Customer Options
By default, smart meters transmit your energy and water usage to EWEB without the need for technicians to come to your property monthly to read meter data. However, most customers can elect to have their meters manually read.
The Account Holder is the only person authorized to make a choice among the following options:
Automatic Meter Reading: EWEB will install a smart meter with communications enabled. Communicating meters provide outage detection and other advanced services. This is the default option, does not require any action by the customer, and incurs no additional costs.
Manual Meter Reading: EWEB will install a smart meter. After establishing system connection, the meter’s communication functionality, including the radio transmission capability, will be turned off so that the meter does not transmit usage data to EWEB. This option requires a manual meter read, will include a monthly fee to be determined at a future date, and must be elected by contacting EWEB.
Account Holders may elect to have the meter’s communication functionality, including the radio transmission capability, turned off except under the following conditions:
- Customer or Account Holder has Tampered with EWEB Facilities or Diverted Utility Services.
- Customer or Account Holder has not provided safe and necessary access to meters.
- A condition on the property or conduct of the Customer, or anyone under the Customer’s reasonable control, significantly affects an employee’s ability to perform work related functions due to a protected status such as, but not limited to, race or sex.
- Account Holder is on a General Service Price Schedule.
- Customer is enrolled in a program that requires a communicating meter.
An account holder's preference applies to all services on the account. Customers who request Manual Meter Reading will not be able to receive advanced services that require communicating electric and/or water meters. Advanced services include water leak detection, automatic power outage notification, as well as access to more detailed consumption information and new pricing plans in the future.
The Manual Meter Reading option is tied to a specific account. If you move to another address within EWEB's service territory, you will need to make a new request. If your preference changes, please notify EWEB so we can update your account accordingly.
Fees for Manual Meter Reading
EWEB plans to introduce fees in 2026 for customers who choose Manual instead of Automatic Meter Reading. The proposed fees will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for review at the May 5, 2026 board meeting, and submitted for potential approval at the June 2, 2026 Board meeting. Customers and community members are welcome to attend and provide public comment at those meetings.
If adopted, fees will take effect July 1, 2026.
For more information about how fees are calculated, why they are being introduced, and how to participate in the public process, see the questions below.
- May 5, 2026 Board memo: To be added May 1
- May 6, 2025 Board memo: Customer Service Policy: Future Manual Meter Reading Fees (PDF)
How to request Manual Meter Reading:
- As of Dec. 2024, customers must wait until the smart meter is installed before requesting Meter Reading. The request cannot be made in advance of installation. Learn what to expect when upgrades are scheduled for your neighborhood.
- Once the smart meter is installed, please contact Customer Service at 541-685-7000 or eweb.answers@eweb.org.
If you previously requested Manual Meter Reading and would like to update to Automatic Meter Reading, please contact EWEB Customer Service at 541-685-7000 or eweb.answers@eweb.org.
Common questions about Manual Meter Reading
Why is EWEB introducing fees for Manual Meter Reading now?
Smart meter deployment is substantially complete across EWEB's service territory. As the utility transitions fully to automated meter reading, manual meter reading is no longer part of our standard operations — it's an additional service that requires separate staffing, vehicle trips, equipment, and administrative processing.
EWEB's rates and fees are based on the actual cost of providing services. When a service requires resources beyond what standard operations cover, the customers who choose that service pay for it — rather than those costs being spread across all customers. This is the same principle behind other EWEB fees, such as after-hours service call fees and fees for truck rolls required for certain service connections. Manual Meter Reading fees follow that same cost-of-service approach.
How are the proposed fees calculated?
As manual meter reading is no longer part of our standard operating model, it is now considered an additional cost. The proposed fees reflect the actual cost of providing this service, including:
- Labor: Staff time for monthly site visits
- Transportation: Vehicle mileage, fuel, and maintenance
- Systems & Equipment: Legacy systems and tools required for manual reads
- Data Processing: Administrative and system handling of manually collected data
Fee levels will be reviewed annually. As fewer customers use Manual Meter Reading over time, certain fixed costs will be shared among a smaller group, so fees may increase in future years.
How can I participate in the public process?
The Board of Commissioners will review the proposed Manual Meter Reading fees at the May 5, 2026 public Board meeting, and vote on June 2, 2026. These are open meetings and members of the public are welcome to attend and provide comment. Find information about meeting logistics.
What happens if fees are adopted?
If the Board adopts the fees on June 2, fees will take effect July 1, 2026. Customers currently enrolled in Manual Meter Reading will receive notice before fees take effect.
I’m concerned about affordability. How can I get assistance with my bill?
We understand that utility costs are a real concern for some customers. If you are having difficulty affording your bill, EWEB offers bill assistance for income-qualifying customers that can help reduce your overall utility costs. Learn more at EWEB.org/assistance.
Customers may switch to Automatic Meter Reading, which incurs no additional fees, at any time by contacting EWEB Customer Service.
Is EWEB using savings associated with smart meters to offset costs to customers?
Yes, the cost savings from smart meters—such as reduced labor, transportation, and administrative processing—have been incorporated into overall customer rates. These efficiencies help keep rates lower for the majority of customers than they would be without smart meter technology.
Can I keep the old meter or choose the type of meter?
No. Equipment standardization is important for safety and efficiency, as it impacts people, processes, and information systems. But more significantly, analog meters are outdated technology and no longer industry standard for electric utilities.
The meter at your service address is owned and operated by EWEB. Customer Service Policy allows for the Account Holder to choose a non-communicating mode for the meter; it does not allow the customer to choose the meter type or model.
How can I tell if the meter is set to non-communicating/Manual Meter Reading mode?
The meter will display "opt-out" as shown below.
Meter access
Utility personnel need to be able to access meters at any time, whether for maintenance, inspections, or during a power outage. If satisfactory access to the meter for exchange or other utility purposes is not provided, the Customer Service Policy authorizes EWEB actions that include the following:
- Disconnection of service
- Disqualification from the ability to elect a manually read, non-transmission meter setting
- Charge the Account Holder fees in accord with the published Schedule of Fees
