(KNZA)--Westar Energy has begun a meter replacement project in the Atchison and Hiawatha areas.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting local residents of the project.  He said the company will be replacing all meters during the next three to four months.  

Westar is in the midst of a multi-year project to upgrade decades old analog meters with new digital “Smart Meters” that remotely send information to Westar about each account’s energy use.

The company has completed almost 600,000 meter changeouts over the last three years and they are wrapping up their last 100,000+  meters.

Merchant says most meter changeouts will be completed by Westar personnel in Westar trucks and clothing.  He says there are also  four contractors who work for Oasi staffing or Aerotek staffing but their time in the  area will be limited.  The contractors will have yellow vests that state they are Westar contractors and large vehicle magnets with the same.

All employees and contractors have Westar identification as well.

Those with questions or concerns are urged to contact their local law enforcement agency.