APD: Avoid Confrontations While Nicor Modernizes Gas Meters
The Aurora Police Department is reminding residents that Nicor gas is in the process of modernizing gas meters throughout the city.
“There have been a couple of incidents where workers have been confronted by homeowners or tenants,” Aurora Police Department spokesperson Dan Ferrelli said in a Facebook post last week.
Below is information on the program from the Nicor website.
Nicor Meter Modernization FAQs
What is the Meter Modernization program?
The Meter Modernization program is one of several investments Nicor Gas is making to modernize and improve how we measure and collect customers’ natural gas usage, ensuring every customer’s energy needs are met safely and reliably now and well into the future.
How will the Meter Modernization program impact customers?
A small, two-way communication device will be installed on the existing natural gas meter at customer homes or businesses – meters will not be replaced. The communication device will collect natural gas usage information and securely send it to Nicor Gas.
What do customers need to do during installation?
As long as the natural gas meter at your home or business can safely be accessed, you are not required to be present at the time of installation. There will be no interruption to your natural gas service during installation.
What if meters are indoors?
If you normally have to be present when a meter reader accesses your natural gas meter, you will have to be present when the device is installed to allow access to the meter. If needed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
How will customers benefit from the Meter Modernization program?
Automated meter reads will provide the most consistent access to natural gas usage information and help to eliminate the need for estimated bills.
The resulting data analytics and information from automated meter reads will give customers more visibility and control over their energy usage.
How does the two-way communication device work?
Through state-of-the-art technology, the device will transmit gas-usage information using secure licensed radio frequency ranges.
- The energy produced by the two-way communication devices is comparable to that produced by cellular phones, television broadcasts, garage door openers, microwave ovens and Wi-Fi networks.
Is customer natural gas consumption information secure on the two-way communication devices?
Yes, Nicor Gas utilizes a private communication network to protect natural gas consumption information.
- This frequency is not shared with other utilities and only transmits data over frequency ranges that fully comply with current Federal Communications Commission requirements
Does Nicor Gas offer any opt-out or deferral options?
Nicor Gas does not offer an “opt-out” or deferral option.
You may be aware of other utilities in the area charging a fee to opt out. However, their opt out is only for a brief period and all customers will need to comply.
Will the device interfere with HAM radios?
The frequency of the installed, two-way communication device will not interfere with HAM radio.
What is the radio frequency of the device?
- 50KHZ
- Nicor Gas is using 901.600 – 901.650 MHZ for endpoint transmission and 940.600 – 940.650 MHZ for base station transmission.
Health and Safety
This device complies with all FCC health and safety standards.
SOURCE: Aurora Police Department, Nicor
