Colman upgrading meters, receives grant

The second phase of a meter change-out project will take place this summer in Colman, SD. The city is updating all electric meters in the city to ensure accurate and consistent readings. The city was recently awarded an energy efficiency grant for $2,500 from Heartland to assist with the upgrade.

Colman will be replacing approximately 112 meters in 2015, with plans to have all meters upgraded by the end of 2016. The new meters will be Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)-ready. AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers.

“Energy efficiency grants are designed to help customers with projects that optimize electric energy use,” said Heartland Communications Manager Ann Hyland. “This is one of the many projects the city of Colman has undertaken to do just that.”

The city’s current meters have been in place for many years and over time, meters slow down and readings become unreliable. The new meters will provide more accurate and consistent readings, allow for data collection and can be read remotely.

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