Manual Meter Reading Begins in Pocatello Following Winter Hiatus
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The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello.
POCATELLO — Crews with the City of Pocatello Utility Billing Department have started manually reading water meters around the city.
From December through February, the Utility Billing Department estimates water consumption rather than physically reading the meter for residences in the bench areas and areas that are harder to get to.
“When the meter vault is opened during the winter, it allows cold air in and there is the potential for the meter to freeze,” said Cindy Robbins, Utility Billing Director. “By not opening the vault, the meter stays warmer and when it snows, the snow acts as an insulator, protecting the meter.”
Because of the estimates, customers will notice billing adjustments on their March statements. Customers will be credited if actual consumption is lower than estimated but bills will be adjusted higher if consumption was over the estimates.
This year, the City will continue to outfit water meters around Pocatello with Electronic Reading Transmitters. The new transmitters allow for readings to be taken by a vehicle being driven down the road. Officials estimate all water meters in the city will have the devices by 2019, which will then eliminate the winter estimate period.
If you have questions about your account, contact the Utility Billing Department at 234-6241 or via email at utilities@pocatello.us.