Today, the city’s 4,865 electric and 4,073 water meters are read by three part-time employees who enter data into handheld devices taken back to the office for processing. That system costs the city 32 cents per meter, per month, Shaw said.
In addition to transmitting data to a central location, the automatic systems can be used for demand management and load control, remote disconnect-reconnect, and sharing of information on time of use rate level, among other functions.
Shaw said the study showed the city is “well-suited for a wireless system” with its relatively flat land, pockets of housing, open spaces and a centralized water tower. A study of signal propagation would be needed.
The new meters would allow for more accurate measurement of use, and higher billings, Shaw said.
Cost estimates on meter replacement and automatic systems ranged from $1.4 million to $2.5 million.
“We have to do something. The meters need to be replaced,” City Manager Jon Crusey said. At minimum, Crusey said the city needs to see proposals for meter replacements, and then proposals for an automatic reading system. In the meantime, the city staff will continue to look for grants and other possible funding sources.
Money is in the city budget this year to begin meter replacements, said Christy Butera, assistant city utilities director. An automated system would help the city as it deals with coming changes in the electric industry, she said. “The reality is, we need to step off the curb,” Butera said.
Councilwoman Vickie Blakey said the question is where does the city “jump in” with the various technologies available. As an example, she pointed to broadband over power lines technology that was considered by the city a few years ago but now is out of favor.
Shaw said broadband over power lines has been a “big disappointment,” but other technologies are more suited to the automated reading, and are being used successfully.
Once the meter system is replaced, a schedule to replace meters will be implemented to avoid a wholesale replacement program in the future, Butera said.
In neighboring Troy, installation of an automatic meter reading system on water meters is expected to be complete by summer’s end.
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