Nicor Gas will be modernizing and improving their natural gas infrastructure to ensure every customer’s energy needs are met safely and reliably. Finding new ways to significantly increase the safety of their operations while improving efficiencies for their customers has led Nicor Gas to begin deployment of the Meter Modernization project.
You are likely familiar with automated or advanced metering initiatives being launched by electric and water utility companies, and you may have even been involved in some of these efforts personally through your municipal utilities. As part of Meter Modernization deployment, Nicor Gas will be installing small, two-way communication devices on existing natural gas meters throughout the Village of Oak Brook – meters will not be replaced. These two-way communication devices feature state-of-the-art technology that will automate the meter reading process by collecting natural gas usage information and securely sending it to Nicor Gas.
Meter Modernization will enable Nicor to ensure timely and accurate billing for their customers, as the devices will automatically send meter readings to Nicor Gas. Bills will be based on actual usage each month, helping to eliminate estimated bills. Meter Modernization will also allow customers to gain greater insight into energy usage. In the future, this automation will allow customers to access more granular data about their energy usage to help them manage their costs.
Within the next month, Nicor Gas, along with their qualified contractor, Grid One Solutions, will begin deployment of the Meter Modernization project in the Village of Oak Brook. Grid One Solutions will have appropriate identification. The device installation will take 10-15 minutes for most residential or regular sized meters and may take up to 30 minutes on large commercial or rotary meters. If Nicor can safely access a customer’s natural gas meter, they do not need to be present for the installation. If a customer has an indoor meter, they will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Click here to see an example of our Meter Modernization letter to be sent to customers in advance of installation, several pictures of the devices as well as Meter Modernization FAQ’s.