Garland Power & Light will be installing new automated electric meters throughout its service territory beginning in June 2006 and continuing until all meters are replaced. 

The eight-year process involves removing existing meters on customers' homes and replacing them with ones that can be read remotely using special equipment.  This means that instead of meter readers walking house-to-house to obtain readings, the new meters can be read more quickly and efficiently by simply waking down the street or by driving by in a vehicle.

Many utilities are using AMR as a way to improve customer service and control their meter reading costs, especially in areas where fenced yards, dogs, landscaping and other issues make accessing meters difficult or unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does AMR benefit customers?

• Improved customer service, which includes:
  - Minimizing the need to access a customer’s property to read meters
  - No need for customers to read electric meters due to meter access issues
• Controlled meter reading costs
• Improved meter reading accuracy with the radio transmitted meter reads
• Fewer employee injuries, especially in areas with fenced yards, dogs and landscaping
• Reduction in estimated bills
• Reduction in operational costs, thereby allowing GP&L to keep your electric rates as low as possible.

How does it work?
There are several ways to read an electric meter remotely. We've chosen a system that uses a small radio transmitter in the meter.  That reading will then be sent via the transmitter to a receiver in a hand-held unit or vehicle that’s being driven through your neighborhood.

Is my account information secure?
Yes, only meter readings and meter or module numbers are transmitted. Personal customer information will not be transmitted.

How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?
Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number which is transmitted along with the meter reading.  The unique number is compared to your account record to ensure a match.

Will the radio frequency interfere with my television or phones?
No, the AMR frequency is very different and will not interfere.

Does someone need to come into my home to change meters?
No.  However, as GP&L exchanges electric meters, personnel may need to access meters in back yards.

Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
No, in most cases. If we visit your home and have trouble gaining access to the meter, we will leave a door tag requesting that you contact us to set up an appointment.

I had a tag on my door asking me to call to schedule an appointment. Why do I need to do that?
If you had a door tag asking you to call us, the most likely reason is that we were unable to gain access to the meter.

Will GP&L need to turn off my service?
Momentary electric service interruptions will occur to change out the meter.

How will I know the person at my door is working on this project?
Employees will be wearing clothing with the City of Garland or GP&L logo and will carry identification.  In addition, their vehicles will be identified as belonging to the City of Garland or GP&L. If you ever have any question about the identity of someone who claims to be working on this project, please call our Meter Reading Supervisor at 972-205-2960.

Will I still be able to view the meter reading?
Yes, the digital reading will remain visible, so you can view the meter reading(s) if you wish.

Will my water meter be replaced with an Automated Meter?
Yes, water meters in Garland are also being changed out over the next several years.

If you have other questions, please call our Meter Reading Supervisor at 972-205-2960.