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Electric Meters in Smithfield, Utah to be Replaced with New Automated Meter Reading Technology The need for Rocky Mountain Power employees to regularly enter Smithfield customers’ property to read electric meters is coming to an end. Automated electric meters will be installed on the homes and businesses of approximately 16,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers in Smithfield, beginning March 23. The meter installations are expected to be completed by the end of May, 2010.The new automated meters are equipped with a radio transmitter and will enable Rocky Mountain Power to remotely obtain energy usage information. As company vehicles drive through an area, the meter number and usage data will be transmitted to a receiver in the vehicles and uploaded to Rocky Mountain Power’s billing system. “Automated meter reading is a proven technology that has been utilized successfully in other Utah communities and across the country, and has become more efficient, accurate and cost-effective than traditional meter reading practices,” said George Humbert, customer and community manager for Rocky Mountain Power. “This is part of our continuing effort to increase efficiency in our operations, provide excellent customer service and maintain our position as a low-cost electricity provider. It’s also safer for our employees.” In 2007-2008, Rocky Mountain Power installed more than 580,000 automated meters in the Wasatch Front area in Utah. Subsequently, automated meters also have been installed in several other communities in Utah and Wyoming. The automated meters are being utilized initially in locations within the company’s service area with higher concentrations of customers, making the most cost-effective use of the technology. Rocky Mountain Power mailed letters to customers to notify them of the upcoming meter exchange and to provide information about the automated meters. This exchange should be transparent to most customers--although a slight interruption to power may occur. Utility Partners of America is implementing the meter installations for Rocky Mountain Power and will be identified via employee badges and trucks stating, “Utility Partners of America, a contractor for Rocky Mountain Power.” |
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