About gas AMI and advanced metering
The installation of gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, systems enable us to improve service to you. The NIPSCO gas AMI system will be installed in phases for approximately 870,000 gas customers throughout NIPSCO’s service area over the next several years.
Your gas AMI module installation
- When it is time for you to get your gas module installed, you will be notified via a letter in the mail approximately 30 days in advance of the installation.
- The installation process will be done at no charge. On the day of installation, a service technician will come to your home or business to change out the equipment. The technician will knock on your door to check if you are home, but you do not need to be home for the exchange to take place. The technicians will carry photo identification, wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
- A typical gas AMI module installation takes approximately 15 minutes to install the equipment. The technician will leave a door hanger with information about your new module when the job is done.
- If you are not at home during the visit, the technician will leave a door hanger indicating that the new module was installed or informing the customer how to schedule an installation appointment if the technician was unable to access the meter.
Please note: customers whose meters require immediate maintenance will not receive a letter notification but will receive a door knock and door hanger with installation details and contact information. If temporary shut-off is required, customers will receive fourteen (14) days written notice unless the situation poses a hazard or danger.
FAQs - Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Overview
What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, is a technology that allows NIPSCO to read your utility meter remotely without having to send a person or vehicle to read the meter at your home or business in person. With AMI, also known as smart metering, your meter reads are remotely transmitted back to NIPSCO using network technology.
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Why is NIPSCO installing Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
There are many benefits to utilizing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). By having a Gas AMI communications module installed, NIPSCO can provide customers with more frequent and enhanced usage data, which will help us to better address your questions if you have any issues with your service. Immediate and future benefits may include:
Greater visibility into gas consumption and access to on-demand meter reading
Reduced carbon footprint from fewer vehicle emissions by eliminating the need to drive by for a billing read
Improved safety for NIPSCO employees by reducing in-person field visits for gas meter reading
Improved customer service by increasing frequency of meter readings
Please note that some benefits and AMI functionality may not be available until future years
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What is the Gas AMI Program?
During the Gas AMI Program, NIPSCO will exchange existing AMR communications module with an AMI communications module for eligible homes and businesses throughout our gas service territory. If required meter maintenance is detected during the exchange, NIPSCO will take necessary steps to repair or replace the gas meter.
The new module will provide improved usage, billing, and safety-related information for customers and NIPSCO.
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What is an AMI communications module?
An AMI communications module is installed onto an existing gas meter set that enables the automated and remote collection and sending of gas metering information.
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How many gas modules will be replaced?
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What is the timeline for deploying AMI to NIPSCO gas customers?
2024 - New technology will begin to be deployed and integrated into NIPSCO’s customer information systems. Deployment of gas AMI communications modules will begin following the deployment and integration of IT systems.
2024-2026 - The AMI network and gas communications modules will be deployed. The AMI gas modules will transmit data over the NIPSCO AMI network and supporting IT systems to deliver functionality and benefits outlined in these FAQs.
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Who is doing the equipment change, and where are they located?
Customers will receive a letter notification about the gas module exchange. On the day of installation, a service technician will come to your home or business to change out the equipment. The technician will knock on your door to check if you are home, but you do not need to be home for the exchange to take place. A typical AMI module installation takes approximately 15 minutes to install the equipment. Upon completion, the technician will leave a door hanger with information about the exchange and your new module.
Please note: customers whose meters require immediate maintenance will not receive a letter notification but will receive a door knock and door hanger with installation details and contact information. If temporary shut-off is required, customers will receive fourteen (14) days written notice unless the situation poses a hazard or danger.
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FAQs - What to expect during your gas module exchange
What is the process for installing my new gas communications module?
Customers will receive a letter notification about the gas module exchange. On the day of installation, a service technician will come to your home or business to change out the equipment. The technician will knock on your door to check if you are home, but you do not need to be home for the exchange to take place. A typical AMI module installation takes approximately 15 minutes to install the equipment. Upon completion, the technician will leave a door hanger with information about the exchange and your new module.
Please note: customers whose meters require immediate maintenance will not receive a letter notification but will receive a door knock and door hanger with installation details and contact information. If temporary shut-off is required, customers will receive fourteen (14) days written notice unless the situation poses a hazard or danger.
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Will my gas service be interrupted or turned off during a module installation?
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How will I know that my gas module has been changed?
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What happens if I have a problem after installation?
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What will happen to the old equipment?
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Will the technician knock on the door before installing the new module?
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Do I need to be home for this equipment change?
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Will holes be drilled to install a module on the outside of my property?
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FAQs - Gas Meter Reading and Meter Safety
Are the radiofrequency (RF) waves produced by the new equipment harmful to my health?
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Will I have access to my meter data?
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Has this new AMI equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?
Yes, AMI modules come pre-tested along with test results directly from the manufacturer. The module will be tested for accuracy during the deployment process.
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Will the AMI impact my computer, home security system, or other electronic equipment?
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Can anyone other than NIPSCO read the gas meter modules?
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How will I know that you read my meter and not another customer's meter?
Each AMI radio frequency module has a unique identifier which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is associated to your account record electronically to ensure a match.
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Will I still need to report a gas leak?
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Will NIPSCO be able to control anything in my home or business?
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