The City of Red Deer is investing to modernize our electrical network. This year, we are upgrading every residential and commercial electricity meter across the city to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). By 2027, more than 45,000 manual-read meters will be replaced with AMI meters, which offer secure, automated, two-way communication. 

The new AMI meter will securely send readings directly to the City through a two-way wireless network. This means no more manual reads, fewer estimated bills and quicker detection of outages. 

The upgraded network will benefit residents and businesses, as well as improve the City's electric network across the city by:

• Improved Reliability: More operational data allows the City to optimize grid performance and improve service reliability.
• Better Response Times: AMI meters can identify and alert the network of power failures immediately.
• Reduced Power Outages: Improve analytics allows the City to provide preventative maintenance, ultimately reducing outages.

By 2027, every home and business will be connected to this modern, reliable network. Installation will be free, quick, and easy, and will result in only a brief power interruption. Meter installation will start this spring. You can learn more about the meter exchange schedule here. 

Why is the City upgrading to AMI meters?

The City is investing in Red Deer's sustainable future. Currently, we manually read more than 45,000 electricity meters. As AMI meters have become the industry standard, existing equipment is becoming difficult to replace or repair with the technology having become obsolete. This means parts are difficult to find and expensive to buy new. In fact, most municipalities in Canada have moved away from the meters currently used in Red Deer. Upgrades to our aging electricity metering system is also required to address regulatory requirements. 

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