Richland energy services department has begun installing new advanced electric meters at each customer’s location. Workers are rolling wagons filled with the new meters down city streets. It took about five minutes for Hector to install one at the home of the Observer.
The new Itron, Inc. system was approved by the city on April 7, 2020. Energy Services Director Clint Whitney told the Richland City Council that the new meters will improve service for customers.
With the new meters and the software that works with it, residents can follow their electricity usage and budget if they need to.
At the May 18, 2021, meeting the city council approved a contract with Exceleron for use of their software program, MyUsagePrePay. The program aims at reducing delinquent utility accounts by giving consumers a pay-as-you-go-plan. The new meters will make that program possible.
Will these be installed at every home in Richland or just in certain areas? Is there a timeline for installations?
Hi Gail, Thank you for reading the Observer. Eventually, everyone will have a new meter. I’m not sure how long it will take to install them all. Richland has 22,000 households.
The new meters are all about charging us for WHEN we use energy which ultimately leads to higher prices and automation of your appliances to reduce the costs. One more notch in the gun for removing choice.
Hummm, I would like to hear from some of the people who are using the metered system. Thank you for reading the Observer.
Replying to Greg, one has nothing to do with the other. Also since there is no longer manual labor needed to read your meter, your rates should stay the same or even go lower.