A smart meter is part of a system that uses wireless radio frequency and cellular technology to send your meter readings to the County. All water meters are scheduled to be replaced with state-of-the-art meters by the end of 2020.
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Over the next 24 months, our partnered Installation Contractor will be installing automated smart meters throughout the County. With this new system, Spotsylvania County Utilities will be able to provide you better visibility and tools to help you manage your water usage, identify potential leaks quicker and ultimately save money.
The key differences between our current metering system and our new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system are the following:
The decision to implement the new system was driven by its ability to help the County's Water Department automate the collection of meter readings, provide customers with a better understanding of their water bills and identify leaks that are responsible for much of the system's treated water loss. Customers will have more control over their water bills and the County will be able to improve service and operate at a greater level of efficiency.
This technology offers more consistent and accurate readings and 24-hour leak detection. After installations are completed throughout the County, customers will have access to a web portal allowing customers to easily monitor their water consumption, compare current usage to previous periods, set e-mail and text alerts and set budget and conservation goals.
Spotsylvania County Utilities pays for the costs of the meters and their installation.
Whenever a new meter is installed, either a smart meter or a manual-read meter, there is a chance that your bill may increase. Many of the water meters in Spotsylvania County are more than 20-years old and at the end of their functional life. As meters age, their accuracy begins to decline. The new meter will accurately reflect your consumption, and as a result, may report higher billable water usage.
For more information, please call Customer Service at (540) 507-7300, press option 2. Or, you may email [email protected].
You will continue to receive your bill on the same cycle.
Should you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at (540) 507-7300, press option 2.
A smart meter measures how much water is used every hour instead of on a monthly basis. The readings allow the County to manage overall system demand and detect any problems, such as water leaks, very quickly.
Your new meters use wireless radio frequencies - just like wireless Internet and cable TV - to send and receive the information from the County. The meters and communication network meet all federal safety standards and codes.
Postcards were mailed to Spotsylvania County Utilities customers prior to the start of the upgrade project. Crews will also be hang a door tag at each location once the meter has been upgraded. During the installation, the authorized installation contractor will be wearing identification, and their vehicles will be marked with "Authorized Installation Contractor" magnets.
For more information, please call Customer Service at (540) 507-7300, press option 2. Or you may email [email protected].