Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Upgrade

The City of Lumberton is launching a major upgrade to its water and electric metering system through the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This project will modernize how meter readings are collected, improve service reliability, and give customers more insight into their utility usage. AMI represents a long-term investment in Lumberton’s infrastructure and supports our commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional customer service.

What Is AMI?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) uses smart electric and water meters equipped with secure radio-frequency technology to automatically transmit usage data to the City. This eliminates the need for manual meter reading and provides near real-time information that allows issues to be detected and resolved more quickly.

Why Is Lumberton Upgrading?

The AMI system will strengthen utility operations in several key ways. Smart meters provide more accurate readings by reducing estimates and human error. They help identify leaks, outages, and unusual usage patterns sooner, enabling faster response from utility crews. Because readings are transmitted remotely, AMI reduces the need for staff to access meters in the field and improves operational efficiency. As additional customer tools are introduced, residents will also gain access to detailed usage information to help them monitor consumption.

What the Installation Includes

The City’s AMI rollout will replace more than 20,000 devices across the community, including 10,381 electric meters, 12,456 water meter transmitting units (MTUs), and thousands of upgraded water meters of various sizes. The system will operate through seven Data Collection Units (DCUs) installed throughout Lumberton, which receive meter signals and transmit them securely to the City’s AclaraONE management platform.Source: AMI Project Kickoff Presentation.

Installation Timeline

Installation work is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and continue into 2026. The rollout will take place in phases to ensure all components are fully tested and communicating properly as they come online. Residents may see utility crews in their neighborhoods during this process. The City will provide updates as installation progresses.

Installation Notification

During the installation process, crews will leave a door hanger at each property. If the meter upgrade is completed successfully, the door hanger will confirm the installation date and note that no further action is required from the resident.

If technicians are unable to complete the installation—for example, due to access issues or safety concerns—a door hanger will also be left with information on the reason and any next steps. These notices ensure that residents receive clear communication about work completed at their property.

Do Residents Need to Do Anything?

No action is required from residents. Most meters are located outdoors and can be replaced without the customer being present. If a brief service interruption is necessary during installation, crews will notify residents on-site.

Customer Access to Usage Information

As part of the AMI project, the City will implement a customer portal through VertexOne. This portal will allow residents to view daily water and electric usage, monitor trends, identify unusual spikes, and access billing details more easily. Additional information about portal availability will be shared as the system becomes available.Source: AMI Project Scope.

Privacy and Security

AMI systems measure usage—not personal information. All communication between meters and the City’s network is encrypted and secured using industry-standard technologies. The system does not track customer behavior, personal data, internet activity, or any devices inside the home. It simply records water and electricity consumption.

Benefits to the Community

• Improved billing transparency

• Faster detection of leaks and service issues

• More reliable and efficient utility operations

• Reduced fuel use and field traffic from manual meter reads

• Expanded customer tools for monitoring usage

• Data-driven planning for long-term infrastructure needs

Questions?

Residents with questions about the AMI upgrade may contact the City of Lumberton Public Works Department.910-671-9851