News

GUERNSEY Electricity’s new automated meter reading (AMR) technology has in a few instances resulted in a technical issue with some makes of touch lamp.

The self-reading meters are being installed in more than 25,000 local homes and businesses, and will provide an important tool in helping islanders become more energy efficient. They will enable the company to provide customers with more accurate information on their electricity usage, which studies have shown can help reduce consumption.

To date more than 7,000 new meters have been fitted, and in less than 20 instances the company has received reports of touch lamps turning themselves on automatically after the new equipment has been installed.

Guernsey Electricity metering manager Bob Beebe said some types of lamp are susceptible to interference, and could be switched on by the signal the new meters send out when they send data back to the company.

However not all such instances will be the result of the AMR system. It can also happen when other electrical equipment, such as drills or screwdrivers and kitchen appliances, are used in close proximity to a lamp. In some cases vehicle ignition systems or loud music have been known to cause lamps to turn on.

However not all makes of touch lamp would be affected, and in around 80% of cases involving one of the new meters the problem has been solved by simply installing a filter.

Mr Beebe said the problem posed no risk to customers, and if anyone does experience it they should contact the company on 200700.

‘I suspect it can be a little annoying but I can reassure everyone there is absolutely no danger. We are aware of the issue, albeit it appears that it only affects a very small number of customers. In most of these cases we have already solved the problem, and we are also taking expert advice to find a solution for any others,’ he said.

The new AMR system will signal the end of estimated bills, with customers receiving accurate accounts based on their actual electricity usage. Guernsey Electricity will also no longer require access to their premises to read the meter, because the new meters automatically send billing data to Guernsey Electricity, via the mains supply network.