The Advanced Meters (smart meters) have been turned on in the Kelowna area as FortisBC has completed its installation program.
On Monday, smart meters in the valley were activated, which means a number of things for residents. The new meters will virtually eliminate estimated billing, which takes place if a meter cannot be actually read. The smart meters will also allow customers to choose a billing date that suits their needs, reduce theft and provide a more efficient response to power outages.
Customers should not see a change in their billing unless they have recently received a bill with an estimate on it, which could result in a debit or credit depending on the actual meter reading. Advanced meters wirelessly transmit information about total electricity use. The new meters will also allow customers to see how their electricity use changes during the day, week, and month by 2016.
A total of 98 per cent of both region one and two, which includes Trail, Salmo, Rossland, and Kelowna, are up and running with the advanced meters.
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