Upgrading our meter technology

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

As our service area grows and the demand for electricity increases, we are upgrading our meter technology across our service territory to better serve our customers. 

What is AMI?

AMI is an integrated system comprising AMI meters, radio gateways that collect the meter read data, communication networks, and data management systems. AMI meters are digital electricity meters that measure how much electricity is used and when it is used. Using two-way communication, these meters digitally record and report your consumption in real-time back to ATCO. AMI meters eliminate the use of physical meter reads, resulting in lower operating costs for customers. AMI meters have been implemented all over North America including in Canada from the prairies to the territories.

How do they work?

Our meters use a radio frequency (RF) to receive and transmit information, but the RF emissions from our meters are minimal and aligned with Health Canada Standards. According to several studies, there are no health risks from our meters, due to low power signals, proximity to you and your family, and there are only short bursts of activity rather than continuous. Everyday items like garage door openers, digital billboards, gas station signs, and baby monitors operate on the same frequency.

What are the benefits?

  • AMI meters can detect outages faster, allowing us to restore power more efficiently. This means less time in the dark, should your power go off.  

  • AMI meters produce timelier reads, which ensures usage calculations on electricity bills are more consistent than estimated readings. 

  • We can meet your needs as a customer, as home and business technologies continue to evolve with applications such as solar panels.  

HOW WILL I KNOW MY METER HAS BEEN CHANGED, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The meter changeover is very quick and safe; an ATCO field representative will present themselves at your door, explain the simple process and may need to access your yard or side yard to complete the changeover. The field representative will safely disconnect power for approximately five minutes to remove the old meter, install and connect the new meter. Power will be safely re-established, and the field representative will remove all equipment and materials, including the old meter. ATCO employees will always wear appropriate safety and personal protective equipment as well as ATCO clothing and identification.

WHERE HAS THIS BEEN IMPLEMENTED? WHEN WILL MY COMMUNITY SEE AMI?

ATCO’s AMI implementation program is being phased in by region in Alberta. Since we started rolling out the program in 2021, we have already installed over 75,000 meters across 49 communities. We started in our more populated cities like Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, and Grand Prairie. In 2023 we began the rollout into more rural areas like Cold Lake, Three Hills, Smoky Lake, Hanna, Falher and Fox Creek.

In 2024, ATCO will expand the AMI program into more regions serviced by our teams in Jasper, Grande Cache, Beaverlodge, Peace River, Slave Lake, Vegreville, Stettler, Drumheller, and Bonnyville.

As our work continues beyond 2024, we will continue to expand the AMI program into more communities, encompassing rural, remote, and urban centers.

To learn when your community is scheduled to begin installing AMI meters, give us a call at 1-800-668-2248.

Electricity Meter Upgrades

 

We’re upgrading the electricity meters in your neighbourhood so we can continue to provide you with safe and reliable electricity service.

See what the new meters mean for your community and how it enhances the services ATCO provides.

Questions? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. If your question isn't answered there, one of our customer service agents would be glad to help. Give us a call at 1-800-668-2248.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the AMI system work?

    AMI meters use a radio signal to receive and transmit information. They are part of a larger network where each meter sends signals to ATCO’s meter data collection system, so we can get an accurate reading of your usage. RF meters only transmit for milliseconds and at levels that are half of a smartphone! 

  • Does the radio frequency (RF) technology used in AMI pose any health hazards?

    According to Health Canada, the device poses no health risks. Remember cordless phones? The AMI device uses the exact same frequency! In fact, they have lower emissions than many common household devices (ex. microwave ovens, cordless phones and internet routers). The device is authorized for use in Canada by Industry Canada.

  • Will the AMI system interfere with other devices that operate on radio frequencies, such as my cordless phone or my garage door opener?

    No. The network was designed to operate on many different frequencies to avoid interference with other devices. The network changes frequencies regularly to avoid interference with other devices that operate in the same frequency space.

  • Do advanced meters malfunction if they are located near a cell phone tower or transmission line?

    The network does not operate in the same frequency space as cell phone towers and transmission lines, so they’re not affected by those technologies. The software systems installed with your meter provide additional checks to ensure the readings and communications are operating correctly.

  • Does the AMI transmit my private information?

    The only data transmitted over the network is the unique identification number of the metering device and how much electricity has been used. No customer data (name, address, phone number, etc.) is monitored, so your privacy is always protected. Additionally, the data from each meter is encrypted before being transmitted.

  • Why is ATCO installing AMI meters?

    AMI meters are being installed in Alberta communities as previous meters reach their end of the certified product lifecycle and become obsolete. AMI meters are the next generation of electricity meters and just like upgrading your cell phone, we're upgrading meters for our customers. 

  • When will my home or business receive an AMI meter?

    We're currently installing AMI meters by community, to learn when your community is scheduled to begin installing AMI meters, give us a call at 1-800-668-2248. 

  • How does the changeover to the AMI meter work? What can I expect?

    The meter changeover is very quick and safe; an ATCO field representative will present themselves at your door, explain the simple process and may need to access your yard or side yard to complete the changeover. The field representative will safely disconnect power for approximately five minutes to remove the old meter, install and connect the new meter. Power will be safely re-established and the field representative will remove all equipment and materials, including the old meter. All staff will wear appropriate safety and personal protective equipment as well as ATCO clothing and identification.

  • Can I opt-out of receiving an AMI meter?

    If you opt-out of receiving an AMI meter at your premise(s), additional monthly or quarterly fees may be incurred for required manual or technical meter reads. Starting in 2026, fees will be added automatically to your bill. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-668-2248.