Every Home, Every Meter: PWD Launches Major Meter Replacement Project


Press Release
Frequently Asked Questions
Submeters
Appointments

Video: What to Expect

Informational Session September 29 | 6 p.m. | In person and zoom | More information Coming Soon


Key Customer Benefits
once customer portal fully implemented
Faster, Easier Service

New meters mean quicker responses for service changes, reconnects, or problem-solving—saving you time and hassle.

Accurate Bills You Can Trust

Non-mechanical meters are more precise and will reduce the need for estimated bills.

Catch Leaks Fast – Save Money

Get near real-time alerts for unusual water use, so you can fix leaks before they cause big bills or damage.

See Your Water Use Anytime

Track your daily (even hourly!) water use online or through an app—no more surprises when the bill arrives.

Stay in Control

Set usage alerts, track trends, and make informed choices to conserve water and lower costs.

PWD launched a major project to replace nearly all 55,000 water meters across the service area with the latest technology in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Installations begin in October 2025 and will continue over the next three years.

Why Now? 

The current meter equipment is near the end of it’s planned service life—the last system-wide upgrade occurred nearly two decades ago. Analysis revealed increased wear and aging of metering equipment. After a thorough technology review, AMI was selected as the long-term solution to support modern operations and improve customer service.

What to Expect: 

PWD has partnered with Core & Main to deliver the full AMI solution, which includes:

  • Non-Mechanical and Highly Accurate Meters
  • Professional Installation

Installations begin in Gorham and will continue throughout the service area. VEPO Metering will contact the customer directly to schedule appointments when they are in the neighborhood. Because meters are generally located inside homes and businesses, the installer will need access to the inside of homes and businesses.
 
For your safety and comfort, customers can request an electronic photo ID notification of the technician prior to the appointment. All authorized technicians will wear uniforms, carry a photo ID badge, and drive clearly marked vehicles.
 
There is no cost to customers for the appointment. Participation is required as the old meters will no longer be operable after this project.

What Are the Benefits?
  • Enhanced customer service, more timely and detailed usage data, and improved billing accuracy
  • Faster leak detection and emergency response
  • Operational efficiencies leading to cost savings

In addition, a new online customer portal will be introduced near the end of the project. It will offer access to full usage history, billing details, alerts and conservation tools—empowering you with more control over your water usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

AMI, or Advanced Metering Infrastructure, refers to a system that uses modern technology to read water meters remotely, eliminating the need for manual readings by utility staff. This system includes water meters, communication networks, and data management systems, enabling utilities to collect and manage water consumption data more efficiently. 

Can customers opt out of having their meter replaced?

No, an opt-out option is not possible because existing meter equipment is becoming obsolete and will not be operable after the full upgrade. 

How can I be sure that the meter readings will be accurate?

Accurate reading is one of the benefits of AMI technology because it reduces the possibility of human error when collecting meter readings. In addition, we’re installing non-mechanical meters, which maintain their accuracy throughout the entire lifespan of the unit.

Will I see any changes or benefits immediately?

Your new meter will show your exact water use on the bill, measured to two decimal places. The previous meters and billing system displayed full units of 100 cubic feet (HCF) only on the bill. Any usage beyond a full HCF unit was carried over to the next month’s bill.

For example, if you used 2.46 HCF of water, you would be billed for 2 HCF this month, and the remaining 0.46 HCF would roll over and be included in next month’s bill.

Once the online customer portal is implemented, you will have access to more detailed usage information and additional benefits and features.

Is there a cost?

The project represents an initial $30 million investment that will be financed over 20 years. The cost for this infrastructure investment is factored into the rates. Customers will not pay any additional out-of-pocket costs for installation or the new equipment.

I have a submeter, does my submeter need to be replaced?

During the meter replacement project, submetering equipment will also need to be replaced. If you own a submeter, a meter that measures and deducts outside water usage from your water bill, you will receive a separate notice from the Portland Water District.

You will need to update your meter, radio transmitter, or both to continue to receive the benefits. To help you decide whether to update your submeter equipment, we will provide your annual usage in hundred cubic feet as measured by your submeter. If you want your submeter updated, you do not need to respond to the notice. If you would like to opt out of the submeter program, you will need to complete the Submeter Opt Out Online Form. Submeter work will coincide with your water meter replacement. You will receive a mailer from VEPO Metering Services a couple of weeks before installers are in your neighborhood to install the new water meter.

What steps are taken to ensure the safety of the customer and the professionalism of the field technicians?

The safety and peace of mind of our customers is a top priority. VEPO Metering field personnel undergo background checks through a nationally accredited screening provider before they are hired.

In addition to background checks, every technician goes through:

– Comprehensive onboarding and safety training
– Identification verification procedures
– Regular compliance and conduct monitoring

Customers can request an electronic photo ID notification of the technician prior to the appointment. All authorized technicians will wear uniforms, carry a photo ID badge, and drive clearly marked vehicles.
At the end of your appointment, you will receive a survey card where you can provide feedback on the service and technician.

If you ever have a concern about someone claiming to represent VEPO Metering, please contact the Portland Water District at 761.8310.

Where does the data from the AMI go?

All meter data is encrypted on both ends and transmitted securely on a licensed network to PWD’s system, where it can be read electronically.

Will the AMI device’s data transmittal affect other electronic devices in my home or business?

The data is submitted via radio frequency that is weaker than a typical phone. It will not impact the use of devices in your home or business, or utilize your own data network. The Sensus’ AMI Network operates on its own FCC-licensed frequency, so interference with other electronic devices in a home or business is highly unlikely. The meter radio transmits data every 4 hours and total transmission time is less than 1 minute per day.

Are there any potential adverse health effects caused by the AMI meter?

No, the microwatts are a fraction of the amount emitted by a cell phone, laptop, or Wi-Fi, which most households have. Numerous industry and independent studies have shown the meter technology to be very safe. In fact, meter devices, at a distance of 10 feet, have only 1/100th of the radio frequency field of that emitted by a laptop computer. Likewise, cell phones, Wi-Fi​ transmitters and microwave ovens also emit a much greater radio frequency density. These meters transmit intermittently and for less than one minute per day. For more information and to view the results of studies performed on smart meters, visit sensus.com/rf.

How will I know when to book an appointment?

VEPO Metering technicians are working on an area-by-area basis.  When technicians are in your area, you will receive a notification in the mail containing important information on how to book an appointment. Please read the notice and book your appointment within the days indicated.  

How do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment, you can book online at https://utilityscheduler.com/scheduler/portland or call  VEPO Metering at 1-877-860-8376 (VEPO). The call center is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How long does the appointment take?

The installation typically takes less than one hour which may include a brief 15–20 minute water service interruption. An adult (18 yrs+) must be present to provide access.

What do I need to book an appointment?

To book an appointment, you need (1) your account number located on the appointment letter sent to you by VEPO Metering and your utility bill and (2) up-to-date contact information for your residence or business. Please note that you cannot book your appointment until you are notified that VEPO Metering technicians are in your area.

How can I prepare for the appointment?

You can prepare by: (1) clearing the area around your main shut off, (2) ensuring your water meter is accessible, providing enough room for the technician to work, and (3) ensuring an adult 18 years or older is available for the appointment.