AUTOMATIC METER READING INFORMATION SHEET
Background
The government announced that domestic metering would be converted to automatic system by 2020
and this has also been proposed for small and medium sized non-domestic market such as schools
and commercial buildings. The government introduced an obligation to suppliers to install AMR
devices on all new gas connections and exchanges for the largest (732,000 kWh/annum) Industrial &
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Commercial supplies from the 6 April 2009. All these meters will be required to have AMR in-situ
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before 6 April 2014. The AMR meter exchanges for electric will also cover the majority of the market.
As part of the Council’s preparation to achieve reporting criteria for the Carbon Reduction
Commitment (CRC) we are asking our main contract provider West Mercia Supplies to organise the
installation of meters that are capable of being read remotely by our suppliers.
Benefits of AMR
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Reduce the billing that is estimated
Reduce visits from Meter Readers (suppliers will still read meters 6-monthly to inspect AMR
installation, verify the data being fed through, and do a general safety check)
Monitor performance which can lead to initiating energy efficiency schemes
Aid setting energy and performance targets specific to each supply/premises
Abnormal consumption pattern identification
Enable you to save money and energy plus Carbon emissions, potentially 5-20% savings. Energy
waste can be identified instantly once data is received.
How the Electric AMR works
In all cases the meter will be exchanged for a new style dedicated AMR meter,
which will have a digital display and will be able to be read remotely. There will be a
new meter serial number which will need to be noted in your logbook with date of
change. If the meter is multi-rate you will need to press a button to scan through the
readings, usually displayed as Total, then R1 (rate 1) through to R6.
How the Gas AMR works
1. Existing meter generates a pulse output*
2. AMR enabled (ancillary) unit is attached and counts the pulse output which is then recorded –
this indicates how much gas has passed through the meter
3. Pulse records are sent via mobile communications (GSM/SMS)** to the supplier depending
on the type of device fitted***
4. Data is then used by the supplier to deliver accurate billing
*If the meter has no pulse output a new meter may be required if a more simple technical solution
cannot be found.
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**If your site is rural and/or secluded then mobile communication may not be suitable to send data to
the supplier; other technologies will be assessed such as telecommunications fixed line, radio
frequency or power line transmission.
***There are monthly, 6-monthly and daily read gas meters depending on the size of the supply. For
instance primary schools, small offices are usually 6-monthly, large primary and secondary schools
are either monthly or daily read.
Types of Gas Meter
Diaphragm, rotary or turbine – the latter is not found in GCC properties as they are for industrial
processes.
You will be most familiar with diaphragm meters; they come in 3 main
colours; grey, brown and white. The white and brown meters generally
have a pulsed output required for AMR installation, however grey
meters do not have this facility and would need to be replaced (subject
to charge).
Rotary (picture to left) - These can be found at large secondary
schools and large office accommodation, as they are capable of
handling high volumes and pressures compared to diaphragm
meters. They usually have a pulsed output facility.
Still read your AMR Meters
Even though AMR is remotely read we strongly advise that the procedure of reading meters monthly
is retained, as with any device they can go wrong occasionally with communication interruptions
through mobile technology or the meter fails. Readings should be input into a Fuel Logbook kept onsite and forwarded to West Mercia Supplies when requested.
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How to Read your AMR Meter
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Installation
Utility
Electric
Supplier through WMS
NPower Major Business
Gas
Total Gas & Power
AMR Installer
BGlobal (subcontractor is G4S
Utility Services Ltd)
OnStream
The meters for electric and gas are being installed throughout 2010/2011 for supplies that are
included on the GCC main contract through West Mercia Supplies. There will be a downtime to
respective utilities during the duration of the AMR installation, please be prepared for this even if the
initial appointment arrangement indicates that no downtime will occur. The engineers installing the
AMR do not know the supply situation until they arrive and inspect site. Early or late appointments are
available upon request, the engineers hours are generally 0700 – 1900.
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Supplies on Individual Contracts
We cannot currently install AMR to non-WMS contract supplies. If you are considering transferring to
the WMS contract please contact us to discuss in the first instance. Where the supply is a half-hour
supply the change will not be required but for smaller supplies from profile 01 to 08 suppliers will be
changing to AMR meters in the near future.
Change of Supplier
Following a supplier contract transfer there are no AMR termination fees as all suppliers have agreed
on the format of the meters so data acceptance issues are avoided.
Sub-meters
If there are sub-meters monitoring areas of premises for recharge purposes they do not need to be
exchanged for AMR style meter as they will still provide the data required.
Enquiries
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the installation of AMR please contact the Energy
Team; Chris Bewley 01452 425250 chris.bewley@gloucestershire.gov.uk or Rachel Clarke 01452
425829 rachel.e.clarke@gloucestershire.gov.uk
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