PACIFIC POWER INSTALLING AUTOMATED METERS IN YAKIMA AREA
Posted: August 12th, 2010 2:50 PM
Pacific Power media hotline: Aug. 12, 2010
1-800-570-5838 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Power installing automated meters in Yakima area
More accurate reads, less bother for 121,000 customers by end of year
YAKIMA, Wash. — Pacific Power has been using human eyes and foot power to read customer electric meters for a century. An extensive effort is underway to replace existing meters with new, more efficient automated meters that can be read by a company vehicle driving down the street.
Automated electric meters will be installed on the homes and businesses of more than 121,000 Yakima and Sunnyside area customers beginning in late August. Customers will be notified by mail when the work will start in their area. This exchange should be transparent to most customers – although a short interruption to power will occur. The meter installations are expected to be completed by year end.
"Automated meter reading is a proven technology that is in place across the country, and has become more efficient, accurate and cost-effective than traditional meter reading practices," said Clark Satre, regional community manager. "This is part of our continuing effort to increase efficiency in our operations, provide excellent customer service and maintain our position as a low-cost electricity provider. It's also safer for our employees."
The new automated meters are equipped with a radio transmitter and will enable Pacific Power to remotely read the electric meter. As company vehicles drive through an area, the meter number and usage data will be transmitted to a receiver in the vehicles and uploaded to Pacific Power's billing system.
Pacific Power's sister utility, Rocky Mountain Power, has already installed more than 670,000 automated meters in Utah and Wyoming communities. The automated meters realize their highest effectiveness in areas with higher customer concentrations.
Utility Partners of America is implementing the meter installations for Pacific Power and will be identified via employee badges and trucks stating, "Utility Partners of America, a contractor for Pacific Power."
For more information about their new meter, customers can call 1-800-221-7070 or visit www.pacificpower.net/amr.
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About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
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