RMLD outlines AMI smart‑meter replacement; no opt‑out program planned

RMLD staff briefed the Board and Citizens Advisory Board on a planned AMI meter replacement intended to replace aging meters and add 15‑minute interval data, instantaneous voltage and demand reads, better outage notification and time‑of‑use capability.

Staff said the existing automatic meter reading (AMR) meters broadcast frequently (about every 30 seconds) and are nearing the end of their useful life. The new AMI meters will transmit primarily every 15 minutes for interval data and will also support on‑demand reads (for example, to investigate a reported voltage issue) or more frequent transmissions during outage events.

Presenters noted that the Federal Communications Commission sets a one‑watt power limit for such devices and that the new meters will be within that limit. The communications and engineering teams prepared a customer‑facing one‑pager explaining functionality and relative radio frequency exposure; staff said the new meters will generally reduce transmission frequency versus some existing devices.

Board members asked about an opt‑out; staff said RMLD currently has no formal opt‑out program. If the board were to approve one in the future, staff said it would require analysis of the cost and logistics (meter replacement and manual reads) and any fee would be proposed as a rate and come before the board for approval. For a small number of customers requesting delay, staff indicated they could postpone replacements individually while the outreach and policy work continues.

Staff said they will post the customer materials online and provide them to town officials. The AMI rollout will be paired with a communications campaign and customer‑service FAQs to answer common questions about safety, data use and operational benefits.