Automated Meter Reader Upgrade Program
December 2, 2024
The Automated Meter Reader Upgrade Program is an initiative to upgrade 600,000+ Automated Meter Reading (AMR) devices throughout New York City over the next three years. Upgrading these AMR devices will ensure that bills are reliable and accurate, and that customers have access to real-time information about their consumption. The new devices will also reduce the need for DEP staff to enter homes and provide improved leak detection information. Once completed, the upgrades will enhance the reliability and accuracy of the water metering system.
During this program, DEP technicians and contractors will be upgrading AMR devices in all five boroughs. Residents may see technicians in their yards and can verify their identity by checking for DEP or company logos on their uniforms and asking them to produce proper identification, such as a badge or DEP ID. Learn more about how to Beware of Utility Scams.
Customers will receive direct communication from DEP when work is beginning in their area. There will be no charge to customers for this work and no appointment is necessary. Contractors from Aclara and DEP technicians are currently upgrading the devices in Brooklyn. The program is expected to begin in December 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for the AMR upgrade?
No, there will be no charge to customers for the AMR upgrade.
Is participation in the program mandatory?
Yes, participation is mandatory.
How will residents be notified about the AMR upgrade?
Residents will receive direct communication from DEP when we are beginning work in your area.
Do I need to make an appointment for the AMR upgrade?
Most AMR devices are located outside, so no appointment will be necessary. If DEP does need to access your property to upgrade your device, you will receive a letter or email from DEP to set up an appointment.
What am I expected to do as a property owner?
- Property owners must allow DEP technicians or contractors access to the AMR device; failure to provide access may result in a fee.
- Ensure the area around the AMR is clear and accessible—trim back bushes so our technicians can easily access it.
- Please bring any pets inside while our technicians are working at your property.
- Look out for notifications regarding installation timelines.
What should I expect to see if a DEP technician or contractor is working in my yard?
- Residents may see DEP technicians and/or contractors approach their property and walk around to identify the location of the AMR device—technicians may move garbage cans or open an unlocked gate to access it if needed.
- Once the AMR device is found, the technician will remove the old device and replace it with a new one in the same location. They will test the new device to ensure it is working. The upgrades take 15–30 minutes per property. Technicians will clean up and take all debris with them.
- If the technician cannot access an AMR device, they may return during the evening or weekend to attempt to upgrade it. In some cases, property owners may receive a letter from DEP requesting an appointment to replace it because DEP must access the interior of the property to complete the upgrade.
How can I verify if the person working on my property is working for DEP?
- DEP technicians or contractors will be clearly identified with DEP logos on their uniforms and will produce proper identification, including a DEP ID card or badge, upon request.
What information is collected using the AMR device?
Only consumption-related data is collected for billing and operational purposes; no personally identifiable information is transmitted.
Are the frequencies emitted by these AMR devices harmful?
No, the emitted frequencies are much lower than those from cell phones and common household appliances.