| A Forward Focus on Meter Reading
Advanced metering infrastructure, known as AMI in the utility world, is the new direction many utilities across the country and in the region are taking for meter reading and to improve overall system performance.
AMI systems enable utilities to read meters remotely and detect individual customer outages immediately using a digital communications network. Information derived from AMI systems can be used to improve system performance, customer service and operational efficiency. Utilities that have plans to implement AMI technology are expecting significant reductions in annual operating expenses.
Based on initial estimates, the project cost will be approximately $10M, with the expectation that the new meter system would pay for itself within ten years. Once the system is fully operational, annual net savings to Benton PUD are projected to be approximately one million dollars.
A request for proposal (RFP) to furnish an AMI system was issued by Benton PUD in May 2007. After the completion of a business analysis and evaluation of the systems, Benton PUD contracted with Sensus Metering Systems.
As the next-generation of automated meter reading, AMI can offer other applications that would ultimately enable both Benton PUD and our customers to use energy more efficiently. For the utility, AMI would provide more data, giving utility managers more information to improve the operation and maintenance of our system, as well as provide information for power supply decisions. For our customers, it means Benton PUD would be able to provide better information about how power is used, faster service for connects and disconnects, quicker response to outages and fewer billing errors. As we make progress on the decision to implement AMI, we will keep you updated.
- * Better information concerning usage and cost patterns
- * Faster service for connects and disconnects
- * Automatic outage detection enabling pro-active dispatching of crews
- * Savings to Benton PUD are passed to customer through rates
- * Reduces need for Benton PUD to access customer property
- * Fewer meter reading errors and estimated meter reads
- * Improved verification of customer service restoration
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