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Schedule set for smart meter rollout

FortisBC has announced the schedule for installation of smart meters - the Boundary will be retrofitted in between Aug and Oct 2015.

FortisBC’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project will begin this fall in the Trail-Salmo area, and is expected to be complete in all regions by the end of 2015.

“Advanced meters open the door for new and exciting options for our electricity customers,” said Tom Loski, FortisBC vice-president, customer service.

“For the first time, our electricity customers will have the ability to move to monthly billing and select their own billing date. Advanced meters also help us better pinpoint power outages, meaning a more efficient response.”

Online tools that allow customers to see their energy use will be available in the coming months.

The scheduled timeline for meter exchanges begins in the Trail-Salmo area in September 2014, will be in the Boundary from August 2015 to October 2015 and should be completed by the end of 2015.

FortisBC will notify customers by mail before their meter is exchanged. Customers do not have to be home for the exchange to take place.

However, the exchange will require a brief power outage lasting only a few minutes. FortisBC asks that customers leave safe access to their meter, including keeping dogs and other pets away.

Once an advanced meter has been installed, customers will receive an information package.

FortisBC will be using advanced meters supplied by Itron, and Corix has been selected to conduct the meter exchanges. These contractors will be easily identifiable and will carry FortisBC identification.

Advanced meters provide many benefits for customers, and a radio-off option is available for those who have concerns. This option does require a customer to sign-up and agree to the cost-recovering fees approved by the BC Utilities Commission.

Customers who choose the radio-off option will receive an advanced meter with the wireless signal turned off, meaning their meter will be read manually.

For more information about the AMI project, or the radio-off option, customers can visit fortisbc.com/ami or call 1-866- 436-7847.