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All GUC meters have been tested and checked for accuracy prior to installation. GUC uses the latest technology, Automated Meter Reading (AMR), to ensure that meter readings are accurate every time.  

AMR eliminates the need for Meter Readers to walk from house to house, visually recording meter readings. Instead, meter data is transmitted through a radio transmitter that is installed on the meter. GUC vehicles equipped with on-board computers automatically collect accurate meter readings simply by being in the vicinity of the metered property. Some of the high-powered meters can be read from a distance as far as ½ mile.

The focus of AMR is customer service and this technology offers many benefits. Customers with hard-to-read meters no longer have to make special arrangements to have their meters read.  AMR also allows GUC to meet the needs of our growing customer base, currently increasing at a rate of 4% a year, without having to bring on additional Meter Technicians and vehicles. In addition, AMR decreases meter tampering and utility theft, as well as personal injuries.

AMR allows GUC to build on its impressive record of accuracy. Our Meter Technicians have always done a fantastic job. They collect over 1.4 million readings a year with an accuracy rate over 99.99%. AMR continues this tradition of excellence with greater efficiency.

Customers sometimes ask if we estimate meter readings. Click here to learn more.

Want to learn more about reading your own meter? Click here for more details.

Energy Theft & Meter Tampering

Energy theft affects all of us. Meter tampering and energy theft are hazardous.  In most instances where energy is being stolen, dangerous situations have been discovered.  Attempting to bypass or tamper with electric, gas or water meters can result in serious injury or death from fire, explosion or electrocution.  There are shock and fire hazards not only to the thief, but also innocent family members, friends, neighbors and GUC employees.  Even if the danger does not occur at the time of the theft, the meter is often left in an unsafe condition that is potentially dangerous to others.

When utilities are unlawfully consumed, the reality is that honest, paying customers are the ones who suffer. Just as shoplifters drive up the price of merchandise in stores, those who tamper with meters to get “free” energy drive up energy costs for everyone.

Greenville Utilities is serious about protecting our customers from the dangers and increased costs caused by energy theft.  Our employees are trained to detect signs of meter tampering and energy theft.  They can also use computer analysis of metering data to further determine energy theft.  Those individuals caught stealing energy are subject to immediate disconnection of service, civil collection proceedings and the possibility of criminal prosecution that can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

How You Can Help

Anonymous tips from customers are an important means to investigating potential energy theft. If you notice any of the following, it could indicate meter tampering and/or energy theft:

• A person other than a GUC employee working on a meter.
• A person other than a GUC employee digging near underground lines or tampering with overhead power lines.
• Someone talking about how low their energy consumption or energy bills are because of by-passing their meter.
• An upside-down meter.
• A cut or missing meter seal.
• A meter missing from the socket while the lights, heat or air conditioning are being used.
• A meter socket bypassed with jumper cables.

If you notice any suspicious activity or a meter that shows signs of tampering, please call us at 551-1479. And remember, we want your information; not your name.

Working together, we can reduce energy theft, and reduce the risk of danger and minimize energy costs for all of our customers.