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Concord commission approves AMI opt-out policy as meter-replacement program proceeds
Summary
The Public Works Commission approved an opt-out policy for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) on March 12, after staff described a rising number of "zero read" meters caused mostly by aging meter batteries and outlined a larger meter-replacement and node-deployment program.
The Public Works Commission voted on March 12 to adopt an AMI meter-reading opt-out policy after Public Works staff described increasing "zero read" accounts and a concurrent upgrade program to replace aging equipment.
Paula Bertram, business analyst for Public Works, told commissioners the number of accounts with transmission failures "is continuing to rise," primarily because aging meters have batteries at or near end-of-life. She said the department has purchased 5,651 transponders ("nodes") and completed an initial acquisition of 300 meters; a larger procurement and a structured replacement program are under way. "We are going to have to do a larger scale replacement initiative," Bertram said, and added that staff is preparing an RFP for meters and installation services.
Why the policy: Staff said failed meter transmissions create billing gaps and customer-service issues; the department has backbilled customers in accordance with the town's 0-read policy and recovered roughly $55,000 by backbilling accounts that lacked monthly reads. Staff said the new metering technology will aid leak detection and system monitoring when deployed more broadly.
Opt-out options and conditions: The policy the commission adopted offers three opt-out pathways for eligible customers: (1) limited AMI transmission (a single transmission per month rather than the default 15-minute interval) where technically possible; (2) a manual-read arrangement, which requires field reads and would carry a monthly service fee; and (3) installation of an outdoor meter pit paid by the property owner (no recurring fee). Staff clarified that option (1) is not available for customers who have already opted out of electric AMI with the Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP); customers who have opted out of electric AMI would instead be limited to manual reads or a meter pit depending on site feasibility.
Commission vote: Commissioner Gretchen Urbach moved to approve the AMI meter reading opt-out policy as described in the memorandum dated March 5, 2025; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the policy by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will continue the replacement program, increase outreach to affected customers, and return to the commission for adjustments as experience accumulates. Commissioners requested a six-month check-in to review how the opt-out arrangement is functioning and to confirm any needed changes to fees or administrative procedures.
Ending: Public Works said it will proceed with a larger meter procurement and with outreach to customers on zero-read lists; staff emphasized the operational benefit of the new nodes for leak detection and more accurate billing.
