Regina Implements $20 Monthly Fee for Un-upgraded Water Meters Starting July 2024

Regina residents, take note! The City of Regina is moving forward with a significant change that could impact your monthly utility bill. Starting in the third quarter of 2024, specifically July, a new $20 monthly fee will be applied to water meter users who have not yet transitioned to the city's Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

This move affects approximately 2,000 to 2,500 residential and commercial properties that are still operating with older water meters.

The city has been diligently working for several years to upgrade all 65,000 customer accounts to the state-of-the-art AMR technology. The new system allows utility staff to read water meters remotely, eliminating the need for manual, on-site visits to properties.

The benefits of upgrading to AMR are substantial, both for residents and the city.

For customers, it means more accurate and timely billing, as estimated bills – which can often be a source of frustration and inaccuracy – become a thing of the past. Furthermore, residents no longer need to be home to allow city staff access for meter readings, offering unparalleled convenience and privacy.

For the City of Regina, the AMR system significantly boosts efficiency, reduces operational costs associated with manual readings, and minimizes potential errors.

So, why the new fee? The city explains that the $20 monthly charge is not a revenue-generating initiative. Instead, it's designed to recover the additional costs incurred by the city for continuing to service properties with outdated meters.

These costs include the resources required for manual meter readings, which are far less efficient than the automated system. It also serves as a strong incentive for the remaining holdouts to make the switch.

City officials have emphasized that the program has been well-communicated over the years, with multiple notices sent to affected property owners.

They urge anyone who hasn't yet upgraded to schedule their free installation appointment as soon as possible to avoid the impending surcharge. The installation process is straightforward and free of charge, making the transition as easy as possible for residents.

Don't get caught by surprise when your next utility bill arrives.

If you're one of the few remaining customers on the old system, now is the time to act. Upgrading to AMR ensures you receive accurate bills, enjoy greater convenience, and avoid the additional $20 monthly fee. For more information or to schedule your free upgrade, residents can contact the City of Regina directly by calling 306-777-7000 or sending an email.