MADISON – Madison Utilities has announced that the utility company will start a comprehensive replacement of meters in early 2022.

In addition, the utility will upgrade its meter reading system with the installations of the new devices.

The purpose of this effort is to improve their water distribution system with electronic reading capability. The work also will replace meters that have served beyond their estimated, useful lives, according to utility management.

Water meters have a useful life of approximately 15 years. The project will include commercial and residential meters.

The estimated completion date for conversion to Automated Meter Reading or AMR is 24 months. Madison Utilities employees will implement the conversion. Residents can easily identify the utility’s workers by their company vehicle and the employee badge for Madison Utilities.

Madison Utilities has notified its customers by letter with the U.S. Postal Service as the initial notification of the onset of the program. In addition, workers will leave yard signage at the time of the installation.

The technology associated with Automated Meter Reading has several benefits:

* Improved customer service by increasing the accuracy of meter reading.

* Minimizing the need for personnel to have access to meters at the property.

* Increasing the quality of customer service by reducing the need for estimated bills.

* Lowering the required time for staff members to complete work orders, along with less fuel for vehicles.

Utility management asks for patience from customers throughout the length of this project.

Madison Utilities’ address is 101 Ray Sanderson Drive, just off Palmer Drive.

Anyone who has questions regarding this project can call 256-772-0253 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday or email custserv@madisonutilities.org. The after-hours emergency phone line is 256-508-8916.