FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2005

CONTACT:  Bob Schettler, (760) 482-9609

(EL CENTRO, Calif.) – Imperial Irrigation District’s energy meter readers will soon be changing their routes so the District can provide better and more efficient service.

Finance Officer Belen Valenzuela, IID Business and Customer Relations, told the Board on June 14 that the tremendous amount of growth in the Imperial and Coachella valleys makes it essential for the meter reading routes to be updated so IID can provide a more consistent and efficient meter reading process for all customers.

During the transition to the new routes, customers may notice a difference on their July bill. Since the day the customers’ meters will be read will change, some customers may notice a higher or lower than normal energy bill during this billing period.

The scheduled meter readings during the transition month of July will measure energy consumption for the month of June and part of July. The schedule will be based on the number of days required to implement the updated meter-reading schedule.

After the transition month, the number of days between meter readings should be consistent, regardless of the growth in the Imperial and Coachella valleys.

“The updated routing process will also benefit the customer by increasing the consistency of their billing period and decreasing overtime,” Valenzuela said. “We can rebalance our meter reading routes quarterly to allow for current and future growth.”

Said Chief Financial Officer Kris Fontaine: “We’re hopeful that our customers will work with us to make this transition month as painless as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. We have staffed our call center to handle any questions during this transition month.”

The following areas can expect to receive their July bill with the following days of consumption:   

• 36-48 days of consumption – Brawley, Westmorland, Calipatria, Niland, Heber, Calexico, Ocotillo and Southwest El Centro

• Less than 26 days of consumption – The remaining areas of El Centro, Holtville, and Imperial.

  

• 36-48 days of consumption – Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta and Thousand Palms.

  

• Less than 26 days of consumption – Coachella, Indio and Thermal. Those customers who will receive their energy bill that contains a meter reading for 36 days or more will be given more time to pay their bill.