Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program

Overview

AMI Meter Replacement

FAQ

Choose Section:

Select option

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ENMAX Power switching to automated meters?

ENMAX Power is modernizing Calgary's electricity grid. Advanced metering technology is the next step in providing customers with more convenience and reliability in their homes and businesses. AMI is industry standard and in operation in most jurisdictions across North America, including the majority of homes and businesses in Canada. The AMI Program has been approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and will support ENMAX Power in our commitment to continue to provide reliable power to all Calgarians.

Do advanced meters store personal information that someone could access?

The data that is collected by the AMI meter and shared with ENMAX Power is limited to the meter number and the electricity usage data — only the electricity consumption and a unique code that identifies the transmitter is stored. To provide further security, this data is encrypted before it's transmitted to ENMAX Power.

Are AMI meters safe?

Yes. Similar technology is already used in Calgary homes for gas and water metering.

AMI meters are tested in accordance with safety standards established by a number of industry standard bodies. Our meters meet or exceed all government regulations and safety standards set by Measurement Canada and Health Canada Safety Code 6.

Radio frequency exposure levels in advanced meters are far below Canadian and international safety limits. 

How do I know if my meter needs to be replaced?

You can usually find your meter located outside at the back or side of your home. There are a few types of electrical meters in use by ENMAX Power: analog, digital and AMI capable meters by Honeywell. All analog and digital meters not made by Honeywell need to be replaced. If you have an AMI capable Honeywell meter at your property you do not need to have your meter replaced.

Example of a meter that needs replacing.

Example of a new digital Honeywell meter, which does not need to be replaced.

When will my meter be replaced?

Over the coming years, ENMAX Power will be replacing meters across our service territory. When your community is scheduled for meter replacements, you will be notified by mail and phone in the days and weeks leading up to your replacement.

We understand that there are times when meter replacement may be inconvenient. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your meter replacement, please contact the ENMAX Power Metering team at ami@enmax.com or 403-514-2807 and we will do our best to accommodate.

How long will my meter replacement take?

Meter replacements usually take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete and you will experience a brief power outage during this process.

I live in an apartment/condo, how will I know my meter is being replaced?

You will be notified by mail when your condo or apartment building is scheduled for replacement. ENMAX Power will work directly with property management representatives to coordinate meter replacements in apartment and condo buildings.

How will meters be installed for small and medium commercial customers?

ENMAX Power recognizes that small business and commercial properties will have different needs and there are times during normal business hours that may be inconvenient for meter replacement. Commercial customers will be notified by mail when your area is up for meter replacement. In advance of your meter replacement a certified ENMAX Power contractor from DataCo will be in touch directly to determine the best time to complete your meter replacement.

If you would like to schedule a meter replacement in advance, please contact the ENMAX Power Metering team at ami@enmax.com or 403-514-2807 and we will do our best to accommodate.

I don’t want an AMI meter/Do I have the option to opt-out?

ENMAX Power offers an opt-out process for customers who do not wish to be a part of our AMI Program. Customers who choose to opt out will be charged a fee which has been approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission. To opt out of the AMI program there is a $157 initial set up fee and a $48 monthly fee. Fees are used to administer the opt-out program and account for costs associated with continued manual readings by a meter reader.

If you wish to request to opt out, please fill out our opt-out request form.

You will need to provide the following information:

Customer name (as it appears on the bill)
Customer phone number
Customer email address
Site ID (13 digit number starting with ‘002000...’ located on your utility bill)
Site address (street address for the current meter)

Will the transition from automated metering affect my billing process?

The transition to an AMI meter will not affect your billing process or billing cycle.

Will this be more expensive?

Modernizing our metering system will help ENMAX Power to reduce operating costs, increase the reliability of the electricity services we provide and enable us to serve customers more effectively in the years to come.

No additional fees will be charged for meter replacement. 

What happens to the automated meter if there is a power outage or malfunction?

During a power outage, the meter will turn off but will resume measurement and broadcast upon restoration of service.

Your AMI system will alert ENMAX Power of any malfunctions so we can quickly address the problem.

How does an AMI meter communicate consumption to ENMAX Power

Example of a transformer with ENMAX router attached

AMI meters communicate electricity consumption wirelessly through an ENMAX Power router installed on street lights or ENMAX Power infrastructure. Advanced meters push data to the router every four hours for one and a half seconds. As the AMI Program progresses, you may see ENMAX Power crews installing or maintaining AMI routers in your community. These routers are safe and secure and work similarly to a Wi-Fi router you would find in your home.