Helps keep rates lower

Advanced metering will save customers at least $19 million over the life of the project, primarily through reduced electricity theft and lower meter reading costs.

Provides more information & options You will be able to access more detailed electricity usage information through our website as well as through optional, customer-purchased, in-home displays, helping you to better understand your bill and manage your energy consumption. In the future, we will be able to send you, if you choose, a text or email to alert you of your electricity use. Although no rate structure changes are proposed as part of this application, the AMI project will allow FortisBC, subject to BCUC approval, to offer optional time-based rate structures to customers.

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Currently, FortisBC meter readers drive more than 500,000 kilometres per year, consuming about 80,000 litres of gasoline. The resulting 191 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions will be dramatically reduced when these meter reading vehicles are off the road.

Helps prevent electricity theft FortisBC estimates that electricity theft is costing our customers about $3.7 million annually in lost revenue. Advanced meters will help stop theft, helping to keep rates lower than they would have been without the project. In addition, there are often serious safety risks for the public and FortisBC employees due to improper electric wiring and other hazards resulting from electricity theft. This is why the Fire Chief’s Association of BCsupports AMI.

Provides immediate notification of power outages If there’s a power outage at your home or business, advanced meters will immediately notify FortisBC of the outage. Advanced metering will pinpoint problems quickly and specifically, allowing for more effective power restoration. Shorter power outages mean less time in the dark and less food spoiled in your fridge and freezer.

Improves billing accuracy and frequency

Your bill will always be calculated from actual electricity use, not from estimated readings since meter readings will always be available when required.

Helps with customer-owned distribution power generation and electric cars As on-site generation becomes more popular, FortisBC will be able to better manage the electrical system if you choose to generate solar, wind or even micro run of river power. The grid will be ready to handle these new technologies, including electric cars, without interruption.