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Department City Manager’s Office
Reference: Presentation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System for discussion.
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: Michael Woodruff, Director of Infrastructure
Date Prepared: November 30, 2018
PURPOSE
Provide background information regarding the proposed implementation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System for reading, recording and billing operations associated with the City’s water metering system.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
Supportive, Sustainable Infrastructure
Financially Responsible
Innovative, Data-Driven Results-Focused City Government
BACKGROUND
Identifying, purchasing and implementation of a smart read system that will focus billing cycles to a range of no more than 28-31 days each month, which allows for more consistent billing is one of the components of the 75-day Work Plan. Staff immediately began the task of researching the options available for the implementation of a smart read system to address this 75-day Work Plan objective.
As a result of staff’s research, they identified an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System that is compatible with the City’s existing metering infrastructure. The system identified is the Itron Choice Connect Fixed Network AMI System.
The Itron Choice Connect Fixed Network AMI System is directly compatible and an upgrade to the City’s current Itron AMR metering program. The AMI System will utilize the recently installed Itron 100W+ Communication Modules (ERT’s) on our metering system, making transition to the AMI system a less complicated and less costly.
Currently, the City performs meter reading utilizing the AMR system by driving throughout the City and collecting meter reads through a unit contained inside the vehicle on four weekly routes each month. The data is then downloaded into our billing system for processing and billing. At this time, billing cycle days fluctuate on a month to month basis with some customers receiving bills that exceed 31 days of use one month and fewer than 28 days in another month.
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Fixed Network automates meter data collection using wireless communications to collect meter readings and data. Collector units and repeaters are located at various locations throughout the City to collect detailed meter readings and data on a regular and on-going basis. Through software integration the information is then processed through the City’s billing system. The system is also compatible with the City’s “Water Smart” program and will provide an available, easy to use information portal for residents to view information regarding their water consumption and conservation efforts. The system will also allow the City to refine its current billing sequence to achieve a targeted 28 to 31 day billing cycle.
In addition, two-way communications to the meter and time synchronized interval data collection provide advanced data collection capabilities for increases in operational efficiencies, enhanced levels of customer service and improvements in system integrity.
While not proposed in this initial implementation, the AMI system does allow for system enhancements such as leak detection and remote shut-off/turn-off to be added to the system in the future at additional costs.
Staff prepared an RFP which was advertised on November 20, 2018.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Proposals are due on December 10, 2018, staff is estimating the costs to be over $1 million, although no proposal has been received yet as of the writing of this report. This project and funding is proposed in the City’s 2019 Annual Budget, pending City Council approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System be installed, pending City Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS
PowerPoint Presentation