The installations began in 2004 to convert all of Pennsylvania American Water’s about 8,900 customers in Exeter and Amity to the automated meter-reading devices. The company launched the final phase in early 2008, investing about $580,000 to complete the project. The devices use radio frequency (RF) technology to collect customers’ readings.
“With this technology, we no longer have to go door-to-door and access the customer’s property. We are able to read water meters remotely and more efficiently via wireless equipment that the meter readers use in their vehicles,” said Brian Hassinger, manager of field operations, Pennsylvania American Water.
Hassinger stated that weather conditions do not affect the RF-equipped devices. “Furthermore, we are now able to capture actual meter readings on a monthly basis, so that customers’ bills reflect their actual water usage and eliminate the need for estimated billing,” said Hassinger.
