Richmond Power and Light expects to complete its transition to advanced metering infrastructure two years ahead of schedule, according to General Manager Tony Foster.
AMI meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the utility’s office, Foster said during the March 4 meeting of RP&L’s board of directors, which is composed of Richmond Common Council members. That communication benefits RP&L and its customers.
RP&L is able to remotely turn meters on and off from computers in its office. It also receives quicker and more detailed reports of outages it can access on office computers. More information, right down to hourly usage, is available for customers through the SmartHub app.
The conversion to AMI began during 2017, and during September 2022, RP&L was given the opportunity to increase its meter order and lock in a $198 cost for the basic residential meters, shortening the conversion time. As of Foster’s report, 12,850 AMI meters had been installed, with another 9,441 to go. Foster expects the conversion will be completed during 2026.
Board actions
- RP&L’s energy cost adjustment for the second quarter of 2024 remains less than 2 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential customers. An increase of 0.0026 cents per kilowatt-hour puts the cost at 1.9009 cents per kilowatt-hour. The board unanimously approved the ECA, which covers the variations in what RP&L pays for energy without changing the base rate.
- Two bids were taken under advisement for a line department bucket truck. Altec Industries bid $200,002 for a Freightliner after allowing $25,000 for a trade-in, and Southeastern Equipment bid $248,500 for a Freightliner after allowing $20,000 for the trade-in.
- Foster also received permission to solicit bids for a tow motor and a tree trimming bucket truck.
A version of this article appeared in the March 13 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.