FAQs: Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
1.	Q.	What is AMR?
	A.	AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. It is a proven technology that enables Ameren to read electric and gas meters remotely without having to physically visit and manually read Ameren meters.
2.	Q.	How does AMR work?
	A.	As a customer uses electricity or natural gas, a module records the usage. The module transmits usage info via radio to communication devices.
3.	Q.	What does the new AMR meter look like?
	A.	The meter’s exterior appearance is just like a typical meter. The only difference is that an AMR module is installed inside the meter.
4.	Q.	Who is eligible to receive AMR service?
	A.	Ameren identified operating centers that would realize the greatest benefit if AMR were installed. Generally, this included areas with many apartments with frequent tenant turnover, like towns with major universities. Based on this information, Ameren determined the most efficient and effective deployment of the AMR system. The selected operating centers serve customers who account for approximately 50 percent of all meters in Ameren’s Illinois service territory. All customers living in selected operating centers will have their meter upgraded to the AMR system.
5.	Q.	Can I request to have AMR installed on my meter if I am not a part of the planned project?
	A.	The AMR System requires a total network of electronic equipment to operate. The module installed on individual meters is only one component of that network. The modules installed on the meters communicate through a radio to receivers that are installed throughout an operating center and then to other data collection points. Therefore, only when a complete system is installed can the AMR module remotely transmit the data. This could be compared to buying a cell phone but not having any cellular towers in place to be able to make a call.
6.	Q.	How will this system benefit me, the customer?
	A.	AMR will virtually eliminate estimated meter readings. This will ensure that each month your bill will be based on actual usage. Other benefits include far less need for Ameren employees to come onto your property and more detailed information about electric outages.
7.	Q.	Will my meter get this new AMR technology?
	A.	Please call your utility’s customer contact center for information about communities identified to receive electric and/or gas meters equipped with the AMR feature.
8.	Q.	Who will install AMR and how will I be able to identify them?
	A.	Ameren is coordinating the AMR project with Cellnet; Cellnet has coordinated with Terasen, who will perform the installation work for Cellnet. Terasen representatives, driving Terasen-marked vehicles, will install the AMR meters for Ameren’s residential customers and will install some commercial electric and natural gas meters as well. These employees can be identified by an Ameren contractor photo identification badge. Cellnet employees and vehicles will also be present during deployment. In some instances, the AMR meters may be installed by Ameren employees. Cellnet will perform on-going maintenance on some equipment once deployment is completed.
9.	Q.	What is Cellnet?
	A.	Cellnet Technology, Inc., based in Atlanta, Ga., is the leading provider of real-time automated meter reading (AMR) and automation solutions to the utility industry. The company installed and maintains a similar AMR network to provide meter reading services for AmerenUE. This network captures data from more than 1.4 million meters in Missouri.
10.	Q.	How will I know when I am scheduled to have my meter equipped with AMR technology?
	A.	You will receive a mailed notice approximately 2-3 weeks before your meter(s) is/are scheduled to be installed. As a courtesy, the installer will knock on your door to inform you of a brief electric interruption when the electric meter is being exchanged. This electric outage should only last about 10 minutes; however, you may want to be sure your computer data is saved and all computers turned off. Your gas service will not be interrupted when the AMR is installed.
11.	Q.	Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
	A.	In most cases, you will not need to be home. Meter exchange technicians will leave a door hanger at your premises indicating that the meter was successfully exchanged or that an appointment is required to access the meter for exchange.
12.	Q.	Is there anything I should do before the AMR device is installed at my property?
	A.	Yes. To make our work at your property go quickly and efficiently, you should clear an adequate work area around your electric and gas meters to give our technician ready access to the meter. Please remove any obstructions or barriers, such as overgrown shrubs or other obstacles.
13.	Q.	What happens if my meter is not accessible?
	A.	Ameren, or its representatives, should always have unobstructed access to its equipment including meters to ensure reliable service. It is the customer’s responsibility to remove any obstructions or barriers that interfere with the installation of the AMR devices. If the meter is not accessible because it is located inside or in a locked area, and an adult is not at home when the meter technician arrives, a notice will be left on your door. The notice provides a toll-free number for scheduling a convenient time for the meter exchange.
14.	Q.	I would like to be home when the AMR device is installed. Will your installers make an appointment with me?
	A.	No. Appointments will only be made for customers whose meters are not accessible. Many factors determine when the devices will be installed at various locations, such as:           Volume of meters           Route schedule           Installation efficiency
15.	Q.	How will I know if my meter has been exchanged?
	A.	If no one is home, we will leave a door tag when we exchange the electric meter to indicate that a brief interruption of your electrical service has occurred.
16.	Q.	I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
	A.	Most likely, we were unable to gain access to your meter. Please call the phone number on the door tag so we can make arrangements to access the meter to complete the installation.
17.	Q.	How long will the installation take?
	A.	We anticipate that the meter exchange will take about 10 minutes for each meter. It could take longer, however, if you have objects or plants blocking your meter. All efforts you make to help us gain access to your meter are sincerely appreciated.
18.	Q.	Will the installation interrupt my gas service?
	A.	No. The AMR installation will not interrupt your gas service. If we determine that meter maintenance or replacement is necessary, we'll contact you to coordinate a time for that work. If meter maintenance or replacement results in a brief interruption of gas service, our technicians will assist you with any pilot lighting needs you may have.
19.	Q.	Will my electric service be interrupted during the meter exchange?
	A.	Yes. Replacing your meter will cause a brief loss of power, so please be sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations to protect electronic equipment and data. Clocks and other devices may need to be reset after the meter exchange.
20.	Q.	I have a generator that starts automatically when the power is off. What will happen during the meter exchange?
	A.	The meter exchange technician will knock on the door to inform the customer of a brief outage while the meter is exchanged. If the customer’s generator is installed correctly to automatically transfer the power source, we would expect the generator to come on when the meter is pulled out of the socket. This should activate an automatic transfer switch that will isolate the customer’s generator from Ameren’s equipment. The installer will verify the transfer switch operated properly by checking for back-feed voltage; if no back-feed voltage is present, he or she will install the new meter. The same sensing device that indicated a loss of power and started the generator will detect that power is restored, and after a few moments, the generator will shut off.
21.	Q.	Will I have to pay for the device on my meter?
	A.	There is no additional charge to customers for the installation of AMR service.
22.	Q.	Will AMR service interfere with my radio, telephone, computer, television, phones, wireless internet access, invisible fence or other equipment?
	A.	No. The transmitting device operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices. The AMR system operates independently at a low-power frequency reserved for this purpose and should not interfere with other equipment.
23.	Q.	How long before my meter is read by the AMR rather than by the meter reader?
	A.	The entire AMR project will be phased in over a four year period. When meters on a route are equipped with AMR devices, those meters will be read remotely each month. To confirm the equipment is operating properly, a meter reader will read the meter the first billing cycle following the switch to the AMR system. Manual reads can still be done on meters equipped with the AMR feature.
24.	Q.	Will this affect my automatic bank draft or Budget Billing plan arrangements?
	A.	The AMR project should not affect your bank draft or Budget Billing and other payment options.
25.	Q.	Will I still see meter readers in my area occasionally?
	A.	The use of AMR technology will virtually eliminate the need for traditional meter readers; however, we may still need to send employees to your area or home to inspect, monitor and service equipment.
26.	Q.	Will my new meter be accurate?
	A.	Yes. Every meter is checked for accuracy prior to installation.
27.	Q.	Will the timing change from when I am billed?
	A.	Customers will see no difference in the timing or billing method for their electric and/or gas usage.
28.	Q.	When will I receive my first bill based on the new technology?
	A.	Once we begin installation in your community, it could take several months before we are able to generate bills using the new technology. In addition to installing new meters, the project involves the installation of data collection equipment and aligning our customer information and billing system.
29.	Q.	Is my account information secure?
	A.	Yes. Only meter readings and meter identification are transmitted. AMR does not interact with, or transmit, personal customer information.
30.	Q.	Whom can I contact if I have additional questions?
	A.	If you have additional questions about automated meter reading, you can contact our Customer Service representatives at the number listed on your bill.