Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are AMR meters?
• “Automated Meter Reading” devices (AMR), are safe, digital technology, approved by
the Federal Communications Commission and have been used across the country and
world for many years.
• They are used for consistent, accurate collection of meter readings.
Q. Are these smart meters?
• No. AMR meters use transmitters that broadcast meter readings which our meter readers
capture from their vehicle on a special meter collection device. We will continue to
capture the same information we collect today, only from a greater distance
• Smart meters are different. They are capable of two-way communication that records
energy usage in much more detail. They use higher power transmitters and communicate
information via a secure network back and forth between properties and utilities.
• Smart meters are more expensive and can be equipped to relay data to and from air
conditioners, refrigerators and other specially equipped devices in your home or business.
Our AMR meters do not have these capabilities.
Q. Are AMR meters safe?
• Yes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires testing of all radiocommunicating devices to ensure they meet federal standards before they are installed.
• Signal levels from our residential AMR meters are 1/10th of the “Maximum Permissible
Exposure Levels” as defined by the FCC.
• Our AMR meter signal strength is much lower than many everyday appliances, including
microwave ovens, garage door openers, wireless routers, and cell phones.
Q. What research has been done on these meters?
• Over the past decade, there have been hundreds of studies in this area.
• Federal Regulatory agencies have conducted detailed reviews and have found that AMR
meters fell well within federal safety standards.
• Detailed information is available online:
o Federal Communications Commission http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rffaqs.html
o World Health Organization (www.who.int/pehemf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index3.html)
o Itron www.itron.com/na/resourcesAndSupport/Pages/RF-Resource-Center.aspx
Q. Can someone intercept the AMR signal to steal my billing information?
• No. The only data coming from the meter is the amount of electricity used since the last
time the meter was read. There is no account, customer or banking information stored in
the meter.
• The data in the meter is encrypted, and to obtain the usage information an individual
would need the appropriated meter reading hardware and software, which is very
unlikely.
Q. Can the AMR signals get crossed and the wrong information used to bill my account?
• No. This would be very unlikely. We have data integrity checks in place to help ensure
this would not happen.
• Each meter is assigned a unique number for each customer location. Data from a
customer’s location is matched with the meter number assigned to that location before
it’s sent to our billing system for processing.
• It’s important to remember with AMR meters, we will continue to capture the same
information we collect today, only from a greater distance.
Q. How will AMR meters benefit me?
• We are enhancing our technology to serve you better. Installing AMR meters allows us
to continue to provide safe, timely, accurate meter readings at a lower cost. Controlling
costs is an important factor in determining Alpena Power Company rates.
• In most cases, once the technology is fully implemented the usage data from your meter
can be obtained from a distance. Therefore, our meter readers don’t normally need to
enter your premises, reducing our need to estimate monthly bills, which we issue when
our meter readers are unable to gain physical access to your meter.
Q. What types of costs will I incur?
• None. We do not require any payments for these meter exchanges. If someone posing as
a meter installer asks you for a payment, it is a scam, and you should alert local police.
Q. What can I expect when my AMR meter is installed?
• Technicians from Alpena Power Company will replace your electric meter.
• Technicians will be wearing the necessary safety attire and will carry company ID’s and
drive company vehicles that have the APC logo.
• Installers will knock on your door to notify you that work is beginning.
• No payment will be requested to complete this installation.
• Meter installations will take place Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Q. When will I get my meter? Do I need to be home?
• Your meter will be installed within the next few weeks.
• Most customers will not need to be home, unless installers cannot get access to the meter.
If this is the case, you will be given a number to call to schedule the installation.
Q. Will I lose power when my AMR meter is installed?
• Swapping out your current meter with an AMR meter will require that we shut off the
power to your home for a very brief period of time – a matter of minutes. We apologize
for any inconvenience.
Q. Will I be notified once my AMR meter is installed?
• A door hanger will be left to inform you that a successful installation took place.
• If we are unable to gain access to your meter to make the swap, we will leave a notice on
your door with instructions on how to call to make an appointment.
If you have further questions, please contact our office at 989-358-4900.