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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2015

AMP to Launch Pilot to Test New Meter Technology

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) today announced the launch of a pilot project that will integrate advanced meters in Alameda’s 300 largest businesses, as part of the utility’s long-term initiative to modernize the city’s electric grid.

The new digital advanced meters, capable of two-way communication between customers and AMP, will replace the traditional analog meters that were the industry standard for over 70 years.

The new meters will give customers more energy consumption data than ever before to help them make more informed decisions on power usage. They also allow for faster outage detection and restoration and eliminate the need for meter readers to access customers’ property every month.

The pilot is designed to review business processes and technology and there will be no charge to customers having the new meters installed. The project is the first step in upgrading Alameda’s electric grid with new technologies designed to improve the reliability, efficiency and security of electric services provided to customers.

“Advanced meter technology is necessary to help modernize Alameda’s electric infrastructure to prepare for the future,” said Glenn Steiger, AMP’s general manager. “It will also facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles and integration of solar photovoltaics, as well as potential new variable pricing options for electricity. Ultimately, this technology will allow our customers to have many new choices for energy applications and interaction with AMP.”

A small residential pilot is also being developed. The results of both pilot projects can lead to a system-wide conversion for nearly 34,000 residential and commercial customers over the next few years.

For more information on AMP’s advanced meter pilot, visit the Alameda Municipal Power website.