Plans are in the works to upgrade every water meter in Troy to electric ones. The upgrades, which are funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, will be done in the next two years.
“It will provide a lot to customers,” said Brian Chandler, Troy’s electrical superintendent. “If they continue to have high usage, it can alert customers they may have a leak. People can access and manage their own usage.”
Mayor Jason Reeves said the system would be a more efficient one for Troy and benefit its residents.
“We can remotely cut on and remotely cut off water,” he said. “They’ll be able to see what’s going on with their bill on a daily basis.”
Other Pike County residents will be getting similar upgrades through the fund. Goshen will have meters upgraded within the year and has planned a public hearing regarding the project Thursday evening.
“Brundidge is installing something now and South Alabama Electric has had something for several years,” said Chandler.
The upgrades will be done in stages. Chandler said the electrical system would be upgraded as funding became available and the water meters will be installed by city employees.
Because there will no longer be a need to visit homes and read meters, those positions will be eliminated.
Reeves said no one would lose their jobs because of the upgrade. The city plans to incorporate those employees into other positions.
“We think we can handle some of that with attrition,” he said.