We’re working toward a future where customers can see how much gas they’re using on a daily—or even hourly—basis, where technicians don’t need to visit properties to read the meter, and where gas could be shut off remotely in a major emergency. We’ve just hit a major milestone in support of these goals. We now have over 100,000 gas meters connected to our private wireless network, bringing us closer to a more modern and convenient way to serve customers.

The heart of our project

The newly exchanged gas meters transmit gas consumption data wirelessly. This means fewer visits by technicians to customer properties. It also means more benefits extended to our customers in the future including access to gas consumption data to help customers make more informed decisions about their energy usage.

We still have a long way to go before all 1.1 million gas meters are exchanged or retrofitted. But 100,000 gas meters is a big number that’s worth celebrating. Among other things, it’s got us thinking about what our progress so far means for customers. Kira Bennett, customer experience manager – strategy and projects at FortisBC explains:

Customers expect efficiency and convenience through technology in all areas of their lives. These expectations are at the heart of our project. Reaching this goal of 100,000 wireless gas meters connected to the network brings us closer to evolving our infrastructure in support of the best possible customer experience. The central mission to serve our customers better every day is what continues to drive our efforts toward the next milestone. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come.

Getting better all the time

As we continue to respond to valuable customer feedback, and with a great deal of progress made, we’re more than equipped to achieve the next milestone. A lot of this has to do with how well our customers have responded.

We owe our customers many thanks!” Kira said. “Their flexibility and feedback have helped us make the gas meter upgrades as smooth a process as possible. That’s good news for those who haven’t had their current gas meters exchanged yet. By trying to be as efficient as possible and responding to our customers' needs, we are taking steps to get better all the time.

Customer convenience and comfort

The Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project has been a chance for us to apply our experience and expertise to our gas meters in a similar way we have to our upgraded electric meters.

While there are many exchanges and retrofits left to be done, our progress so far has helped us make the process even more aligned to the needs of our customers, especially as seasons change.

Seasonality and customer convenience have been major considerations for the team in such a diverse province as British Columbia. As temperatures get colder across our service territory, we’re connecting with customers for gas meter exchange appointments in fall and winter. Appointments are booked according to our schedule by region to help ensure gas appliances can be relit right away and heating is not interrupted for longer than necessary.

These first 100,000 upgraded gas meters connected to the network have been a valuable chapter in continuing to make our process as customer centric as possible, including when it comes to the changing seasons.

Stay informed

This is a journey we’re on as a team. But our customers are on the journey along with us. Together, we’re making our gas meter infrastructure more convenient, more data-driven, and more efficient to serve our customers’ expectations for what great service looks like.”

Kira Bennett, FortisBC

As we continue to upgrade gas meters and connect them to our network, you can help us keep you informed by confirming your contact details. You can access and confirm your current information on your online account.

To track our progress, be sure to visit our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project updates page.