Automated Meter Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about our AMR project, you may want to review these frequently asked questions:

What are you installing on my gas meter?
Who will be installing the AMR device?
Will I have to pay for the device on my meter?
How long will the installation take?
Will the installation interrupt my gas service?
Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
Will the radio frequency interfere with my television, phones, wireless internet access, or invisible fence?
How long before my meter is read from the vehicle rather than by the meter reader?
Will this affect my billing date?
Will this affect my automatic bank draft or equal payment plan (EPP) arrangements?
My meter already has an AMR device on it. Will Piedmont still need to access it?
I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

What are you installing on my gas meter?
We will install an Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) on your gas meter. The ERT will measure your gas consumption and transmit it via radio frequency to our specially equipped vehicles.

Who will be installing the AMR device?
We've partnered with Itron who subcontracted the installation to Tru-Check Utility Meter Services to complete most installations. Tru-Check employees will be wearing red shirts with their logo and bright green vests when they install devices on Piedmont's meters. Piedmont's technicians will also be completing some of the installations. They will be outfitted in the standard attire, light blue shirts and navy slacks.

Will I have to pay for the device on my meter?
Customers are not charged for the installation of ERT's on their meters.

How long will the installation take?
We anticipate that the installation of the ERT on your meter will take about 30 minutes. It could take longer, however, if you have objects or plants blocking your meter. We would appreciate any efforts you make towards helping us gain access to your meter.

Will the installation interrupt my gas service?
No, the ERT installation will not interrupt your gas service. If in the process of the installation we determine that meter maintenance or replacement is necessary, we'll contact you to coordinate a time for that work. Meter maintenance or replacement could result in a brief interruption of gas service, and our technicians will assist you with any pilot lighting needs you may have.

Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
In most cases you will not need to be home. If we visit your premise and have trouble gaining access to your meter, we will leave a door tag behind requesting that you contact us to set up an appointment. Often we'll ask that you help us gain access before you leave for the day on the date of your appointment. That can be as simple as keeping your dog inside when we come to complete the installation.

Will the radio frequency interfere with my television, phones, wireless internet access, or invisible fence?
No, the radio frequency for the ERT is very different from that needed for radios, phones, television, wireless internet access, and invisible fences. In addition, the ERT only issues a radio "message" when it is "awakened" by our AMR vehicles, which will be only for a few seconds once a month. So you should not notice any interference caused by the AMR devices.

How long before my meter is read from the vehicle rather than by the meter reader?
The AMR project is scheduled to take about 3 years. However, once the majority of meters within a given area have AMR devices installed, we will begin reading those meters remotely each month.

Will this affect my billing date?
There is a possibility that your billing date will change as a result of this project. However, we will make every effort to minimize the impact that AMR will have on billing dates.

Will this affect my automatic bank draft or equal payment plan (EPP) arrangements?
The AMR project should not affect your bank draft or EPP arrangements.

My meter already has an AMR device on it. Will Piedmont still need to access it?
As part of this project, we will be testing our existing meters and AMR devices. We will need to access your meter long enough to confirm that it is working properly. If meter maintenance is needed, we'll attempt to fix it without interrupting your gas service. If we need to replace your meter, we'll contact you to coordinate a time to do so.

I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
If you had a door tag asking you to call us, the most likely reason is that we were unable to gain access to your meter. If so, we'll need you to call us toll-free at 866-520-1982 so we can make arrangements to access the meter to complete the installation.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about Automated Meter Reading, you can call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-752-7504.

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