HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 Meter database upgrade aclaraone rev 1TRUCKEE DONNER
Public Utility District
MEETING DATE
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
RECOMMENDATION:
July 6, 2022
Board of Directors
AGENDA ITEM #12
Chad J. Reed, Water Utility Director
Consideration to Approve Water Utility Meter Database
Upgrade
APPROVED BY
Brian C. Wright, General Manager
Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with ACALRAONE, to upgrade
meter reading database, in the amount of $62,146.40.
BACKGROUND:
Nearly all of the water meters in the District use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
technology to read the meters. AMI process uses radio -based technology to read water
meters, which eliminates the need for manual meter reads. This method requires four
separate pieces of equipment to take water consumption and convert it to usage so our
customers' bills can be calculated. The four pieces are the meter, transponder, radio and
customer consumption database. The system works when the water flowing through the
meter is converted to digital signal which equals the gallons used. The total read is then
transmitted to the radio (grey box) and sends the read via a special radio network to our
customer consumption ACLARA database. These periodic reads are then received,
stored and retrieved from the customer consumption ACLARA (SQL) database.
This database is also used to receive the reads so our customers can be accurately billed
for the water they have used. Another benefit of this system is the ability to help detect
leaks (continuous usage for more than 24 hours). Another benefit of the system is
customer service staff can work with customers when high bills are received to help
determine when and how much water is being used.
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Figure 1 Neptune meter with an ACLARA Transponder
The first two pieces of the system (meter and transponder) have been updated by the
District over the past three years and the majority of the original units (installed in 2009-
2010) were replaced in 2019 and 2020. However the customer consumption database is
the original database that was installed in 2009-2010, and ACLARA has informed staff
that the software will no longer be supported after 12/31/2022. ACLARA also informed
staff that if the District would like to continue to receive support they will need to update
the database to ACLARAONE. Staff has been informed by ACLARA that the
implementation process will take approximately 40 days.
ANALYSIS/Body:
Staff has examined and explored three options:
• Continue with the existing unsupported database.
o This option is not supported by staff due to the potential security and
business continuity risks associated with operating with an unsupported
database
• Seek alternative AMI technology providers.
o This option is not supported by the staff due to the significant costs and
operational impacts during a significant technology transition
• Work with ACLARAONE staff and update the current system
o This option is supported by District staff for the following reasons:
■ Extended support
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■ Restore lost benefits of the system (hourly meter reads for
customers, leak alarms for customers... )
■ Out of date database are susceptible to security issues and
vulnerability.
Staff has placed a high priority on this database upgrade to ensure business
continuity and billing accuracy.
Goals and Objectives:
This item is in support of the following goals and objectives:
District Code1.05.020 Objectives:
3. Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet current
and future needs.
6. Manage the District in an effective, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
Strategic Goals:
1. Manage for Financial Stability and Resiliency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Water IT capital expenditure budget for 2022 is $462,900 with a forecast of $117,085
prior to/excluding this project. Including this $62,114 project, Water IT capital
expenditures for 2022 are forecasted to be $179,199, for a variance of $283,701 less than
budget. The annual maintenance support cost will also be affected by this upgrade,
currently the District is paying $4,961(GL 2.9.902.00.483) and after the upgrade the
District annual cost will be $13,404. This annual increase of $8,443 equates to less than
0.01 % of annual water operating expense budget and will decrease year-end operating
reserve by approximately 0.15%.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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