About electric AMI and advanced metering
The installation of electric Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, systems enable us to improve service to you. The NIPSCO electric AMI system will be installed in phases for approximately 490,000 electric residential and business customers throughout NIPSCO’s service area over the next three years starting in March 2024.
Your electric AMI meter installation
The process to get your new AMI meter installed is simple:
- When it is time for you to get a new meter, you will be notified via a letter in the mail approximately 30 days in advance of your meter installation.
- Meter installations will be completed by Quanta Utility Engineering Services (QUES), a NIPSCO subcontractor. The technicians will carry photo identification, wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
- The installation process will be done at no charge and will typically take less than 15 minutes. You may notice a brief service interruption during the work. In most cases, the technician will not need to enter customer homes or businesses. However, the technician will request access if the meter is located inside or behind a locked gate.
- If you are not at home during the visit, the technician will leave a door hanger indicating that the new meter was installed or informing the customer how to schedule an installation appointment if QUES was unable to access the meter.
FAQs - Electric Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Overview
Will my service be interrupted or turned off during installation? - IN
Customers may notice a brief service interruption during the work. In most cases, the technician will not need to enter customer homes or businesses. However, the technician will request access if the meter is located inside or behind a locked gate.
- Smart Meter - AMI - Electric What to Expect
FAQs - What to expect during your electric meter installation
Will my service be interrupted or turned off during installation? - IN
Customers may notice a brief service interruption during the work. In most cases, the technician will not need to enter customer homes or businesses. However, the technician will request access if the meter is located inside or behind a locked gate.
- Smart Meter - AMI - Electric What to Expect
FAQs - Electric meter reading and meter safety
Are the radiofrequency (RF) waves produced by the new equipment harmful to my health?
The updated meters NIPSCO is deploying complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), World Health Organization, and international requirements for acceptable radiofrequency (RF) exposure limits. Smart meters present significantly lower RF exposure than many other products used daily by consumers without concern. The updated meters emit only low-energy frequency waves to transmit information, with levels well below that of common devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
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Has this new AMI equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?
Yes, AMI meters come pre-tested along with test results directly from the manufacturer. The radio module will be tested for accuracy during the meter collection process regularly.
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Will the AMI impact my computer, home security system, or other electronic equipment?
No. The AMI radio transmission operates in compliance with Federal Communications Commission Regulations to avoid interference with other electronic modules. The system operates at such a low frequency reserved for this purpose that it will not interfere with the operation of any other equipment on your property.
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How will I know that you read my meter and not another customer's meter?
Each AMI radio frequency module has a unique identifier which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is associated to your account record electronically to ensure a match.
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Will NIPSCO be able to control anything in my home or business?
No, NIPSCO will not have remote access to anything on your property other than NIPSCO’s electric meter. NIPSCO will not be able to control or monitor anything in your home or business without your permission, knowledge, and installation of additional specialized equipment.
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Can anyone other than NIPSCO read the new meters?
No. The manufacturer has incorporated security features and encryption technology into the meter. While the meter display is visible so customers can check their consumption, the meters are sealed, and the information and data stored within them can only be accessed by NIPSCO with the designated software.
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Will I still need to report when my power is out?
If your power is out, visit our website at www.nipsco.com/out to view our outage map to see if there are any other outages reported in your area. We offer plenty of easy-to-use options for you to report an outage, such as:
- Report your outage online (link above)
- Report an outage on the mobile app
- Report an outage by texting 'OUT' to 444111
- Call in at 1-800-464-7726
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Will I have access to my meter data?
Yes. As the AMI system is deployed in the coming years, you will have access to more detailed information about your electricity usage patterns through the NIPSCO web self-service portal and mobile app. Additional information and features will be added as we continuously improve the system. These features will enable you to have a better understanding of your energy usage so you can make better choices about how you use your energy.
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