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1. What is SCU's Smart Meter Program?

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:

• Meter consumption data will be transmitted wirelessly from each meter to the utility office.  County personnel will now only visit your water meter to investigate any system-triggered alerts or inquiries initiated by you.
• Automatic alerts will allow quicker response to leaks, meter tampering and unauthorized usage so that your property and your water bill are better protected.
• You will eventually have access to a customer portal that offers visibility and budgetary control over your water usage.  You will be able to see your weekly or monthly consumption profile so that bills can be better understood, conservation practices can be reviewed and communication tools with the County can be implemented.  

Smart Metering

2. What is a Smart Meter?

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.

Smart Metering

3. Why change the meters now?

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.

Smart Metering

4. What are the benefits of the new meters and technology for the residents?

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.

Smart Metering

5. Do I have to pay for installing my new meter?

Spotsylvania County Utilities pays for the costs of the meters and their installation.

Smart Metering

6. Will my bill go up even if I am using the same amount of water as before?

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].  

Smart Metering

7. When will I receive my bill?

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.

Smart Metering

8. What makes "smart meters" different from the meters we currently have?

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.

Smart Metering

9. What is the technology that reads my meter and sends it to the County? Is it safe?

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.

Smart Metering

10. When will I know that my meter will be upgraded?

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]    

Smart Metering