We’re upgrading our gas customers’ meters to wireless advanced meters through the Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project. Let’s shed some light on what the meter exchange means for our customers and what you need to know before, during and after their meter exchange.

Modernizing our gas meter infrastructure

Some customers have already had their meters upgraded to advanced meters during our regular meter maintenance program. The rest of our more than 1.1 million gas customers will have their meters exchanged between 2025 and 2028. 

Darren Julyan, FortisBC’s AMI program director

Darren Julyan, FortisBC’s AMI program director, explains why it’s important to make these changes to our gas system now. “Our gas meter technology hasn’t substantially changed in more than 100 years. This is a crucial update that will modernize our metering technology. Wireless advanced meters are widely and safely used by utilities across North America. The meters will provide additional customer service benefits and safety enhancements.”

Advanced meter benefits

Once the advanced meters are connected to our private wireless network¹, some of the future benefits they will provide include:

Increased convenience and safety enhancements

• Gas customers will be able to access daily gas use information through Account Online.
• We won't need to enter customers’ properties to read meters manually in most cases.
• We’ll have the ability to disconnect gas remotely if we become aware of an emergency, such as a gas leak, wildfire, flood or earthquake.

What to know before your meter exchange

We’ll notify residents in advance when we plan to exchange meters in their community. Here’s what you need to know before the day of the exchange:

• There is no charge for the new advanced meter.
• Most customers won’t need to make an appointment to have it installed.
• Keep the area around your meter clear of shrubs, debris, vehicles or stored items. This will assist our crews with the exchange, and to ensure safe operation of your meter.
• In the winter, please make sure your meter is free of ice and snow.

What to expect on the day of your meter exchange

From a knock at your door, to relighting your gas appliances, here is what to expect on the day of your meter exchange:

• Before the technician begins their work, they’ll present you with identification, confirming they’re a FortisBC employee or approved contractor, and authorized to conduct the meter exchange.
• To safely complete their work, the technician may need to shut off your gas service. If your current meter already has a bypass valve, there will be no service interruption. If your meter doesn’t have a bypass valve, they will need to shut off your gas to make the exchange. Where possible, they’ll install a bypass valve during the installation so there will be one available for future meter maintenance work.
• If you’re home during the exchange, the technician may need to enter your home to relight your appliances once the work is complete. If you’re not home, we’ll leave information about who to contact to have gas appliances relit.
• The installation will take approximately one hour.

The meter exchange was super easy, smooth and efficient. The technician came to the door and identified himself, then explained why he was exchanging the meter and walked me through the steps. He had to turn the gas off temporarily, but it was only for a couple of minutes. He relit the gas and came into our home to see if any appliances needed to be reset—we have newer appliances, so everything came back on automatically.

Jim Michaux, Aldergrove homeowner and FortisBC gas customer

Our commitment to safety

Advanced meters have undergone rigorous testing to ensure accuracy, safety and integrity. They’re approved for use by Measurement Canada and meet Canadian Standards Association certification, as well as the radio frequency safety standards set out by Health Canada.

When it comes to meter installation, Darren says the importance of closely following standard safety practices can’t be overstated. “We prioritize safety in everything we do. Safety is one of FortisBC’s guiding principles. Our technicians follow stringent safety protocols and procedures when conducting meter work.”

Darren points out that FortisBC already has a great deal of experience installing advanced meters. “We safely conduct up to 60,000 meter exchanges annually as part of our regular meter maintenance program. Plus, we upgraded our electricity customers to advanced meters more than 10 years ago.”

If you have questions, or would like more information, visit the Gas AMI Project page and sign up for our newsletter to receive project updates.

¹Many of the future benefits from advanced meters are connected to FortisBC’s private wireless network, which is expected to be ready in 2025. We’ll advise customers when benefits are available in their area. While we encourage everyone to take advantage of the benefits advanced meters offer, there will be a radio-off option for those who want to have their gas meter read manually.