Automatic Remote Reading of Residential Meters

This paper reports on a test of the Transitel Automatic Meter Reading System which was conducted at Owosso, Michigan, over a sixteen-month trial period. This test confirmed that the Automatic Meter Reading System for the reading of residential utility meters is technically feasible and thoroughly compatible with associated telephone company equipment and facilities. This conclusion was drawn from the following summaries: 1) At no time was there evidence that the system hardware as installed resulted in interference to the operation of or service offered by the utility or telephone company. 2) It was determined that the system, with minor changes, easily afforded by modern-day production techniques, should operate free from excessive maintenance problems. Having tested the technical feasibility of the Transitel Automatic Meter Reading System, it is the consensus of the parties to the test that the time is now appropriate for a detailed study of the economic aspects of installing and operating such a system.