The Winchester Utility System is replacing our aging analog electric and water meters to upgrade to digital meters. The new meters will operate with the best technology currently available to provide more electric and / or water use data to the Winchester Utility System and its customers. This page will have updates available throughout the project. Following the project, more in depth electric and / or water information will be available to customers via the portal or app.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure is an integrated system of water and electric meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables enhanced utility customer service. Advanced metering technology will allow the Winchester Utility System to read water and electric meters remotely and collect water and electric usage data daily.
This project will involve installing new electric and water meters in the entire service territory. The new equipment will allow us to provide improved service, operational savings, and better billing information. Overall, this effort is to respond to current customer concerns and be proactive about customer needs to better serve our customers. Data will be populated and available hourly within the current customer portal once the meters have been installed, helping keep customers better informed about their real-time usage.
Additionally, as part of this effort, Winchester Utility System will be implementing Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) efforts on our distribution system. This will assist in ensuring electric service continuity during severe weather events and better manage purchased power from TVA. Overall, this project will start the Winchester NEXT (New and Extensible) program and mark an evolutionary change in how Winchester Utility System manages customer care and operations, including intelligent electric grid management and water distribution system oversight.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure is an integrated system of water and electric meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables enhanced utility customer service. Advanced metering technology will allow the Winchester Utility System to read water and electric meters remotely and collect water and electric usage data daily.
This project will involve installing new electric and water meters in the entire service territory. The new equipment will allow us to provide improved service, operational savings, and better billing information. Overall, this effort is to respond to current customer concerns and be proactive about customer needs to better serve our customers. Data will be populated and available hourly within the current customer portal once the meters have been installed, helping keep customers better informed about their real-time usage.
Additionally, as part of this effort, Winchester Utility System will be implementing Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) efforts on our distribution system. This will assist in ensuring electric service continuity during severe weather events and better manage purchased power from TVA. Overall, this project will start the Winchester NEXT (New and Extensible) program and mark an evolutionary change in how Winchester Utility System manages customer care and operations, including intelligent electric grid management and water distribution system oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does digital meter technology benefit me?
The new digital meters will provide the highest level of accuracy of your home’s water use, and you will have more access to your data. In the future, this data will be available in Winchester Utility System’s existing online customer portal for you to view, manage and budget your electric and / or water use.
The benefits to the Winchester Utility System and its customers include:
The benefits to the Winchester Utility System and its customers include:
- Highly accurate data collection which decreases the possibility of incorrect meter readings.
- Timely information on usage that allows Winchester Utility System staff to provide better customer service.
- The ability to identify potential power quality issues that may lead to electric service interruptions, allowing Winchester Utility System to proactively repair issues.
- The ability to identify potential water leaks, which reduces water waste and unnecessarily high water bills due to these leaks going undetected for long periods of time.
- Hourly consumption reads delivered at least daily, instead of once every month.
- The ability to self-service via the customer portal for issues that may normally require a phone call, freeing up customer time and providing peace of mind outside of Winchester Utility System operating hours. This includes the ability for customers to view their own usage data, better manage their consumption and more quickly notice any leakage activity at the property.
How will the new meter work?
The new meter will record electric and water use and send that record back to the Winchester Utility System on a scheduled basis. The meter only transmits data to specific receivers. The meter does not connect to any other devices within your home or in its surroundings. The only data provided over the air will include the meter number, current reading, and the transmitter number. No PII (personal identifying information) will be transmitted. The readings will be encrypted in transit.
Meters utilize radio frequency (RF) technology, they represent no known health hazards. Meters emit significantly lower exposure levels than most other typical devices that emit RF, such as cellular phones, wireless routers, and microwave ovens. This meter system is in use in hundreds of communities across the country and has been in use throughout the industry over many years.
Winchester Utility System is utilizing equipment chosen by our peers within the Tennessee Valley, including Tullahoma Utility Authority, Shelbyville Power System, Dickson Electric, Knoxville Utilities Board and Metro Nashville Water. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact Chris Zimmerman, Power Superintendent for Winchester Utility System((931) 967-2238 / czimmerman@winchesterutilities.com)
Meters utilize radio frequency (RF) technology, they represent no known health hazards. Meters emit significantly lower exposure levels than most other typical devices that emit RF, such as cellular phones, wireless routers, and microwave ovens. This meter system is in use in hundreds of communities across the country and has been in use throughout the industry over many years.
Winchester Utility System is utilizing equipment chosen by our peers within the Tennessee Valley, including Tullahoma Utility Authority, Shelbyville Power System, Dickson Electric, Knoxville Utilities Board and Metro Nashville Water. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact Chris Zimmerman, Power Superintendent for Winchester Utility System((931) 967-2238 / czimmerman@winchesterutilities.com)
How will the data from the meter be used?
The meter transmits only the hourly consumption registered on the meter, operational alerts (such as power outage, leaks, empty pipe), and some additional information to tell the Winchester Utility System the health and status of the meter. No customer identifiable information is transmitted.
The data from the meter will be used to review usage, provide real-time consumption information within the customer portal, billing system, and provide operational improvements. Through the customer portal, this data will also provide Winchester Utility System customers with greater transparency. This can lead to identifying power quality issues or water leaks early, prior to a service interruption or high bill.
The data from the meter will be used to review usage, provide real-time consumption information within the customer portal, billing system, and provide operational improvements. Through the customer portal, this data will also provide Winchester Utility System customers with greater transparency. This can lead to identifying power quality issues or water leaks early, prior to a service interruption or high bill.
How will the app work?
The app works by gathering the meter information and presenting it to the consumer. This allows easy access to your own electric and/or water data which can help you review your electric and / or water use.
When will I get a new meter?
Where you are located will determine when the new meter will be installed. Meter replacement will start early 2026
The Winchester Utility System will complete the replacement of all meters by middle of the year 2027, weather permitting.
Customers will be notified in advance with a door hanger that crews are coming to replace meters. Meter replacements will happen between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.
The schedule of notifications includes:
The Winchester Utility System will complete the replacement of all meters by middle of the year 2027, weather permitting.
Customers will be notified in advance with a door hanger that crews are coming to replace meters. Meter replacements will happen between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.
The schedule of notifications includes:
- Beginning of general installation project: A mailer sent to all Winchester homes.
- A few days ahead of meter installation: Door hangers placed on front doors of houses that will get meters.
- Day of meter installation: Installer staff will be in your neighborhood with clearly labeled vehicles and uniforms. They will knock on the door before starting the meter exchange and will place an informational door hanger after the installation is complete or indicating they will need to return to complete the meter.
- Project progress will be communicated throughout the project on the Winchester Utility System website.
How will the meter installation affect my business operations?
The installer will contact each business’ management to schedule an appointment for the installation of the digital electric and/or water meter to limit the impact of service disruption. While most business electric and/or water meters may be outside, some may be located inside the building so the installer will need access to the inside of the business. Installation needs will be assessed for each business and reviewed with management prior to the work being completed.
Will my electric and/or water bill increase in cost?
There is the potential that usage was not fully registered on your old meter. Older meters lose accuracy as they age. All new meters are tested to ensure they meet American National Standards Institute and Underwriter’s Laboratories guidelines for electric and American Water Works Association guidelines and specifications for water, ensuring the highest level of accuracy. If you are concerned with an increase in the registered consumption noted on your bill, contact the Winchester Utility System.
How is this project being funded?
This metering project is being funded in two ways. The electric meter replacement funds will come out of the Winchester Utility System’s capital expense budget. The water meter replacement is being funded via a TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) State Revolving Fund loan. This loan includes partial debt forgiveness, of which Winchester Utility System received 20% forgiveness immediately. The new meters will be installed at no additional cost to the consumer.
What will be the project impact to customers?
For this project we have reviewed our options carefully. We have brought on an experienced consultant that focuses primarily on Advanced Metering installations and technology change management to assist us in program management. Planning began in late 2021. We have selected a vendor via a thorough procurement process that will assist in the installation, providing a single visit experience. This effort will include electric meter base testing at each customer site to ensure all equipment is to specification prior to the new meter installation. Finally, we will be thoroughly testing and auditing the installations to ensure specifications are followed.