Valley City, ND (KCSi TV News) — Valley City officials held a public Thursday evening, May 9, 2013  at City Hall to discuss, educate and answer questions about the AMI (automated metering infrastructure) system.. the Smart Meter, and load management.

Concerns from the audience included the location of the Smart Meters, along with load management issues and plans and costs to consumers.

Bob Drake said the public has previously been misled by the city and the system concerns.

He asked who will benefit the most, the utility, or the consumer?

Lloyd Nelson questioned the viability of off peak usage, concerning when the customer is able to use power at given times.   He also said the city should do cost comparison of replacing the current system, versus installing the Smart Meters.

City Administrator David Schelkoph said Valley City does not offer an off-peak residential rate.

Mayor Werhoven listed other cities in North Dakota that use the Smart Meter system.

City Adminstrator, Schelkoph outlined the prime issues.

He said the AMI wireless radio frequency meters, allows the meters to stay indoors, adding the meters will offer cost savings to save meter reading fees, and save the city dollars with the payback for the cost of the system estimated in 5-6 years.

The cost savings in not having a meter reader is $160,000, along with $200,000 in energy savings.

He pointed out that there is no cost to the customer for installation, and will be active less than three percent of the time.

He added the city needs to have the AMI system installed by the next heating season, to maximize  efficiencies in load control management and savings of dollars.

Schelkoph added that the present meter system in Valley City is 30 years old and needs replacing.

Technical issues including and explanation of F.C.C. regulations, and licensing and band with was explained by a representative of Cooper Power.

Also on hand at the meeting were City Commissionrs, Magnuson, Pedersen and Luke, along with City Attorney Myhre.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 68, followed by replays.

The Valley City Commission has scheduled a Special Meeting on Friday morning at 8-O’Clock, at City Hall.

On the agenda is to vote on approval of a contract with Cooper Power for the Automated Metering Infrastructure System.