Infomaniacs: April 20, 2012 (6:15am)

Media Release 10/26/2026: (BRYAN, TX) – Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) is set to begin a meter exchange project that will upgrade roughly 50,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) units across its service territory over the next five years. This work is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 2, 2026, weather permitting. Since 2011, BTU has utilized “smart” meters that send usage data electronically to ensure accurate billing without the need for technicians to visit each customer’s property monthly. After fifteen years of usage, many of those original meters are approaching the end of their expected service life. “These meters have served their purpose well, but no piece of equipment lasts forever,” BTU General Manager Doug Lyles said. “We’d much rather replace them on our own timeline, methodically and carefully, as opposed to addressing issues retroactively.” BTU is planning to handle installations with in-house meter technicians and purchased the new meters in bulk, decisions that were made in the interest of keeping costs minimal. “Buying in bulk and using our own trained crews means we can do this work without passing unnecessary costs on to the people we serve,” Lyles said. “Our focus will always be on accomplishing major projects responsibly, affordably, and safely.” What can customers expect? The project will roll out in phases over the next five years, with over 9,000 meters scheduled to be replaced annually. Throughout the course of the project, customers will see updates on BTU social media accounts and the BTU website with general information and reminders to keep the area around their meter clear and accessible. Closer to their actual swap date, customers that have opted in to text notifications will get a heads up the week before a crew is scheduled to access their property. Emails will be sent to addresses BTU has on file as well. After a crew has visited your property, a door hanger will be placed indicating a successful installation or a need to return another time. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information current and confirm they are opted in to text alerts from Text Power. Updates can be made at btutilities.com/contact-update or by calling customer service at (979) 821-5700. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

A Bryan man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of cocaine and methamphetamine. Bryan Police Department stopped a white Chevrolet Silverado on West Dodge Street around 12:30am Saturday morning. Officers say 36-year-old Felix Carbajal-Morales appeared confused and showed signs of intoxication during the stop. A search of his pickup uncovered several bags containing approximately 6.48 grams of methamphetamine and 4.84 grams of cocaine. Police also found packaging materials and other evidence consistent with drug distribution. Carbajal-Morales was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Driving While Intoxicated. He is being held on $55,000 bond and an ICE Detainer. This is his eighth booking in the Brazos County Jail. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Deputies took 37 pounds of Cocaine and Fentanyl off the streets during a traffic stop on Saturday. MCSO conducted the stop for a violation on IH-45 at around 7:00pm. Jose Cruz Esquivel Venegas and Veronica Garza Torres were taken into custody and transported to the Madison County Jail. A seven-year-old child was present in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop and Child Protective Services was contacted regarding the child’s welfare. Jose Cruz Esquivel Venegas was charged with two counts of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (penalty group 1,400 grams or more), which is a First-Degree Felony, and Endangering a Child, which is a Third-Degree Felony. He also had warrants out of Fayette County for Failure to Appear: Possession of a Controlled Substance (penalty group 1,400 grams or more), and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair. In 2012, Esquivel Venegas was sentenced to 24 months in prison after he and five members of the Gulf Cartel were convicted of bribing a public official. Veronica Garza Torres was charged with two counts of Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance (penalty group 1,400 grams or more), which is a First-Degree Felony. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.