Automated Meter Reading

Background information: TEC began its pilot of automated meter reading (AMR) technology in November 2006.

"This is a very significant technology initiative that will greatly impact our cooperative and members," said Brian Krambeer, TEC president and CEO. "It will provide us more tools to better serve our members, while adding efficiency to our day-to-day operations."

AMR technology will allow TEC to have two-way 24-hour communication between the electric meters at members' homes and the cooperative, which means enhanced customer service and reliability for members.

"The Rushford Substation was chosen as our pilot because of its close proximity to our headquarters," said Ted Kjos, TEC marketing manager and co-manager of the AMR project. "System testing will be a great undertaking for our first substation deployment and having it nearby will allow us to make our first time adjustments and transition more efficiently."

In January 2007, 37 test meters were installed at homes serviced by the Rushford Substation. The sites were chosen by the cooperative to ensure proper communication from a variety of distances from the substation. In February TEC will begin installing 897 new digital AMR meters for members served by the Rushford Substation. The order of the remaining substations will be determined by the order Dairyland Power Cooperative adds the necessary communication to the substations. TEC expects complete AMR installation over its entire system within two years.

The project was completed January 2009.