Remote Metering Program

Automated meter reading (AMR) provides one-way communication between a meter and a utility, eliminating the need to read meters manually and estimate readings. AMI provides a two-way communications network using radio networks to exchange information between customers and our company.

DTE Energy’s AMI technology uses a radio frequency (RF) network. In an RF solution, meter data is transmitted by radio frequency and collected by a fixed proprietary network at predetermined intervals or on demand.

AMI will help us provide better service to you, such as alerting us when your power is out or when you're experiencing other power problems. It will help us minimize estimated bills.  It will give you more information about your energy use -- information that you can use to more effectively manage your energy costs. Another benefit is that the new technology will be less intrusive for you. Once installation is complete, DTE Energy will not enter your yard, home or business on a regular basis, except for occasional maintenance. You will no longer have to unlock your gates or secure your pets on the day the meter will be read. DTE Energy is among a growing group of utilities to install this technology on a large scale. Other utilities using AMI technology include Pacific Gas & Electric, Puget Sound Energy, Ameren, PECO Energy, PPL, WE Energy, Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Great Lakes Energy Cooperative. DTE Energy will be one of the largest utilities in the country to convert to an AMI system.

The AMI team will be reviewing the potential for partnerships with other utilities, municipalities and cooperatives.

Installation depends on where you are located in the DTE Energy service area. DTE Energy will notify you a few weeks before your meter will be replaced or retrofitted. DTE Energy electric meters will be replaced with new meters. In most instances, DTE Energy natural gas meters will be retrofitted with an AMI module. In some cases, however, natural gas meters must be replaced. DTE Energy will recycle the glass, plastic and metals from the old meters.

Yes. Glancing at the screen beginning with code 004 shows your kilowatt meter reading. The other screens show the meter communicating to the AMI system.

No. The equipment operates at a low-power radio frequency, comparable to a cordless telephone. All equipment operates in compliance with state and federal communications standards and we periodically measure radio frequency levels to ensure compliance with these standards. The levels measured were less than 1 percent of the safe level for the general population, even when measured near electric and gas meters. Our conclusion as a result of these tests is that homes in which AMI technology is installed have no radio frequency health concerns as a result of the AMI technology.

No, the network being installed will not give us access to your confidential personal information stored on your home computer. This technology is not meant to invade your privacy, which we respect.

No, if the electric or gas meter(s) are outside and accessible. That means if you normally leave a gate unlocked or keep a pet inside when your meter is read, you should do so when your new electric meter or AMI gas meter module is installed. If either of the meters is inside your home, an adult must be present during installation of the new technology.

We will notify you a few weeks before the installation. The installation process is expected to only take a few minutes, and if no one is at home, the installer will leave a notice hanging on your door to alert you that the meter has been replaced or retrofitted.

The electric meter installation will cause your power to be interrupted briefly as the service is transferred to the new meter, so your digital clocks and other electronic equipment will have to be reset afterward. 

There are no current plans to change the date that meters are read for billing.

These meters will also be replaced. The programs will not be affected.

The installation of the new electric meter will cause your power to be interrupted briefly as the old meter is replaced with the new meter, so digital clocks and other electronic equipment will have to be reset afterward. Your gas service will not be interrupted unless a new meter is required. We understand that some business processes and operations cannot be interrupted efficiently and effectively to allow for the installation of the AMI technology. We will work with business owners to minimize any impact to their operations by scheduling appointments for the installation of AMI technology.

No, aside from the momentary interruption of power as the meter is installed, the equipment will not interfere with any appliances or medical devices. For a handful of security systems, the brief power outage may trigger a false alarm when power is restored, but that is unlikely for most homeowners or businesses. DTE Energy will notify local law-enforcement agencies about the meter replacement and the potential for increased false alarms in those areas during installation.