The City of Lumberton is preparing to upgrade its water and electric metering systems by introducing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a project that aims to modernize utility management across the community. According to city officials, AMI technology will replace manual meter reading with smart meters that use secure radio-frequency signals to automatically transmit usage data.
“Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) uses smart electric and water meters equipped with secure radio-frequency technology to automatically transmit usage data to the City. This eliminates the need for manual meter reading and provides near real-time information that allows issues to be detected and resolved more quickly,” stated city representatives.
City officials said the new system is expected to improve accuracy in billing by reducing estimates and human error, as well as enabling faster detection of leaks, outages, or unusual consumption patterns. The transition will also allow utility crews to respond more rapidly since they will have access to near real-time data, while also minimizing the need for staff visits to residential properties.
The planned installation will see more than 20,000 devices replaced throughout Lumberton. This includes 10,381 electric meters and 12,456 water meter transmitting units (MTUs), alongside several upgraded water meters of various sizes. Seven Data Collection Units (DCUs) will be installed around the city; these DCUs receive meter signals and securely transmit them to Lumberton’s AclaraONE management platform.
Installation work is set to begin at the end of 2025 and continue into 2026. The rollout will occur in phases so each part can be tested before going fully online. Residents are advised that they may notice utility crews working in their neighborhoods during this period.
To keep residents informed about installation progress, crews will leave door hangers at each property after attempting or completing upgrades. If installation is successful, the notice confirms completion and states no further action is needed from residents. If technicians are unable to finish due to access or safety concerns, another hanger will explain what happened and outline next steps.
“No action is required from residents. Most meters are located outdoors and can be replaced without the customer being present. If a brief service interruption is necessary during installation, crews will notify residents on-site,” explained city officials.
A new customer portal provided through VertexOne will allow residents greater visibility into their daily water and electricity usage once AMI goes live. The portal aims to help users monitor trends, spot irregularities such as spikes in consumption, and review billing details with ease.
On privacy concerns regarding data collection through AMI systems, city authorities clarified: “AMI systems measure usage—not personal information. All communication between meters and the City’s network is encrypted and secured using industry-standard technologies. The system does not track customer behavior, personal data, internet activity, or any devices inside the home. It simply records water and electricity consumption.”
Officials say benefits of adopting AMI include improved billing transparency; quicker identification of leaks or other service issues; increased operational efficiency; less fuel use due to fewer manual readings; expanded tools for customers; and enhanced planning for future infrastructure needs.
Residents seeking additional information about the project can contact the City of Lumberton at 910-671-3800.
