FortisBC has decided to move ahead with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, after receiving approval from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) on July 23, 2013, after an extensive public review process.
During 2013, FortisBC plans to focus on building and testing the software components of the AMI project, which will continue into 2014. In late 2013, installation of the communications network is to begin. Advanced meters will be installed in 2014 and 2015.
Advanced meters are comparable to traditional meters in size and shape.
The main difference is their ability to communicate with FortisBC and provide near real-time electricity use information to customers.
The information collected from advanced meters is similar to the information collected today by meter readers. However, advanced metering allows for more frequent updates of this information. The meters can also report in near real-time how much electricity a household is using, meaning customers can get a better sense of their electricity use.
The actual switching of meters for FortisBC electricity customers will involve a brief service outage to allow FortisBC crews to safely remove the old meter and replace it with the new advanced meter.
Safety
Advanced meters are safe. Health agencies – including Health Canada, the World Health Organization, and B.C.’s provincial health officer – say advanced meters are not harmful. Canada’s top health authority, Health Canada, says “exposure to RF energy from smart meters does not pose a public health risk.”
They comply with all safety requirements from respected professional and safety organizations.
Advanced meters were approved after expert health witnesses presented extensive evidence to the BC Utilities Commission during a lengthy public regulatory process.
Privacy
Advanced meters will keep customer information secure and private. The AMI project uses strong encryption to protect data – similar to encryption used by financial institutions in online banking transactions.
Like all customer information, this information is protected under the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act. Customer/personal information, such as account balance, name and address, is not transmitted.
All information from Fortis – Please notice Oliver is not on this map