HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 Purchase of Electric Metersenda Item #
CONSENT
To: Board of Directors
From: Regina Wise
Date: March 01, 2017
Subject: Consideration to Authorize the Purchase of Electric Meters
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board approval is required for expenditures in excess of $15,000.
2. HISTORY
7
The District's electric meters are used to record power consumption of District
customers. District Resolution 2013-19 authorizes the sole source purchase of iTron
electric meters from General Pacific. This sole source procurement is necessary to
maintain compatibility with the District's current electric billing system, particularly
because meters manufactured by other companies do not offer the same integration,
functionality, and quality. General Pacific is the current factory -authorized distributor
of iTron meters for our area.
3. NEW INFORMATION
The District's last large quantity meter purchase was in 2013. Since that time, the
District has procured only small quantities that totaled less than $15,000 annually.
Purchases have been minimized in order to keep inventory low. Lower inventory has
been maintained in anticipation of an upcoming upgrade to the District's electric
meters (AMI Pilot Project) and associated information system.
In 2016, the District did complete an AMI Pilot test project, however the meters tested
did not meet District standards and delayed the upgrade process into FY17. The
delay results in the need to purchase more of the current meters in order to maintain
integrity of billing in the interim, and particular as the failure rate of meters has
increased during this interim period as the existing meters are reaching end of life.
The per meter cost for the standard 200 amp meter is $54.85 for a pallet cost of
$6,585.60. Staff is projecting a need of up to four pallets of residential meters (120
meters per pallet) for FY17 for a total not to exceed amount of $26,342,40,
Additionally, some homes are equipped with a 400 amp meter which is $351.85 each,
staff is projecting a need of up to 80 of these meters in FY17 for a total amount of
$2851480
Although this staff report identifies the total anticipated quantity needed during FY17,
all meters will be ordered only on an as needed basis throughout the year. Staff is
also working on the next AMI Meter Pilot project, and will closely monitor progress to
ensure the District will not have excess inventory on hand that won't be able to be
used once the District transitions from the current meter system to the upgraded meter
system.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds exist in the Electric Utility General Fund for the purchase of electric
meters.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to procure electric meters for FY17 from General
Pacific on an as needed basis not to exceed $54,490, plus shipping and tax.
Jeremy Popov
Administrative Services Manager
Michael D. Holley
General Manager