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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 Phase 1 Electric Meter Replacement Projectda 1 To: k�oartl of Directors From: Joe Horvath Date: November 01, 2017 Subject: Review the Results for the Phase 1 Electric Meter Replacement Project 1. VtIHY THIS MATTER 15 BEF®RE ThIE BOARD This workshop item is to provide the Board with an update on the results and evaluation of the Phase 1 electric meter replacement project. 2. HISTORY The District has operated an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system for electric customers for almost 20 years. The AMR system consists of electric meters with built- in radio modules that transmit energy consumption data (one-way only) on a monthly basis to truck -mounted collector units. District personnel must drive by every electric meter to obtain monthly energy usage information for all electric customers. This system has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced. Newer Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems are a significant update to older AN technology. AMI systems are two-way communications capable and can collect hourly data, generate on -demand readings, and monitor power quality to name just a few advantages. In April, 201i the Board approved a Phase 1 project agreement with Tantalus Systems (Tantalus) using their Rr mesh technology AMI system. The scope of the Phase 1 project included about 300 meters, approximately 280 of which would be for residential customers and the balance for commercial customers. The Phase 1 project required one pole -mounted data collector unit (DCU) to be placed at a location where District optical cable network infrastructure was in place for back haul communications capability. The project evaluation time frame was for a period of 00 days, commencing upon the successful installation of the meters, data collector unit, and the Tantalus software. The Tantalus software sends energy consumption data to the District's billing systems and is also used for meter system management. K District staff worked diligently to install the necessary hardware, including meters and the DCU, and proactively communicate with Phase 1 project area customers. District staff also worked actively to integrate the Tantalus software into the District's NISC billing and customer information system. Our overall assessment of Tantalus's electric AMI system is that it is a mature, robust and fully functional system that will meet District needs now and into the future. Our summary evaluation of the Tantalus system is as follows: Meter Read Rate -The incustry average meter read rate target ranges between 96 to 99 percent and is a key metric for measuring system performance. The Tantalus system achieved a meter read rate of between 99 to 100 percent for hourly reads which is well above industry average targets. The meter read rate was close to 100 percent for daily reads which is significantly above industry average targets. Software Integration � The Tantalus software was successfully integrated into the District's NISC billing and customer information system. The result is that daily meter readings are being placed into the NISC system and that we can reliably bill our customers. District staff can also perform on -demand meter reads remotely, a key performance requirement. In addition, District staff can remotely disconnect and reconnect a single phase meter through the NISC system, another key performance requirerent. The Tantalus software was also successfully integrated into the District's outage management system. An electric meter that experiences an outage event automatically sends a notification message to our outage management system. The meter also sends an automatic notification when power is restored. The District will know in real time when power is lost and when it restored at every meter without the customer needing to notify the District. Meters -The District has used both Itron and GE meters in our AMR system for the last 15 years. Our experience with GE meters has been very problematic, including failed displays and outright meter failures. In contrast, we have had virtually no failures with Itron meters over the years. The Tantalus system uses Itron brand electric meters exclusively. There have been no out -of -the -box or other failures on any kind for the 300 meters installed for the Phase 1 project. Based on our experience, we believe that Itron meters are the best way to serve our customers now and into the future. Tantalus Software -The Tantalus software is a mature and highly functional product. It is in its fourth major release since 2002. The software interface is easy to use effectively with only a minimal amount of training. We believe this is a very significant advantage in moving forward with the Tantalus solution. System Acceptance Tests -System acceptance tests were performed to verify the functionality, accuracy and reliability of the Tantalus system. The tests included: network operations, meter activation and reporting, on -request meter reads, meter energy and voltage profiles, outage and restoration detection, billing read imports, and disconnect/reconnect functionality. The result was a successful outcome for all tests. The Tantalus system offering, including the use of Itron meters, meets and exceeds the District's overall performance expectations. Based on our excellent experier�ce with Tantalus, and their proven track record at more than 100 other public power utilities many of whom use NISC for billing, we believe that a Tantalus system is the best technology to achieve District goals and objectives for a successful electric meter replacement program. 4. FISCAL. IMPACT The District has planned for a meter replacement program through the Financial Master flan. Capital funds have been budgeted for electric meter replacement in FY18 and FYI 9. 5. I�ECOMM�NDATION Receive this report and provide comments. Stephen Hollabaugh Assistant General Manager Michael D. Holley General Manager