Electric Meter Upgrades
As part of our continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective service, Vineland Municipal Utilities are upgrading electric and water meters across our community. Over the next few years, every customer will receive a modern AMI meter.
This upgrade brings the benefit of today’s technology directly to our residents. The new system improves reliability, helps identify outages faster, eliminates estimated readings, and ultimately delivers better service at no additional cost to you.
What Will Be Installed?
New AMI Electric Meter
Water AMI Communication Equipment
Additional Water AMI Communication Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Upgrade
What does AMI mean? What is AMI meter technology?
AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters automatically and securely communicate usage and outage information back to the City without the need for on-site meter reads.
Why is Vineland upgrading my meter?
- Improve and provide accurate and timely meter readings.
- Improve outage response and restoration time.
- Identify power quality issues.
- Provide customers with better access to usage data and trends.
- Provide water leak awareness and usage insights.
Are both electric and water meters being upgraded?
Yes. Vineland Municipal Utilities is upgrading both electric and water meters as a part of this project. The upgrades may not occur at the same time. Each will be installed on their own schedule.
Billing & Cost
Is there a cost for the new AMI meter?
No. There is no charge to the customer for the new meter.
Will my bill go up after the new meter is installed?
No. AMI meters do not increase rates. They will allow for more accurate readings and eliminate estimated bills.
Installation
Do I need to be home when the meter is changed?
If your meter is located outside for your home and is accessible, the installation can be completed without your presence. The installer will leave a door hanger confirming the work has been completed.
If your meter is located inside your home, behind a locked gate, or in an area that requires special access, you will need to be present. Notification will be left with instructions on scheduling an appointment.
How long does installation take? Will I lose service?
- Electric installations will only take a few minutes.
- Water installations may take 15-30 minutes.
- Both installations may require a brief interruption of service, only during the installation. If so, we will make every attempt to notify you and minimize the interruption. When installation is complete, service will return to normal.
Will installers be clearly identified?
Yes. City of Vineland Utility crews and authorized contractors will have City or Utility ID badges, uniforms or safety vests, and marked vehicles during installation.
Customer Options
Can I decline the AMI meter installation?
Yes. Customers may choose not to participate in the AMI meter upgrades. Customers that opt out of having the AMI meters installed will be subject to a monthly opt out fee of $25 per meter. This fee covers the expenses associated with maintaining and manually reading a conventional meter.
What if they installed the AMI meter and I want to switch back to a conventional meter?
Customers that have had an AMI meter installed can later request to return to a conventional meter. In this case, a onetime meter exchange fee of $50 will be charged to the customer’s account and the customer will be subject to the $25 monthly opt out fee per meter going forward.
Safety, Security & Privacy
Is the new AMI meter safe? Are they secure?
Yes. AMI meters meet all state and federal safety requirements and standards. They are approved by the US Federal Communications Commission, Department of Energy, and the National Electric Safety Testing Labs.
All information is handled consistently with applicable laws and Vineland Municipal Utilities policies. The AMI network is designed for Utility operations and includes security controls for protection.
Do AMI meters track personal information?
No. AMI meters only record and transmit usage information, system information, and service information. AMI meters do not listen to or collect data from personal activities within the home.
Do AMI meters interfere with medical devices?
AMI meters operate on regulated frequencies designed not to interfere with medical equipment.
Contact
Who can I contact if I have a question?
Contact Vineland Municipal Utilities team:
Phone: 856-794-4000 Ext 4028