1. How do we assure that the member’s meter reading is accurate? Will it be checked periodically?
Any time that Bluebonnet personnel are at a members’ location for service work, maintenance, etc., the technician will read the meter, simply for comparison purposes. We’ll be able to query a meter at any time for the purpose of checking a meter reading. When we change meters with the AMR program, a cross-section of meters will be read, simply for comparison. We expect to implement an inspection program in the future, which will entail reading and testing our meters on site. This is several years in the future, after the AMR implementation program is complete.

2. What is AMR?
Essentially a module, located in the meter, transports meter information over the power line to a net server (TNS), which uses this information to build profiles for that particular account, including daily meter reads, meter voltage, etc.

3. Will the member’s bill reflect the same reading date as before, or will the reading for one particular day each month be used?
The number of days in your billing cycle may vary within the first 1-2 billing cycle.

4. Will the billing cycles stay the same?
Yes, your billing cycle will remain the same.

5. Will the rates change or will there be an additional charge for the AMR program?
The rates will not be affected by the AMR program. This program was part of the 5-year plan, and will not further impact Bluebonnet rates.

6. How does an AMR meter get a reading from the meter to Bluebonnet?
The meter readings will be programmed to transfer information at night, typically from 12am to 5am. It will take approximately 4 hours to transfer 70,000 meter readings from the meter to the TWACS Net Server (TNS). The TNS will ask each meter for a reading. The module, which is located in the meter, will transfer the reading over the power line, to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU), which is located in each substation. The reading(s) will then be transmitted over the Bluebonnet microwave system to the TNS, which is located in Giddings.

7. Does the meter run thru the phone line?
No, it does not incorporate a telephone line. The meter information is transferred over the Bluebonnet power line, and it cannot interfere with member’s equipment in any way. Bluebonnet tested AMR systems that incorporated the member’s telephone line to transfer information, and was not successful.

8. Will we need to keep the Bluebonnet locks on our gates or entrances?
Yes, Bluebonnet will still need access to properties in order to maintain quality service.