Provision of Advance Meter Reading
(AMR) Services for Gas
SSE Business Contract Customers
In line with the Government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions through lowering
energy consumption, SSE is pleased to offer its own Gas AMR solution.
By using our AMR service you will be able to actively monitor and manage your company’s
usage with the view of helping to reduce your overall energy consumption.
Benefits of AMR Metering
Accurate and Timely Gas Bills
Improved Budgeting and Forecasting
Improved Energy Management
Improved Energy Efficiency
Reduction in Carbon Emissions
Reduction of ‘No Access’ Issues
What is AMR Metering?
AMR (Advance Meter Reading) is a technological development within the natural gas industry
that enables consumers to monitor their gas consumption far more accurately than ever before.
This is achieved by way of installation of a data logger unit on, or next to, the existing gas meter
to record the volume of gas passing through the meter. The data logger is connected to the
pulse output of the gas meter via a plug or socket connection which is located on the gas meter
index. Recordings are then regularly transmitted by way of SMS (Short Messaging Service) to a
central database that stores the consumption data in half-hourly time periods.
The meter register readings are then sent to the supplier for invoicing, effectively meaning
an end to estimated billing. The half-hourly data is also sent to you, allowing effective
monitoring of your sites and enables you to take appropriate action to reduce consumption.
Standard AMR Package
SSE’s annual AMR price is for leasing arrangements of the gas data logger unit.
Our AMR package comprises of 6 Key Areas
Provision of AMR Data Logger Unit – (Leasing)
Installation of AMR Data Logger Unit – (Carried out during working hours)
Photographic Record – (Date, time and readings)
Ongoing Maintenance – (AMR Device/Communications hardware)
Access to Half-Hourly Consumption Data – (Daily data)
Meter Readings sent to Supplier – (Automated read for billing)
The above package for both monthly and quarterly billed sites is £152.03 per MPRN per
annum. The annual AMR charge is additional to the existing annual standing charge and is
recovered with the energy supply invoice in 12 or 4 instalments. The charge will be applied
following confirmation of successful installation of the AMR device.
For all modern meter types with a pulsed output, the AMR data logger will be plugged into
the existing meter. Older, rotary type meters will need to be exchanged first in order to
send a pulse to the data logger and collect a reading.
If the meter is owned by National Grid, the cost to exchange the meter to a digital
pulse meter type will be borne by National Grid. In the event that the meter at site is
not a National Grid meter, and for all other sites works that may be required to install
a digital pulse meter and/or data logger, SSE reserves the right to pass on the cost of
the meter change to the customer.
SSE are able to work with National Grid Metering to ascertain the meter type in advance of
site works being arranged and establish those meter points requiring replacement/pulse
meters.
Termination fee applies for removal of the device within the effective supply period and SSE
would pass on the remainder of the 5 year lease.
If arrangements are made direct with a service provider of your choosing we would ask that
you let us know in advance of any installation work taking place or registration of your sites
so that we are able to appoint the relevant agents. Failure to do so may result in problems
receiving actual readings for billing.
Half-Hourly consumption data is delivered to a nominated email address up to a daily basis
via xls format.
The installation process can be accelerated by supplying us with meter asset details and
site contact details (name and telephone number) prior to initial site inspection.
For further information on AMR metering then please contact your SSE Sales Account
Manager.
We recommend that you proceed with the AMR Metering service through SSE. If you are
approached by another Service Provider offering a similar service it is suggested you
contact us to discuss the services available and the associated costs.
Information correct as at April 2012