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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the AMI project:

Why is the City of New Westminster installing advanced meters?

We’re replacing our equipment so that we can keep providing reliable, cost-effective service to our customers.

The City’s existing electric metering infrastructure is aging and becoming costly to maintain. Installing modern equipment will create the foundation to support new and innovative sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and customer generation.

What is an advanced meter and how is it different from my current meter?

Our current meter and advanced meters both measure electricity consumption. However, instead of each meter being manually read roughly every two months, advanced meters will transmit this information at more frequent intervals across a secure, wireless network. This will result in more timely information which will allow the utility to manage the flow of electricity throughout the city's electrical system and measure the quality of power being delivered more efficiently. Advanced meters can also automatically detect power outages leading to quicker response times. 

What are the benefits of advanced meter infrastructure?

We’re replacing our equipment so that we can keep providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective service. 
 
Once advanced meters are installed and the upgraded system is functioning as a whole, we will benefit from a range of new features and capabilities. Working as part of a modern grid, the advanced metering system will: 
  • Provide you with more information about how much and when your household is using electricity, so that you can better understand how that use affects your bill. 
  • Increase accuracy of power outage information and location, resulting in quicker outage response and restoration. 
  • Improve operational efficiency and reduce the City’s utility costs over time. 
  • Ensure that the electricity system continues to evolve with modern safety standards, so that hazards such as overloaded meters and power theft can be better detected. 
  • Support economic growth and new job opportunities in the green energy field.
  • Reduce the City's carbon emissions in alignment with the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action. 
  • AMI is the necessary first step to enable innovative sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

Why do we need advanced meters?

Advanced meters are a critical step to modernizing the City’s electrical grid and will enable the New Westminster Electrical Utility to continue to provide reliable service as well as offer new features and benefits to customers. Detailed consumption information from advanced meters will help customers make more informed decisions about their energy consumption, which can lead to more savings. 

Are the new meters safe?

Advanced meters communicate using safe, secure low-level radio signals. The signals from the meters are much lower than common household devices such as Wi-Fi routers, cell phones and baby monitors.
 
All electrical meters must pass strict safety and accuracy measures set by federal authorities such as Health Canada and Measurement Canada. The meters we have selected are compliant with all appropriate standards and operate far below exposure limits set by Health Canada. 
 

What information will be collected?

Advanced meters measure electricity use. They can measure this in time blocks, e.g. kilowatts per hour, which can help you better understand how your use affects your bill. No personal identifiers, such as names or addresses are stored within the meter and they will not indicate which appliances you're using.
 

What privacy measures have been put in place?

We place a high priority on customer privacy, and we must protect your personal information by law. All personal information collected is managed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as it has always been. Our vendor, and our internal teams, will all work together to ensure your information is kept private. 

When will the new advanced meters be installed? 

Installation for residential and small commercial customers began on September 16, 2024 and was completed in mid-2025. Customers were notified by mail in advance of their scheduled installation.

The second phase of the project—covering commercial and industrial sites—is expected to begin in mid-2026 and be completed by the end of the year. 

What if I don't want a new meter?

All meters in the City are being replaced to meet accuracy and certification requirements set by Measurement Canada.

The option to apply for a radio-off meter was available only during the initial deployment phase. As the residential deployment is now complete, this option is no longer available.

Will I incur additional costs for the AMI upgrade?

The installation of AMI is a necessary component of our infrastructure upgrades. All costs will be covered through our regular capital budget, unless you have opted for a radio-off meter.  

Do I need to book a meter exchange appointment?

No, customers do not need to book an appointment. If KTI arrives to complete the meter exchange at a time that’s inconvenient, you can request an alternate time for the work to take place. You will be provided with the KTI customer service number which you will need to call to schedule an appointment. Customers cannot book an appointment in advance of KTI’s initial visit.

Will I have access to my electrical usage data?

Once the system is functioning as a whole, customers will be able to track online how much and when their household is consuming electricity. 

Will the City be implementing time-of-use billing?

Time-of-use billing is not something the City is pursuing at this time.

What should I do to prepare for the new meter installation?

Other than clearing the area around the meter of any obstructions, you do not need to be present during the installation. A brief power interruption will occur while the old meter is safely removed and replaced.

If you are concerned about a power surge after any loss of electrical service - planned or otherwise - please visit bchydro.com for tips on protecting your electronics.

How often do advanced meters send data? 

On average, AMI meters transmit data for less than one second at a time. They are NOT constantly communicating the way that other wireless devices do (cell phones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, baby monitors, etc.). The data packets they are sending are very small so it takes very little time. Our meters communicate once every four hours.

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