Remote Read: Automated Meter Reading Project

Latest Technology To Replace Worn Out Meters

In September of 2006 the Portland Water District began a two-year project to replace every water meter in the system. This latest technology in metering equipment will allow meters to be read without stepping foot on private property.

Remote Read will provide customers with many benefits including a reduction in estimated bills and more consistent billing cycles.

The Portland Water District has contracted with VSI Meter Services to replace small meters and PMI to replace large meters. VSI will be driving white vehicles and carry identification with VSI and PWD logos clearly displayed.

More Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Project Questions
Background
What is the Remote Read Project?
How does the new meter reading system work?
Will the Remote Read Project benefit me?
Is the new water meter going to cost me anything to install?
Who should I call if I would like more information about the Remote Read Program?


Meter and Plumbing Questions
Where is my water meter?
Do I need a new water meter?
What if my plumbing work is faulty?
What will be done with the old black touch pad on my house?
What will be done with the old water meter?
What is a submeter, and do I have to pay to have it updated if I have one?

Installation Questions
Who is going to install my new meter?
Do I have to be home for the meter replacement work?
What if I am going away for extended periods of time, what should I do?
How long will the meter installation take?
How will I know if the service technician works for you?
What if I discover a problem after the contractor changes my meter?

Questions about the New Equipment
How do you know that my reading is accurate?
Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?
Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?
Will the radio interfere with my television, phone or other electronic devices?
Will the radio interfere with other electronic systems?
What are the frequencies used by this system?
Is this system monitoring my phone calls?
Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?

Billing Questions
Will my water bill change?
When can I expect my first bill displaying usage from the new meter?
What is a submeter, and do I have to pay to have it updated if I have one?
Who should I call if I have a billing question?


 

Background
Board Approves $9.35 Million To Replace 49,000 Water Meters
On July 24, the Portland Water District (PWD) Board of Trustees approved $9.35 million dollars to replace 49,000 water meters with a Remote Read system.  The Public Utilities Commission requires meters be replaced every eight years because accuracy diminishes.  PWD was given a meter replacement extension to 15 years so it could research automated meter reading (AMR) technology.  Everything considered, the price of traditional meters and AMR meters is equal.  But AMR meters provide added benefits of improved customer service, safety, and energy efficiency, and a reduction in estimated bills.
 

What is the Remote Read Project?

The Remote Read Project is an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Meter Replacement Program. This two-year District wide project will replace – free of charge - all old water meters with new, state-of-the-art meters that will allow PWD to obtain meter readings using radio frequency technology.  The readings will be obtained by a specially equipped vehicle while driving by your home. This technology allows the majority of your bills to be calculated on actual meter readings, with very few estimated readings.

Will the Remote Read Project benefit me?
Yes, there are many benefits.

Is the new water meter going to cost me anything to install?
No, there is no fee for the installation or the water meter equipment. Under no circumstances should you pay an installer for any equipment or labor.  If you are updating a submeter, some fees may apply.

Where is my water meter?
The vast majority of residential water meters are located inside your home in the basement, usually along the front wall of your house.

Do I need a new water meter?
The Public Utilities Commission requires meters be replaced every eight years because accuracy diminishes.  PWD was granted a water meter replacement extension to 15 years so it could research automated meter reading (AMR) technology. Most PWD water meters are now over 15 years old and need to be replaced. Customers that have younger water meters will receive only the radio frequency reading device.

In addition, most submeters will not need to be changed if they are compatible with the new automated meter reading device.

What if my plumbing work is faulty?
In some cases where the interior plumbing is not up to code, the homeowner may be required to repair the problem before a new meter can be installed. If the VSI plumber feels an attempt to change out the meter may cause damage, he will notify the homeowner.

Who is going to install my new meter?
PWD has contracted with VSI Meter Services to install the automated meter reading system for small meters and has contracted with PMI to install larger meters.

How does the new meter reading system work?
When a meter reading is needed, a specially equipped vehicle will drive past your home or building.  A radio signal transmission from the van collects your meter reading.  Each meter has a unique identification number that ensures only your reading is assigned to your account.  The meter reading information is transferred into PWD’s information system, where a bill is produced.

Will my water bill change?
Older meters tend to run slower and therefore may not measure all the water going through them.  The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly.  If you see a higher bill, it is usually not because your new meter is reading too high; it is because the old meter was running slow. 

When can I expect my first bill displaying usage from the new meter?
You will continue to receive your bill on the same schedule. In some cases, due to the timing of your meter change, your first bill after the change may include usage for a longer or shorter period.  This could translate into a higher or lower bill.  Please refer to the chart on your bill that displays the number of days in your billing period.

 How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?
Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading.  The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

How do you know that my reading is accurate?
These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading three times before it is sent to the transmitting unit.  This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.

 How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?
A new, more accurate meter may detect small leaks that the older meter missed.  Check faucets for small drips.  Also check your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl.  Place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank.  If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak.  Seek assistance from your local home improvement center or plumbing professional to fix all such leaks.

Do I have to be home for the meter replacement work?
Since most water meters are located inside the home, you will have to be home while the meter is being installed. You will receive a post card informing you of the Remote Read Program.  It will ask you to contact VSI Services, the District’s  installation contractor to set up an appointment to change or update your inside metering equipment. If you have a meter pit, your meter is outside so you may not have to be present for the meter work.

 If you can, we ask that you make sure the water meter is accessible before your appointment.  This will help our technicians complete your appointment quickly and ensure your personal belongings go undisturbed.

What if I am going away for extended periods of time, what should I do?
When you get a postcard from our installer, you will have a couple weeks to respond and set up an appointment.  If we contact you repeatedly, and we do not hear from you, your water service may be disconnected.  If you know you are going to be away for an extended period of time, you should have someone checking your mail and available to oversee the project or contact VSI so that we can schedule your appointment around your absence.

How long will the meter installation take?
Under normal circumstances, the installation will take15-45 minutes. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes until the meter is changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line.  This will clear up after running your water for a few moments.  You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures.  This is normal.

What will they do while at my house?
Generally the meter technician will locate your inside water meter, remove the old meter, and install the new meter equipped with the radio read device.  The technician will then go outside and conduct a test on the reading equipment.  He will then return to clean up the work area and offer to have you sign the work order.  The work order will show you the last reading on the old water meter and the remote register.  In certain circumstances a different reading device may need to be attached to your meter.  The reading device will be installed to the basement wall or floor joist and will be connected to the meter with a wire. There may also be rare circumstances where the meter reading device will have to be installed on the outside of your home in order to obtain a reading.  

What will be done with the old black touch pad on my house?
The black touch pad will no longer function.  You may remove and dispose of the device or leave it in place.

What will be done with the old water meter?
It will be recycled.

Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?
No, the radio signal is only on for less than a second when it is read.  The reading device meets all FCC requirements and the power level is far below that where any risk occurs.

Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?
No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment

Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone or other electronic devices?
No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones and other electronic devices.  In addition, the transmissions last less than 1 second.  You will never see interference with your television reception.

Is this system monitoring my phone calls?
No, this equipment does not monitor phone calls.

Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?
No, this equipment does not monitor how many people are in the house or any personnel activity.  It simply collects the meter reading and transfers that information when prompted by the reading device.

How will I know if the service technician works for you?
VSI Meter Services is supplying meter installation services.  All of their installers will be wearing uniforms and carry a picture ID badge with VSI and PWD logos clearly displayed.  Their service vehicles will also have VSI, Remote Read, and PWD logos. All VSI employees have passed background checks.  If you are unsure about the installer’s identity, you can call the Portland Water District at 761-8310.

What if I discover a problem after the contractor changes my meter?
If you discover a problem after the meter is changed, contact VSI at 1-866-847-1101.   VSI will respond immediately.

Who should I call if I would like more information about the Remote Read Program itself?
You may directly call VSI Services at 1-866-847-1101 to set up an appointment or ask any other questions about the Remote Read Program.

Who should I call if I have a billing question resulting from the Remote Read Program?
If you have any questions regarding your water bill, please call the water District’s Customer Service Center at (207) 761-8310.

What is a submeter and do I have to pay to have it updated if I have one?
A submeter measures outside water usage and deducts it from your wastewater bill.  Your municipality sets wastewater rates and contracts with PWD for specific wastewater services like treatment and billing. 

You own and maintain your submeter, it does not belong to PWD.  Since PWD will no longer manually read meters, you will need to update it to continue to receive the benefits. Most submeters will not have to be replaced, but they will need to be retrofitted with a radio transmitter to obtain meter readings. There is no initial fee for this service; however, there may be a small monthly wastewater fee, set by your municipality, of up to $2.00 per submeter ($24.00 per year per submeter) to offset costs.