New Westminster, BC – The New Westminster Electric Utility is moving ahead with its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project after the initiative was paused in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AMI project will replace customers’ existing electrical meters, which are nearing end of life and becoming obsolete, with new advanced meters that can support a dynamic and modern grid. The installation of new meters for all residential and commercial customers is anticipated to being in summer 2024.

“New Westminster’s current metering infrastructure must be upgraded so we can continue to provide safe and reliable power to customers, as well as support the needs of our growing community,” said Rod Carle, General Manager of the New Westminster Electric Utility. “Our project team has been making significant progress on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project and we look forward to moving ahead with deployment in 2024.”

Advanced meters measure electricity consumption, but unlike the City’s current meters, they transmit information at frequent intervals across a secure, wireless network, and will be the backbone of the utility’s infrastructure. This will result in more timely information, which will also allow the New Westminster Electric Utility to manage the flow of electricity throughout the city’s grid and deliver power more efficiently.

“The installation of new advanced meters is an important step towards enabling a wide range of sustainable technologies,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “AMI can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving household efficiency to support New Westminster’s Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action.”

Part of a collective system upgrade, advanced meters will provide more information about energy consumption so that customers can gain insight into how their use affects their bills. The meters are equipped with enhanced features to detect hazards such as overloaded meters, making homes and neighbourhoods safer. They will also facilitate quicker outage response and restoration times.

The contract for the Advanced Meter Infrastructure project has been awarded to KTI Limited for the supply and installation of the new meters, and to Harris Computer Systems for the IT infrastructure. All of the City of New Westminster’s existing meters will be replaced by 2025. Customers will receive more information in the coming months and in advance of their new meter being installed in 2024.

To learn more about the AMI project, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/ami

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Contact:

Ashleigh Young
Manager of Communications
City of New Westminster
or 604-527-4559