Rock Energy Co-op uses automated and manual meter readers

Automated Meter Reading devices improve customer service

Rock Energy Co-op has used automated meter reading (AMR) technology for nearly a decade. The co-op plans to continue installing AMR "end-points" onto existing meters as well as including them in all new meters installed until 100% of our single phase meters are equipped to be read automatically. Until then, some meters will continue to be read manually as explained below.

An automated meter reading end-point is a small transmitter that fits under the glass of a meter. With its patented ultra narrow bandwidth (UNB) technology, this device automatically reads the member's meter and sends the information back to REC through the power lines. The newest generation end-points (TS2s) that REC began installing in 2008 will allow us to read both electric and gas usage from the same device at the same time.

This allows us to offer members a daily usage profile showing exactly how much power they are using, as well as their daily peak usage, their date of highest peak usage, and other helpful information. This assures members receive accurate billings as well as answers to usage questions.

End-points also assist REC in monitoring power service. If a customer loses power, the signal for that meter will disappear. Any subtle variations in the power system will cause changes in the received signal. We use this information to locate bad grounds, arcs, power outages, failing equipment, outage blinks, tampering, etc.

Manually reading your meter

Rock Energy also employs meter reading personnel who use a handheld device to record readings. Meter readers are looking at a variety of different meters, some of which have four dials on their face (similar to the sample below), five dials, or analog or LED number displays. It's essential that our meter readers have clear access to all meters to ensure timely and accurate readings.

Both gas and electric meters are read the same way, from right to left. Both operate similarly to the odometer in your car, recording tens, hundreds, thousands, and ten-thousands of either kilowatts (electric service) or therms (gas service). The first and third dials move in a clockwise rotation, while the second and fourth move counterclockwise.

If you need to read your meter, begin with the dial farthest to the right and record one number for each dial on the meter. If the dial is pointing between two numbers, you would record the lower number for that dial. If the dial appears to be pointing directly at a number, look at the dial to the right. If the hand on that dial has passed zero, then you should record the number; otherwise, record the lower number.

Here is a sample reading: