Vectren to deploy automated meter reading

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DAYTON — Starting this month, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (Vectren) will launch a 15-month plan to install Automated Meter Reading (AMR) devices throughout its west-central Ohio service territory.

Crews working for Vectren will soon begin installing Encoder Receiver Transmitters (ERTs) on meters that do not yet have the technology, as well as upgrading approximately 90,000 meters already installed with older ERT technology. When completed, AMR technology will enable Vectren to efficiently obtain actual reads by driving routes, rather than walking the routes, increasing reads per day and eliminating complications caused by weather, meter reader turnover, animals and locked gates.

AMR uses ERT devices, which are installed on natural gas meters in order to transmit encrypted meter information via radio signals to data collection devices located within specially-equipped vehicles. Powered by a battery, this technology operates at a special low-power frequency and has been proven by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate at a safe RF level and nationally via many utility installations not to interfere with any other electrical equipment such as computers, radios, satellite television, home security systems, mobile devices or pacemakers. The ERT’s radio frequency level is significantly less than that of cell phones, microwave ovens, or home Wi-Fi systems.

“Many of our Ohio customers have already benefitted from the addition of AMR technology to Vectren’s system,” said Colleen Ryan, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio president. “AMR reduces the number of estimated meter reads and is more convenient for customers who have traditionally had to provide the utility with access to inside meters or those behind locked gates. The implementation of these devices will result in more efficient and accurate meter reads.”

The majority of existing meters will be quickly retrofitted to house the new technology. The retrofit process can take as little as 10 minutes and doesn’t require any action on the customer’s part if the meter is located outside the home. In some cases, replacement of the entire meter may be necessary as a result of the current meter being unable to accept the new technology. If inside-home access or a complete meter change out is required, customers will be contacted by a Vectren representative prior to the start of the required work.

As Vectren transitions from walking meter reading to mobile data collection, customers may see changes to their monthly bill due date. This could occur as small walk-by meter routes transition to larger mobile drive-by routes. Any changes will be communicated to customers as they occur.

The implementation of AMR is intended to improve the efficiencies of the utility’s natural gas infrastructure and enhance customer experience in the communities throughout its service territory. For more information on Vectren’s implementation of AMR, visit vectren.com/AMR.

Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio serves approximately 314,000 customers in all or portions of Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties.

Staff report

About Vectren

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind.

Vectren’s energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and about 20 percent of Ohio, primarily in the west-central area. Vectren’s nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services and energy services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com

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