directly into the billing system
- Faster response to outages—system communication helps pinpoint areas affected by an outage
- Improved synergy with Mohave’s customer information and billing system
- Helps deter power theft—benefits all members by reducing the potential for costly power thefts.
- The new system sends a notification if a meter is tampered with or moved.
What’s the difference between the new AMI meter and an old meter?
The new AMI meters are electronic and the old meters are mechanical. The new meters will still display the meter reading, but it will be in a digital LED form. The biggest difference is that the new meters have an electronic AMI module installed. The biggest difference is, AMI meters will improve meter reading accuracy.
When will the meters be changed?
The full installation of 25,000 meters will take place over the next year.
How will MEC communicate this information to its members?
Members will be notified by mail a month prior to installations in their area. In addition, members will also receive a phone call a few days prior to installations. Updates will be published in the Mohave Daily News and available on the MEC website at: www.mohaveelectric.com, Click the Smart Grid button.
Who will be changing the meters?
Our crews will be installing the new meters. They will be in vehicles marked with the Mohave Electric logo and will have a photo ID. Meter technicians will be working from 8:00 am to 4:40 pm Monday through Friday.
Will I be notified the day of my meter change?
A meter technician will knock on your door to let you know that they are there to install your new meter, but you do not need to be present for the meter change.
Will the meter technician need access to my home or business?
No. Anyone asking to come into your home, or without Mohave Electric authorized credentials should be reported to law enforcement.
How can I, as a member, help in this process?
MEC needs your most current contact information – mailing and physical addresses, email, telephone, cell phone, and other information. You should clear an adequate work area around your electric meter to give the technician ready access to the meter. It is your responsibility to remove any obstructions or barriers that will prevent our installation.
Will my power be shut off when they change my meter?
Yes, in order to change the meter, there will be an interruption period of just a few minutes during installation.
How long will it take for new AMI meters to be installed?
A typical single AMI system installation will take about 20 minutes. During this time, you will experience a minimal power outage as we install the new meter.
Will all meters in MEC’s service area be upgraded?
No. Some members will not get new meters although 25,000 meters will be changed.
Will my billing date stay the same?
Yes. Your billing date will remain the same as it is now.
Will the AMI meter notify MEC when the power goes out?
The best way to report a power outage is to call MEC.
Will I still see my meter reader?
Yes. Although the new meters will be read automatically, the will still need to be inspected, monitored and serviced. As a result, you will still see a meter reader from time to time.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about AMI, you may call 928-763-1100 or email us through our website at:www.mohaveelectric.com and click on contact us and select Member Service on the drop-down menu.
