Smart meters still a year away for Similkameen residents
Ian Dyck, Project Manager for Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Fortis BC outlined the timetable for installation of smart meters in the region during a meeting with regional board committee members on February 6.
Dyck said work on the extensive project would begin in late May or June. There would be two sets of installation activity, one to install the meter’s communications network, and the second to install smart meters in individual households.
The work will begin in Trail, and is expected to be completed in September. From there, the project will proceed to Kelowna, advancing to the South Okanagan about 12 – 14 months from now, with completion of the program in the Similkameen to take place in 2015.
For those wishing to opt out of the smart meter program, an initial fee of $88 will be charged, along with an additional fee of $18 during each two month billing period. The initial fee of $88 will be reduced to $60 if the customer gives Fortis advance notice.
Dyck said residents will have their meters changed out regardless of whether they wish to opt out of the smart meter program or not, as the program also involves a regulatory requirement to upgrade.
The mechanism for advising Fortis of opt out in order to take advantage of the reduced initial charge of $60 would come from a response from a Fortis customer upon receipt of their notification of the upcoming meter change, which will be sent to households at least 30 days prior to the event.
