McAlester
CITY OF McALESTER
REPLACING WATER METER SYSTEM
PHASE ONE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
5:30 P.M., THURS., DEC. 15, 2016 PUTERBAUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 1100 E. SOUTH AVE.
Phase One affects residential customers whose water bills are due on the 5th of each month. Additional meetings will be held for customers affected by future phases.
Most water meters in the City of McAlester have exceeded their useful life and must be replaced. Some meters are inaccessible, and many do not accurately record usage due to age.
Today, cities install Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Systems that provide more accurate readings than ever before and are longer lasting. The City of McAlester is transitioning to an AMI system citywide in phases beginning this month.
Where the AMI system is installed, City staff will be able to read meters wirelessly without accessing customers' property. Readings will be collected faster and will not be subject to human error. Estimation will be eliminated unless a meter requires repair.
In each phase, network equipment and software will be installed in the affected area. Then, meters will be replaced. Utility Technology Services, Inc. will perform installations. Phase One will include residences on the south side of town whose bills are due on the 5th of each month. This phase will include approximately 3,500 meters and cost an estimated $1 million. Phase Two will include residences on the north side of town who bills are due on the 20th of each month. Commercial water meters will be replaced last.
What are the benefits? More accurate meter readings, resulting in:
• Detecting leaks and notifying customers, allowing them to address leaks before their bill continues to increase.
• Detecting malfunctioning or tampered meters rapidly.
• Reading and repairing meters more efficiently. After the transition, customers can anticipate more accurate bills without surprises due to estimation.
• Capturing water use that is currently undetected.
Will my bill increase? Most customers will experience an increase in their monthly bill due to new meters accurately recording water usage.
When will my bill reflect my new meter? When meters are installed, they immediately affect customers' bills. Customers may receive a bill reflecting the billing cycle when the new meter is installed that combines readings from the old meter at the beginning of the cycle and readings from the new meter at the end of the cycle. The following bill would be based entirely on readings from the new meter.
Some customers may see new meter readings reflected on bills generated as early as February 15. Prior to that date, no customer will see new meter readings on their bill. After that date, additional customers each billing cycle will see new meter readings on their bill until all meters are installed.
What will happen when my new meter is installed? Customers will be notified using door hangers when meters or other infrastructure will be installed on or near their property.
When new meters are installed, customers will experience brief interruptions in water service. Customers do not need to be present for meter installation.
There will be no fee to customers for new meters.
(918) 423-9300