CITY OF DELRAY BEACH WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM EVALUATION. Project No

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1 CITY OF DELRAY BEACH WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM EVALUATION Project No February 14, 2012

2 CITY S CURRENT METER READING SYSTEM 1-way communication 20,732 total water meters (3/4 to 10 ) Touch Read (approx. 19,000) Mobile Radio Drive-by Reading (1,800-2,000)

3 2010 Water Audit Results Typical life expectancy for meters is years On average, 80% of City s existing residential meters are 15+ years old Average accuracy is 96%, losing $300K/yr revenue (in 5 years, increases to $500K/yr) Further revenue losses due to inoperable meters & water theft Limitations w/ data access Time for a meter replacement program!

4 MAIN GOALS OF METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Provide an Effective, State of the Art, Reliable Meter Reading System Produce User-Friendly Data that is Easily Accessible

5 AMR VS. AMI AMR = Automatic Meter Reading Touch Read systems Mobile Radio Read Systems AMI = Advanced Metering Infrastructure Fixed networks systems (radio towers or mesh)

6 AUTOMATIC METER READING (AMR) MOBILE RADIO SYSTEM Drive-by Read typically once/month Simpler system but only 1-way communication Cannot read meters from Utility Office Non-reads can be addressed at site by meter reader Reader Software Mobile Data Collection Third Party Billing Software 900 MHz 900 MHz Water meters Download data from receiver to server Interface w/ billing software

7 ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) Latest technology Meters read hourly & info transmitted multiple times per day or on demand via radio signal Two-way communication can access meter information from office Cellular/ Broadband/ Private Network Host (Server) Third Party Billing Software Cell Phone Collectors PDA Web Based User Interface 900 MHz 900 MHz Water Meter Transmitters Information read at host server software & alerts on computer or cellphones Interface w/ billing software

8 ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) Typical Requirements to Implement: Transmitter/encoder on each meter Collectors mounted on towers or City facilities Server & Software for data downloads & interface Interface reading software w/ billing software Optional hand-held device for initiation of transmitters

9 ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) Data available at the office for Customer Service Overall system analytics Real-time alerts & notification Tampering detection Backflow Leak detection On-demand/hourly reads Meter shut-off capabilities (integrated solenoid valve) Late payments Move-in/move-outs Emergency shut-off Host (Server) Cell Phone PDA

10 Example Computer Screens

11 Example Computer Screens

12 Example Computer Screens

13 AMI versus AMR I DON T BELIEVE MY BILL Immediate Meter Reads at Customer Service Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Monthly Nonitemized Bill Week 4 Immediate, hourly read information at customer service creates a transparent bill that customers can believe

14 SYSTEM OPTIONS What were the HOT buttons? Criteria High Priority Medium Priority Cost Consideration Data Management Options: Immediate availability to consumption data Account alerts / no reads / leaks Generate / track work orders Evaluate meter sizing / low flow alerts Enhancement of illegal connection enforcement program Synchronized meter reads Technology Hardware/Software Options: User friendly software (for Customer Service & Utilities) Implement latest technology Utility interface graphics Compatible w/ Finance Software Backhaul method (cellular) Remote water shutoff option Technology Hardware/Software Options: Customer portal Type of communication (licensed RF vs. unlicensed RF) Staffing Requirements / Maximize use of available resources System Reliability: Meter accuracy Meter reading coverage Equipment reliability (incl. battery replacement options) Compatible with existing meters System Experience Warranty Options (10 yr yr. prorated vs. 20 yr.) Low Priority

15 AMR/AMI VENDOR SYSTEMS Received budget level proposals from six system vendors Six (6) were responsive for an AMR system Five (5) were responsive for an AMI system Shortlisted based upon qualifications

16 VENDOR OPTIONS EQUAL CRITERIA Costs comparable between vendors Immediate access to data Provide account alerts for leaks, no reads, etc. Offer enhancement of City s illegal connection enforcement program Data backhaul via cellular or ethernet Maximize use of staff Compatible with other meter brands Compatible with Sungard HTE billing software (programming of interface required) Meter reading coverage over 95% (each read) 100% coverage attainable through multiple reads

17 VENDOR OPTIONS SHORTLIST Badger Best software for analytics, reports, database management Can support remote shut off valve Menu driven customized dashboard Weather/rainfall data link Neptune Overall system health data screens Multiple in-state references Records # of days leak has occurred Can support remote shut off valve Licensed radio frequency Mueller-Hersey Self healing mesh system Excellent screen graphics Uses hydrant caps for repeaters Offers meter with remote shut off valve Sensus Experienced in AMI systems Recently upgraded software Familiar with City Licensed radio frequency

18 AMR/AMI SYSTEM INSTALLATION BUDGET COST ESTIMATES AMR: Furnish & Install: $5.4-$6.7 Million AMI: Furnish & Install: $6.3 - $6.9 Million Add shut off $100- $240/meter Costs include meter replacement and AMR/AMI reading technology.

19 AMR/AMI SYSTEM INSTALLATION Net Present Value SAVINGS & PAYBACK System Net Savings over 15 years 1-Year Program 5-Year Program AMR $3.46M $2.38M AMI $3.83M $2.75M Average Payback (all options) 8-9 years Savings associated with: Revenue recovery from increased meter accuracies Overall Operating Cost Reduction

20 STRATEGIC PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS Recommend AMI system Latest technology Standard bid selection process inviting shortlisted vendors only Bid materials and installation under separate but coordinated contracts 5-year maximum deployment period Geographical deployment method with server & software installed first and then group by areas Utilize dedicated project manager to oversee dayto-day project operations and database construction

21 Thank You! (Questions?)