Advanced metering provides a multitude of benefits to utilities and their customers. Gallatin Public Utilities has identified these expected benefits:

The new meters provide more detailed and near-real time information that allows GPU to answer customer questions more effectively and provide top-notch customer service.

Advanced meters are extremely accurate and provide validated readings to ensure the billing process runs smoothly.

With this transition, GPU will be able to read meters, receive notifications on service issues and perform meter checks remotely, which means far fewer vehicular trips to customer locations.

Advanced meters are a smart investment. They help GPU identify water losses and theft, and become more efficient overall. It is also a valuable tool to assist GPU in understanding our customers' overall demand and address continued growth in the region.

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Advanced meters digitially record and automatically deliver meter reading information back to our utility without the need for someone to visit your home or business. These new meters have added functionality to provide Gallatin Public Utilities with important notifications for events such as leaks, tampering and high usage, which allows us to improve how we operate and serve our customers better. This information is sent back to GPU's offices using a private and secure radio channel.

1. The Advanced Meter
   All customers will have their meters upgraded. Customers will either receive a new advanced meter or have their current meter enhanced.

2. The Radio Network
   Meter readings and important service alerts are wirelessly delivered using a radio channel.

3. Gallatin Public Utilities Operations
   The utility receives the metering information and can streamline billing and other operational processes. With this data, utility representatives can better address customer questions.

Prior to your scheduled advance meter upgrade, customers can expect to receive a letter in the mail from Gallatin Public Utilities. In addition, a message on the bill may also be provided as a notice.

Meter installers from Advanced Utility Services will attempt to introduce themselves prior to commencing work by knocking on your door. They will also leave behind a door hanger after their visit with information on the work performed. You do not need to contact us ahead of time to schedule an appointment for your advanced meter installation.

Meter installers will be dressed in uniform, have signage on their vehicle and possess valid photo identification. See below for the company's logo which will be prominently displayed.

During the meter upgrade process, you may experience a brief interruption of water service for approximately 15 minutes. Gas service is expected to remain intact under normal conditions.

For more information, please call (615) 451-5922.

GPU's advanced meters use radio frequency to wirelessly deliver metering information from your home or business to the utility. These meters exceed health and safety standards set by the Federal Communications Commission. National health experts including the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization have published research studies indicating there is no evidence that radio frequency from advanced meters pose a health risk. The energy emitted by these meters is far less than common house-hold devices including microwaves, televisions, cell phones, baby monitors and Wi-Fi routers.

There are several factors that contribute to a person's radio frequency exposure. These include:

• Energy Characteristics
  The advanced meters that GPU has selected have a low-powered radio which operates in the 900 MHz licensed frequently spectrum.

• Duty Cycle
  Advanced meters transmit intermittently for a fraction of a second in "cycles." Typically, the meters send readings six times a day. They do not communicate constantly.

• Distance
  Exposure decreases by 100 times for every 1-10 feet of distance between you and your meter.

• Shielding
  Any barrier between the advanced meter and you will reduce energy passed onto you as the "shield" absorbs that energy. This includes a meter lid, the ground above its location, any items in your yard and the walls of your home.

What is advanced metering?

Advanced metering is a technology solution in which meter readings and important service alerts from gas and water meters are delivered wirelessly to Gallatin Public Utilities. This means GPU department representatives will no longer need to gain access to your home or business to get monthly billing data.

How does it work?

While these meters look similar to traditional meters, they differ because there is a module, or radio, that allows for wireless communication between the meter and GPU. Gallatin Public Utilitie's advanced meters relay hourly usage information using low-powered radio signals over an encrypted and private radio channel network. These readings and alerts allow employees to identify and respond more efficiently and effectively to leaks, tampering and high usage.

What meters are being upgraded?

All GPU gas and water meters will be upgraded to advanced meters.

Who will be upgrading the meters?

Advanced Utility Services will be assisting GPU in the installation of the advanced meters. Each installer will be identifiable by their uniform, ID badge and signage on their vehicle.

How will I know if my meter was upgraded?

Prior to their departure, the meter installers will leave a door hanger indicating that your meter was successfully upgraded.

Do I need to make an appointment?

There is no need to make an appointment. If an installer is unable to complete your installation, a door hanger will be left indicating the upgrade was not successful. In that case, please call the phone number on the door hanger to schedule an appointment.

Do I have to be home for the process?

No, the meters are located outside, and you do not need to be home for the work to be completed.

Will my service be interrupted during installation?

For water meters, there may be a brief interruption of service while the meter is being exchanged. In most instances, gas service is expected to remain intact.

How long will the meter installation take?

Installation time should take approximately 15-minutes under normal conditions.

What happens if I have a problem after the installation?

If you have a leak, low pressure or some other problem after installation, or at any other time, please call (615) 451-5922. Because your water was turned off temporarily during the meter change process, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases briefly running your cold water will clear up this situation.

How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?

Each module, or radio, that is associated with the meter has a unique identification number, which is delivered along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

Can I opt out?

No. GPU is not offering opt outs.

Is advanced metering safe?

Yes. GPU's advanced meters exceed health and safety standards set by the Federal Communication (FCC). The energy emitted by these meters is far less than common house-hold devices including microwaves, televisions, cell phones, baby monitors and Wi-Fi routers.

Will the meter interfere with other electronic equipment?

No. The radio frequency the meter operates within is in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.

Are the new meters more accurate?

Older meters can run slower and therefore may not measure all consumption accurately. All of GPU's new advanced meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly. These new meters will be able to provide increased data and awareness that will ensure a better overall experience for both GPU and the customer alike.

Is my personal information secure?

Yes. GPU uses a private and secure radio frequency to deliver metering data. Encryption and other cyber security best practices are used to keep your information safe. Additionally, no personally identifiable information (PII) is delivered over the radio network.

Does this mean I can cover up the meter after installation?

No. Access needs to be available at all times for GPU to perform meter investigations and routine maintenance activities.

Where can I learn more?

For more information on the advanced metering project, please call (615) 451-5922.