Advanced metering infrastructure update

In the June 2021 issue of your Ohio Cooperative Living magazine, General Manager/CEO Brian Hill announced our plans to make a major improvement to our system known as advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI. Since then, there have been other articles regarding AMI; it was discussed at the 2021, 2022, and 2023 annual meetings; and posts have been made on our Facebook page. Our original plan was to have an estimated project completion date in late 2022. However, supply chain issues have hindered — and continue to hinder — our progress. So, it’s time for a refresher.

What is AMI?

Advanced metering infrastructure is an integrated system of advanced meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication.

What does this mean for me?

The system provides several important functions that were not previously possible or had to be performed manually, such as the ability to remotely measure electricity use, connect and disconnect service, detect tampering, identify and isolate outages, and monitor voltage.

So, when the project is complete, members will no longer have to read their meters. Bills will be more timely and accurate, response time to outages will improve, and, with the use of our SmartHub app, you will be able to monitor your use 24/7

Members’ concerns

Three major concerns have been raised by members regarding AMI. First is radio frequency exposure. The amount of radio frequency exposure (measured in microwatts per square centimeter) from advanced meters is less than a laptop, cellphone, microwave, or walkie-talkie. An upper limit of 50x less than the power density considered hazardous has been implemented as the maximum level acceptable for transmission by the FCC and OSHA.

Second are privacy concerns. Advanced meters are designed to record your usage and measure voltage. You will be able to see your usage 24/7 through the SmartHub app. The meter communicates with the office when power is lost to your meter, there are voltage concerns, or there is possible tampering. We cannot “listen” to your conversations, access any of your other digital platforms, or determine what you are doing through an advanced meter.

The third concern is hot meter sockets. Advanced meters are just that — advanced. They can detect issues that analog and digital meters can’t, such as hot meter sockets. Hot meter sockets are caused by poor connections or other issues in your meter base. Hot sockets become more dangerous the longer they’re left uncorrected and cause as many as 1,000 house fires per year.

As you can see from the pictures below of the backs of both a damaged meter and a normal meter that were recently removed and changed to advanced meters, the areas around the prongs in the first picture are melted as a result of a hot socket. When an advanced meter detects a hot socket, it will disconnect your power and you will need to repair or replace your meter base.

If you have any questions or concerns about AMI, give us a call.