Your Meter
Crawford Electric's system is served by automated meter reading (AMR) transmitters. 
The AMR system we’re using is called the "Turtle." The Turtle transmitter is a circuit board that has optical sensors to record the number of times the disk in the meter rotates as electricity is being used. This information is then sent over the power lines back to receivers located in the substation that serves that meter.
The system is called a "turtle" because it uses patented ultra narrow bandwidth technology to very slowly send the meter’s information to the substation receiver, explained Mark Voss, the co-op’s electrical engineer. Depending on the data the Turtle is instructed to collect, this transmission can take anywhere from 13 to 27 hours. The data at the substations is downloaded into a host computer at co-op headquarters for analysis.
The AMR system has many advantages for members:
 Better customer service
Accurate, timely readings
Usage-pattern information
All meters are locked for safety and security. These locks should only be removed by authorized cooperative personnel. If you need your meter unlocked, call the co-op office for assistance.
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