FortisBC is preparing to apply to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program. Should the Commission grant FortisBC approval, the utility will by 2015:
- Replace existing electro-mechanical and digital meters with advanced meters that communicate directly with the company and provide electricity consumption information directly to our customers
- Install the network necessary to make that communication possible and secure
How it works
Advanced meters look similar to existing digital electricity meters, but provide a number of advantages for customers. They will also help update and enhance the efficiency of the FortisBC’s electrical system. As a customer, you will receive more information about your energy use that could help you become more energy efficient.
- Advanced metering digitally measures your electricity usage.
- The meter sends the data periodically (four to six times a day), through a secure two-way connection to FortisBC.
- The hourly metering data is available to customers on a secure website where you can monitor electricity consumption.
- This information is used by FortisBC to bill customers and enhance service.
- Customers can use this information to make informed decisions about how much electricity is used, and when it’s used, improving control over your electricity bill.
Facts about Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Advanced Metering will help keep rates lower
Advanced metering will save customers at least $10 million over the life of the project, primarily through reduced electricity theft and lower meter reading costs. Financial analysis of the project shows that rates will be lower than they would without the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project over the 15 year study period.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure will provide more information and more options
Although no rate structure changes are proposed as part of this application, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project will allow FortisBC to offer optional time-based rate structures to customers as an alternative to consumption-based rate structures such as Residential Inclining Block. More detailed electricity use information will also be made available to customers at no cost through the FortisBC website as well as through optional, customer-purchased, in-home displays, helping customers to better understand their bills and manage their consumption regardless of the rate option they choose.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure reduces meter reading risks
The manual meter reading process carries several inherent safety risks due to exposure to vehicle incidents, animals, and hazardous weather conditions. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project will greatly reduce the requirement for manual meter reading, decreasing the exposure to these risks while contributing to improvements in public and employee safety.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure reduces greenhouse gas emissions
FortisBC meter reading vehicles drive over 490,000 kilometres per year and consume approximately 77,000 litres of gasoline. The 198 tonnes of resulting greenhouse gas emissions will be dramatically decreased with the reduction in meter reading vehicles.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure helps prevent electricity theft
FortisBC estimates that electricity theft is costing customers as much as $4 million annually in lost revenues. Those revenues can be partly recovered with Advanced Metering Infrastructure technology, helping to mitigate rates for all customers. In addition to the economic concerns associated with electricity theft, there are often safety risks created for FortisBC employees and the public from improper electric wiring and other hazards.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure will help with customer owned distribution power generation and electric cars
As distributed generation and electric cars become more popular, Advanced Metering Infrastructure will help FortisBC better manage the electrical system to handle these new technologies.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure provides immediate notification of power outages
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project will provide FortisBC with power outage information that will allow FortisBC crews to more effectively respond to unplanned power outages and help ensure that all customers have had their power restored before the crews leave the area.
Customer consumption data will remain secure and private
FortisBC continues to regard the security and privacy of customer information as a priority. The requirement for security of information within all elements of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system is a key consideration throughout design, procurement and implementation. All metering data once retrieved will be used in strict compliance with privacy laws and FortisBC privacy policies.
New AMI meters will improve billing accuracy and frequency
Bill estimates will be virtually eliminated since meter readings will always be available when they are required.
Questions?
Email FBCami@fortisbc.com, read the FAQ or call 1-866-436-7847.