Residents in Drumheller may notice more of the presence of ATCO Electric workers as it completes its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program.
According to its website, “AMI is an integrated system comprising of AMI meters, radio gateways that collect the meter read data, communication networks, and data management systems.
AMI meters are digital electricity meters that measure how much electricity is used and when it is used. Using two-way communication, these meters digitally record and reports consumption in real-time back to ATCO. AMI meters eliminate the use of physical meter reads, resulting in lower operating costs for customers. AMI meters have been implemented all over North America including in Canada from the prairies to the territories.
In Drumheller, that means about 4,300 units will be installed. Urban work in Drumheller will be completed by the end of 2024 and other areas will be covered in 2025 and 2026.
“AMI technology has many benefits such as faster power outage restoration times, reduced operating costs, improved meter reading accuracy, and the ability to detect when some of our infrastructure is deteriorating and in need of replacement,” said Doris Kaufmann Woodcock, Manager, Media Relations & Communications, ATCO. “Importantly, as this is another step towards modernizing our grid, AMI can support those customers wanting to connect their homes or businesses with electronic energy monitoring systems.”
These new meters use a radio frequency to receive and send information, but the emissions are minimal and aligned with Health Canada Standards. They use the same frequency used by everyday items such as baby monitors or garage door openers. Because of the low power signal, there are no health risks.
The website notes the changeover is relatively painless. An ATCO representative will present themselves and explain the process. Power will be disconnected for about 5 minutes for the removals and installation of the new meter.

The Rumsey Ride for STARS is going into its 35th year and is riding high in the saddle after breaking its $1 million milestone last year.
The Ride is STARS’ longest consecutively held fundraiser and throughout its history has taken on many new and different developments. Today the Ride has become iconic.
“We had the big accomplishment last year …and our group said let’s keep’er going. STARS is so important to everybody,” said one of the organizers Rob Richmond. “They always say it is more than a tradition in Rumsey–and it really is.”
“We want to leave a legacy, and one of the things that STARS does is as you continue on with your event, in order to keep the logos on the chopper you have to raise at least $15,000 at your event,” explains Richmond.
Last year the event was able to raise about $42,000, bringing its grand total to about $1,020,000.
The Annual ride on the ground goes on Sunday, August 11. Like in the last few years ground central is the Rumsey Agriplex.
They will be using the “Ride for a Million” route on the Nature Trail to Rumsey and back.
The event enjoys great community support and the Rumsey Volunteer Fire Department will be providing breakfast for riders as well as a beef dinner to wrap up the day.
Other pieces making the day so special include a silent auction and quilt raffle. There is also a poker rally with a $5 a-hand buy-in and Jill Brodie will be on site with her Ducks and Dogs Demo.
“We have such a great partnership with the Rumsey Ag Society,” said Richmond. “If it wasn’t for them we would have never been able to pull it off.”
While the ride is an exciting day, it is more than a one-day event. The Rumsey Ride is back with its online auction. This is a great fundraiser for people who want to support the cause but are not able to attend.
They also have kept up the tradition of Your Ride for STARS, where you can participate by collecting pledges and doing your own individual ride.
Of course Richmond also has his own project to raise funds. This year it is “Rob and Angie’s Walk 5 for 35”. This is on August 10, it is a 5k walk around Rumsey. Last year he had about 20 people come out to walk and many more sent in pledges.