Automated Meter Reading
We now provide the majority of our customers with automated meter reading (AMR). With AMR, we’re able to read your meter using very short-range radio frequencies collected in our vans as we drive down your street. This way we get a 100 percent accurate reading without even having to set foot on your property, and you don’t have to worry about reporting your own readings anymore.
Most residential and some business customers now have AMR meters installed.
Yes, AMR is available for both electric and gas in the regions where we provide those services.
We no longer need access for regular billing purposes. We still need access for inspections that are required by law and as part of the regular replacement of meters as they age. We will also need access to physically turn on or turn off your service and in response to any suspected problems with meters.
We would like to keep your keys in case we need to access your meter for any of these reasons:
- To perform an inspection that is required by law or as part of the regular replacement of meters as they age.
- To physically turn on or turn off your service.
- To respond to any suspected problems with your meter.
However, if you want your keys returned, please contact us and we will certainly honor your request.
No, the AMR equipment operates at very low levels, comparable to radio waves already present in the environment. All equipment has been designed to operate within state and federal safety standards.
No, the system operates at a low-power frequency reserved for this purpose and will not interfere with any other equipment.
We read your meter automatically each month, so there is no reason for you to report your reading for regular billing. However, if you are connecting and disconnecting service, or have billing concerns such as high charges, your reading may be helpful.
We do use estimates for connecting and disconnecting service. There may also be rare other occasions, such as those involving severe weather or equipment failure, when an estimated reading is necessary.
If you choose to opt out of the AMR program now, you must complete and submit an opt-out application form. If you opt out of AMR, you will be billed a $67.00 fee for replacing your AMR meter with a non-AMR meter, and on a monthly basis you will be billed a $13.00 meter reading fee. In the future, should you choose an AMR meter, a meter exchange fee of $67.00 will apply. These fees are subject to change upon approval of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.