Advanced Meter Reading (AMR)

AMR technology is the remote collection of meter reading data for each metered service point. TWACS® Two-Way Automatic Communication System and approximately 26,500 advanced meters utilize robust power line communications technology to collect hourly energy usage data from residential, commercial, and irrigation customers.

Idaho Power will be evaluating several capabilities inherent in the AMR technology, including:

The potential to increase operational efficiency
The ability to improve customer service through pricing and demand-side management options
The ability for customers to manage energy-use through enhanced information
The ability to gather information that may provide insight to company decision-making

The Emmett and McCall operating areas were chosen as the locations to launch the program due to their unique characteristics that will provide an opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of AMR under different geographic and climatic conditions. Idaho Power will have an opportunity to evaluate the various AMR capabilities in each area because electricity usage reaches its peak during the summer in the Emmett area and winter in the McCall area.

The Emmett service area, representing approximately 11,500 metered service points, includes the Emmett Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Garden Valley, and Lowman. Geographically, the Emmett area is part of the Treasure Valley and the composition of customers is representative of the company as a whole. Idaho Power changed the meters in the Emmett operating area during the spring of 2004.

The McCall service area, representing approximately 15,000 metered service points, includes McCall, Cascade, Donnelly, New Meadows, and Riggins. Geographically, the McCall area is mountainous and rural. It is predominately composed of residential customers and is the company’s fastest growing area outside of the Treasure Valley. Idaho Power changed the meters in the McCall operating area during the summer and fall of 2004.

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more program details.

Residential customers with Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) meters can learn more about your energy usage by logging in as an Account Manager, or registering to become one (you'll need a copy of your latest bill). Once you're logged in, be sure to check out the ENERGY Tools. ENERGY Tools will help you learn more about how much energy you're using, how to lower the cost of your power bill, and provides research information about energy and energy use.

Emmett Valley AMR customers thinking about signing up for the Time-of-Day or Energy Watch programs may be interested in the program information and FAQs for these programs. Emmett Valley residential customers on the Energy Watch program find out when Energy Watch hours are scheduled.