AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Sometimes called Smart Meters, AMI meters are digital electric, water or gas meters equipped with wireless communication technology. AMI meters collect usage data electronically, daily, as opposed to manual monthly readings. An AMI meter transmits these readings remotely over a private, secure wireless radio network. 

AMI meters have become the norm for utilities around the country because they allow for more accurate and faster collection of meter readings, improved safety conditions for staff and minimized wear and tear on vehicles. Introducing automated meter reading as the standard is one way we can better serve our customers and improve the overall efficiency of the utility.  

Yes.

AMI meters provide two-way communication from the meter to strategically located collection points. These devices collect and transmit unique identification numbers, operating status information, and various usage alerts to the utility at regular intervals.   

AMI meters read your utility usage and provide outage notifications to City of Fairhope Public Utilities. 

No, the information collected by AMI meters is sent over a secure network, owned and licensed by the City. 

We have experienced a delay in meter production and shipment, but installations are underway.

Yes. Meters must be changed or modified so they can be read remotely. Customers cannot choose to remain on the older AMR or manual reading system.  

In most cases, no. Since meters are generally located outside of the home, you will not need to be there for the replacement work; however, some gas meters may need to be replaced. In this case, you will need to make an appointment to restore service. 

Each device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading.  

This data is transmitted hourly. 

Yes, as the system is developed, you will have access to more detailed information about your energy usage through our customer portal. You will be able to make informed decisions about your utility usage. 

AMI data is encrypted and protected by multiple layers of security to guard against unauthorized actions, breaches, and tampering. Personal customer information such as names, addresses or account numbers is not transmitted or stored by the AMI system. 

Initially, we are asking customers to continue reporting outages, even after an AMI meter has been installed. As we deploy the meters, we will be testing many aspects to ensure the communication is flowing efficiently and effectively. Once stable, customers will no longer need to report power outages. 

Yes, you will experience a brief outage when the meter is exchanged.

Possibly. A variety of factors could create the need to interrupt service momentarily while we upgrade your meter.  

AMI meters will not negatively affect your health. The wireless portions of the system are operated per Federal Communications Commission rules and will not interfere with other radio frequencies in the area. The transmitters use one-quarter of the power of a smartphone transmission. Exposure to radio waves from AMI meters is tiny compared to smartphone transmissions. The amount of exposure to radio waves decreases with the square of the distance from the radio source and the total transmission time is only 15 second per day. 

Please see the below chart: