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Hurricane power board signs AMI contract, approves opt-out policy and sets higher analog-meter fee
Summary
The board confirmed a signed contract for advanced metering infrastructure with Eaton, outlined a training and trial rollout, and recommended offering a paid analog-meter opt-out. The board approved a new monthly opt-out fee to cover manual reading costs.
The Hurricane City Power Department confirmed the contract for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project has been signed and the purchase order issued, and staff outlined next steps for training and a staged rollout.
Power Director Mike Johns said the department selected Eaton Corporation as the AMI vendor and expects Eaton to begin on-site training and software installation “in the next month or so,” followed by material orders and trial meter installs in limited areas to test the system. Johns described the AMI collectors as radio-based devices that attach to the existing poles: “It’s a radio type, system that’ll just act as a collector,” he said. Johns emphasized coordination with crews and that the AMI equipment will be small and mounted on existing poles.
The board also discussed how to handle customers who request not to have a radio-enabled AMI meter. Staff reported some customers have raised medical concerns and asked about opt-out policies. Johns said the city’s existing analog-meter rate was long out of date and proposed an updated opt-out fee intended only to cover the additional labor and vehicle time required to read meters manually after AMI installation. The board approved moving the analog (opt-out) monthly fee from $30 to $63.50 to reflect journeyman labor rates and vehicle costs; the motion carried on a voice vote.
The board also recommended that the city council allow an AMI opt-out program (the board’s vote was a recommendation, not an ordinance). Board members discussed possible safeguards: requiring a medical note for opt-out eligibility, denying opt-out to accounts with a history of tampering, and charging customers the meter material cost plus the monthly manual-reading fee where applicable. Board members said the higher monthly charge should deter voluntary opt-outs and prevent customer-initiated meter changes for convenience or to avoid tamper detection.
Johns said staff will provide educational materials and photos showing standard installations to help contractors and customers understand the AMI equipment and installation process. He said staff will start ordering materials and preparing training schedules once Eaton’s team coordinates timing with department crews.
Ending: The board’s recommendation to offer an AMI opt-out and the updated analog-meter fee will be referred to the city council for final action where applicable; staff expects limited trial installs and training in the coming weeks.
