After an extensive public review process, FortisBC has decided to move ahead with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. They received approval from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) on July 23.
“Advanced meters, also referred to as smart meters, will help FortisBC customers see how their electricity is being used so they can better understand their bills and make more informed decisions on how to conserve energy,” said vice-president of customer service at FortisBC Tom Loski.
“Electricity rates will be lower with advanced meters than without them. The new meters will reduce electricity theft and nearly eliminate the expense from manual meter reading. It’s an exciting project that will provide a variety of benefits to customers, both now, and into the future.”
As part of the BCUC decision to approve the AMI project, the commission directed FortisBC to submit an application that provides an option for customers to receive an advanced meter with the wireless radio transmissions turned off if they pay the incremental cost of opting-out.
FortisBC has agreed to file an application by the Nov. 1, 2013 deadline and will provide details about the radio-off option, including fees charged to customers related to the incremental costs.
The process of exchanging the 130,000 electricity meters throughout B.C.’s Southern Interior will start next year and is expected to be finished by the end of 2015. The project affects only FortisBC’s electricity customers, and does not include changing gas meters anywhere in the province. Advanced meters are similar in appearance to traditional meters, but are able to wirelessly transmit meter readings and other operational information including power outages.
FortisBC’s AMI project has undergone a lengthy approval process through the BCUC, that has included community input sessions in the Okanagan and the Kootenays as well as an oral hearing in Kelowna.
For more information about advanced meters visit fortisbc.com/ami, or call their contact centre at 1-866-436-7874.
