FAQ

 

Smart Meter
Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is AMI the same thing as smart meters?

Yes. AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure and smart meters are an integral part of that entire system.

 

What are some basic benefits of smart meters?

  • Smart meters have replaced older, outdated, stuck, or broken meters that don’t always (or can’t) provide an accurate measurement of how much water is consumed.
  • Track and see how much and when they use their water via the new WaterSmart customer portal, available to them 24/7.
  • Reliable water usage data can help customers spot leaks faster, which could help avoid property damage or high usage bill.
  • The technology eliminates estimated and sometimes inaccurate manual readings.
  • If customers have a spike in use and/or a possible leak, a leak notification can be sent to their phone or email.

 

How do smart meters support the vision of Eastside?

  • By providing more accurate system data, we can improve internal operations and external customer service.
  • This technology gives us the tools to help monitor water consumption, which helps us operate as efficiently and safely as possible
  • Smart meters bring tested, smart technologies to our water and sewer systems; we may even be able to build on top of this smart technology across other areas of our region and within our utility services.

   

What’s the process of installing a Smart Meter?

Residential and Commercial Customers:
An Eastside Utility installer will locate your meter box. Water service will be temporarily shut off for approximately 15–30 minutes. If your existing meter requires replacement, it will be replaced and tested to ensure proper operation.

 

Will my water service be interrupted during installation?

Yes, the water service will be turned off for 15-30 minutes. The installer will turn the water back on prior to leaving your home.

 

How long does it take to install a smart meter?

In most instances, installation takes around 30 minutes. Some installations – mostly larger commercial meters - may take longer.

 

Will the appearance of my water briefly change once the meter is installed?

When water service is temporarily shut off, it’s common for a small amount of air or minor debris to enter the service line, which may cause slight discoloration. If this occurs, run water from an outdoor spigot or the cold-water bathtub faucet for a few minutes to flush the line. This should clear any air, discoloration, or small particles.

 

What do I do if I have any water issues after my new water meter is installed?

If you notice any problems immediately after installation, contact customer service at 423-892-2890. 

 

How do I know that the new smart meter reading is accurate?

The reading at the meter is regularly converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and secure, as noted in project studies, pilot programs, and large-scale implementations. By having this information relayed in a digital format, it eliminates the potential for human error in manual meter reading.  

 

How will I know my neighbor’s data won’t be confused with mine?

The endpoint that sends your meter reading has a unique identifier that is transmitted along with the read data. This identifier is compared electronically to your account record to ensure that the meter reading matches the meter assigned to your account.

 

Will customers’ personal data be protected?

Yes, your account information is securely transmitted through an integrated network technology solution.

 

How can I save money with a smart meter?

Smart meters themselves can’t save you money; however, the information they provide can help you figure out if you are wasting water or potentially have a leak from a leaky toilet, an inefficient washing machine or shower head. You can then use that information to make repairs and other changes to reduce water consumption.  Eastside can provide specific conservation tips and advice about using water efficient devices. Each of these things can help you reduce your water use and, consequently, the amount of your water bill. 

 

Will smart meters consume energy and add to my electricity bill?

Smart water meters have their own battery, allowing it to intermittently transmit data with its own power. It will not add to your electricity bill.

 

How will my water consumption data be used by Eastside?

Unlike our current manual meter reads, smart metering data will allow Eastside to have more time-specific information about how people use water, i.e., at what times of day is the highest demand, and in what areas of the system.

Knowing where demand is growing can help Eastside proactively expand our system to serve new and emerging customer needs. It can help individual residential and business water consumers see when and how much water they use at different times of the day.

 

What are Smart Meters? 

According to the American Water Works Association, “…smart meters are part of an integrated system of meters and information systems that enable communication between meters and utilities.”

 

How long have smart water systems been around?

Smart water meter systems have been tested and installed all over the world for over 20 years.

 

What do smart water meters do and how do they communicate?

Smart water meters allow customers’ meters to reliably and accurately measure the use of water in their home or business. The system automatically sends a brief, private, digital message to a data collection tower using a cellular signal—much like a cell phone does now. It’s a way to more accurately measure and bill for the water that is consumed and to quickly pinpoint leaks and unusual water usage.

 

Why is Eastside investing in smart meter technology?

Installing Eastside is investing in smart meter technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and customer service. Smart meters significantly reduce the potential for missed or inaccurate readings, increasing confidence in the accuracy of every water bill.

With access to daily usage data, we can respond more quickly to customer questions and help identify potential leaks or unusual water use sooner. Smart meters also eliminate the need for manual meter readings, meaning fewer visits to your property and greater privacy for your home.

 

Is my bill going to be higher with a smart meter?

Your water bill is based on the amount of water you use, not the type of meter installed. Smart meters are more sensitive and register smaller increments of water, so consumption is measured more accurately. The water use data is automatically generated and read several times a day to help identify potential problems in our water system while providing our customers more consistently accurate bills.

With the new WaterSmart customer portal, you can monitor your water usage, view your historic water use throughout the year, and sign up for potential leak alerts. For more information on how your water bill is calculated, please visit the Reading Your Smart Meter page.