Meter Upgrades 2/3 Complete

During the January cold snap, AMI meters provided a real-time view of energy usage.

The PUD’s dispatch team used the data to help coordinate with line crews when decide how to balance supply and demand to keep customer lights on or get them back on faster.

More than 12,000 AMI meters have been installed countywide to date. Meter upgrades are nearly complete in Gardiner and Discovery Bay, and are 75% complete in parts of PT, Cape George Colony, Hadlock, Irondale, and Port Ludlow. Work remains mid-county from Oak Bay Rd to Hwy 101 in Quilcene.

The migration to advanced metering creates a level field for metering staff. When the PUD assumed maintenance of the grid in 2013, it inherited a system of meters in various state of repair and disrepair with some meters dating back nearly half a century. Staff replaced about 450 of failing meters annually. The PUD also inherited a $300K/yr contract for data transmission that accompanied some, but not all, of the more recently repaired meters.

Postcard notifications have been sent to remaining services. Home owners do not need to be home during the meter replacement. Replacement involves a brief loss of power as metering staff remove the old meter, inspect the meter base on the home, then install the new meter. Meter staff will conduct a door knock prior to installation and will provide a door hanger noting the time of the install. Unfortunately, due to commitments for metering staff, scheduling time for replacement is not possible.

Learn more about the PUD’s AMI program on jeffpud.org/meterprogram. Meter opt-out information is also available.