July 2011
Small Devices Mean Big Updates

The Automated Meter Reading (AMR) update is now complete for nearly all of Atlanta Gas Light's (AGL) customers.

AMR technology allows meter readers to gather information remotely as they drive by a home rather than entering the property like before. Installation of this equipment began in 2009 while research into AMR began in the early 1990's.

"By the end of 2011, just under a million AMR devices will be installed with no interruption to gas service,"John Sayers, director of customer operations at AGL. That number equates to the entire AGL service territory in the state of Georgia."

A specially equipped vehicle rides by the meter and the AMR device sends a signal to the collector on the truck. From the truck,meter usage data is then transferred to a centralized database for billing purposes and usage analysis.

In some cases, this technology allows a meter-reading vehicle to gather the data on an entire street in the time it used to take to read a single meter.

"The AMR update increases accuracy and timeliness of meter readings,"said Phil Buchanan,manager of marketer services at AGL. "It also means contractors won't be in customers' yards every month disturbing their dogs or landscaping. We will only access a property if the meter needs maintenance."

If a meter reader approaches your property, don't hesitate to ask to see their company photo identification. If you're in doubt about the identity of someone coming to your home, call AGL at 1-800-427-5463.

For more information on AMR, visit Atlanta Gas Light



Read other articles from The Walton EMC Gasette:
Rate Plan Options: Fixed or Variable?

Check Out This Month's Yummy Cake Recipe