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1. What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of customer water meters, communication network, and data management system that provides real-time water use information to the city and its water customers. As part of Sugar Land’s AMI Project, all 40,000 water meters in Sugar Land will be replaced or retrofitted to allow for communication with the AMI system. This investment will upgrade and modernize the City's water infrastructure and ensure accurate water meter reads.  

Customers will not be able to opt out.

2. How does Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) benefit residents?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows residents to have access to hour-by-hour information on their water consumption. This feature empowers residents to make informed decisions about their water usage. Residents will be able to access this information through the City of Sugar Land online portal, as well as set usage alerts on their accounts to avoid high bills.

3. Why is Sugar Land switching to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?

A citizen-led committee, who dedicated over two years to develop the Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP), recommended the implementation of AMI. This investment in the City’s infrastructure is expected to reduce water losses in the city's water distribution system with improved customer meter accuracy, reduced unauthorized consumption, reduced data transfer/archive errors, reduced data billing errors and reduced customer-side leaks by identifying uncharacteristic water use.

4. How will AMI enable me to access my water usage data?

Starting Summer 2024, customers will have access to an online portal, WaterSmart. This site will allow customers will be able to view their water usage, set alerts for leaks, and receive more information on the City’s water initiatives. 

5. Will I continue to have access to my meter box?

Yes. AMI will not limit access to meter boxes, but they are utility property. Customers looking inside their meter box should be careful not to damage the meter or antenna. 

6. Will I be notified before AMI installation work begins in my neighborhood?

Yes. Pedal Valves, Inc, our AMI installer will be hanging door tags two weeks prior to installation. Day of, a Pedal Valves representative will attempt to contact the homeowner to explain the work being done and ensure water is not being currently used. Pedal Valves will never need to enter a house to complete work. 

7. What can I expect on AMI installation day?

Installation can be expected to take around 30 minutes. Water may need to be shut off, if the meter was identified for a full replacement, but PVI will not start this work if water is being used. When complete, the meter box will be returned to how it was before and an informational door tag will be placed at the front door.

8. Is AMI secure?

City of Sugar Land is committed to safeguarding customer privacy. All water consumption data is encrypted and stored securely in a cloud data center. Meters do not transmit customer account numbers, names, or other personal information. Data transmitted from the meter to the portal is transmitted through a radiofrequency channel that is licensed to the City.

9. Are radio frequencies emitted from AMI meters safe?

Yes, AMI is safe. The radio signal from the meter falls well below the threshold set by the Federal Communications Commission for healthy and safety standards and is not a health concern. In fact, everyday devices found inside the home, such as microwave ovens, have significantly greater radiofrequency exposure than AMI meters. 

The three factors that contribute to RF exposure are signal duration, RF energy, and distance from source. AMI meters transmit a signal for a fraction of a second, emits much less RF energy than common household items, and is generally located away from the house at the meter box.