DISTRIBUTECH's Annual Conference and Exhibition

We recently attended DISTRIBUTECH's Annual Conference and Exhibition.  This conference features the latest in Advanced Metering infrastructure (AMI) and management technologies.  There was a record attendance; over 2,200 attendees featuring over 275 exhibits serving the electric, gas, and water utility industries. 

The biggest trend was that more utilities are moving to fixed network systems, especially those featuring two way communications systems.  Such systems provide the utility with additional management and operational capabilities:

• Operation of in-line shut off valves that can be activated from the utility via the communication network.
• Collection of leak detection information from monitoring devices located throughout the water distribution system
• Unprecedented amounts of meter reading data for usage management, rate setting and conservation management
• In-home devices that enable the customer to see how much water they are using

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) is making an important transition that will be important to you - Advanced Metering.  Advanced Metering moves beyond the simple reading of a meter and issuing a bill.  It represents automation of service delivery, providing a proactive management of water resources and customer services.

We visited five water meter and six Advanced Metering manufacturers serving the water industry, each with their own mobile and fixed network technology approaches.  We also visited seven vendors providing installation, data management, and specialty installation materials and supplies.  This represents a significant and perhaps bewildering number of choices for water utilities in meeting their needs.  There are many choices available to you.  It will be important to develop an Advanced Metering vision and strategy that is customer driven.  For those who have installed AMR, it is important to evaluate if it met your expectations and delivered the longevity and level of service promised.

Please contact MAI to learn more about the value of Advanced Metering Management and the services we can provide that will benefit your metering management system.

Kenneth Molli of McDonough Associates has published an article titled "Fundamentals in Advanced Metering for Water Systems". Click here to view this article.