Frequently Asked Questions

Advanced Metering Infrastructure, commonly referred to as AMI, is a method that utilizes communication technology to remotely read meters without requiring physical access to each meter. Each service address will have meters (electric and/or water) equipped with a digital-read display installed and connected to a radio transmission unit, which sends electric and water usage data via a secure fixed wireless network to AMU.

We are excited to take on AMI because it allows your meter(s) to be read more frequently. Today, Anoka Municipal Utility obtains a single reading from your meter(s) once per month. With AMI, we’ll read your meter(s) more frequently. This information will be provided to customers via the Anoka Municipal Utility customer portal – providing you with better insight into your electric and water use. 

Anoka Municipal Utility will pilot its selected AMI technology during the Summer of 2025. During the Initial Deployment Area, Anoka Municipal Utility will verify that the technology performs as expected. Anoka Municipal Utility expects to deploy AMI to all of its customers beginning in late 2025.

Once installed, the reading from the meter is converted into a digital format and transmitted to Anoka Municipal Utility.   Each AMI meter has its own unique identifier number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared to your account record electronically to ensure a match.  

The AMI meter offers accurate and reliable usage tracking, which may occasionally differ from the readings provided by older mechanical meters if they were underreported. The upgrade ensures a precise and transparent billing process based on actual usage. With AMI, you will have access to detailed information on your electricity and water usage, enabling you to make informed decisions to reduce your consumption.

Anoka Municipal Utility will be implementing a customer portal allowing customers to view their electricity usage and water consumption online.  Visit our Utility Hawk page for further information.

 Every meter will be tested for accuracy prior to installation.  Anoka Municipal Utility will only use AMI technology that has been proven to provide accurate communications.  

Your account information is secure. Data transmitted from the meter through the AMI system is encrypted throughout the entire process.

The AMI technology being implemented by Anoka Municipal Utility uses a very low-powered radio frequency communication. This radio frequency is weaker than a cordless phone and will not interfere with other electronic devices in your home or business. It will not interfere with your data network. In fact, AMI meters transmit for less than one minute a day.

Smart meters meet Federal Communications Commission standards.  In fact, smart meter radio frequency (RF) exposures are far lower than FCC guidelines, even at very close range. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reports that smart meter RF exposures are far lower than the FCC guidelines. Smart meters communicate using radio frequency signals multiple times per day for a split nanosecond. According to additional sources such as the Demand Response Smart Grid Coalition and the Utilities Telecom Council, the cumulative possible exposure to radio frequency from a smart meter over its 20-year life span is approximately 220 minutes, which is half of the average monthly cellular exposure. See Honeywell's Whitepaper (PDF) for more information.

AMI has been in place in Minnesota since the early 2000s and is considered a standard utility practice throughout the United States. AMI enables faster and more accurate collection of utility usage readings, while also enhancing safety and overall efficiency.

Please call Anoka Municipal Utility at 763-576-2750.

There is no cost to the customer for the new meter or installation.