HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - August 18, 1999 E-18CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Approve Standardization of Demand and Time -of -Use Solid State Meters
MEETING DATE: August 18, 1999
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
ACTION: That the City Council approve the standardization of demand and
time -of -use solid state meters.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The meter industry is gradually moving toward solid state meters i.e.
away from electro mechanical meters. Demand meters are only
available as solid state meters. Time -of -use metering has been
accomplished by using a solid state recording device in conjunction with an electro mechanical meter. The
recording device used by the City is 12-14 years old, is no longer available from the manufacturer and is
marginally supported due to the age of the device. Solid state time -of -use meters with built in recording
capability are the standard today.
Unfortunately, with solid state meters each manufacturer uses proprietary and distinct protocol as well as
programming, testing, troubleshooting and data processing software and communication devices. This
results in the user of such meters (City of Lodi) having to maintain each manufacturer's software and
hardware, including upgrades, as well as having staff trained and able to efficiently work with the different
systems in order to be able to purchase the meters using present purchasing policies i.e. competitive
bidding.
The quantities of meters of the above types purchased yearly is approximately 50 ranging in price from
$190 to $1,100 per unit depending on the complexity of the meter with the vast majority being in the $190
range.
Based on the cost to the City for maintaining software and hardware systems, including periodic upgrades,
from each manufacturer as well as staff training time on the various systems coupled with the relatively
low volume of meters purchased yearly, it is recommended that the City Council authorize standardization
for demand and time -of -use solid state meters from one manufacturer, namely Schlumberger.
It should be noted that Schlumberger has consistently been the low bidder on meters of this type. The
Schlumberger system proposed here is compatible with the City's existing data recording equipment. The
City does own the latest software including software support and necessary hardware for the
Schlumberger system.
The metering industry is considering developing a protocol and equipment that can be utilized on all
manufacturers' products. However, such standard protocol and equipment is years away from being
APPROVED'
H. Dixon Flynn - Cicy Manager
CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
marketed. When such standard protocol and equipment is available, the City will be considering meters
from all manufacturers.
FUNDING: Not applicable
Alan N. Vallow
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED BY: Hans Hansen, Manager, Engineering and Operations
ANV/HMst
c: City Attorney
Purchasing Officer
APPROVED'
H. Dixon Flynn -- City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 99-124
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
STANDARDIZATION OF DEMAND AND TIME -OF -USE SOLID STATE
METERS
WHEREAS, the meter industry is gradually moving toward solid state meters i.e.,
away from electro mechanical meters; and
WHEREAS, solid state time -of -use meters with built in recording capability are the
standard today; and
WHEREAS, unfortunately with solid state meters each manufacturer uses
proprietary and distinct protocol as well as programming, testing, troubleshooting and data
processing software and communication devices and this results in the user of such
meters having to maintain each manufacturer's software and hardware, including
upgrades, as well as having staff trained and able to efficiently work with the different
systems in order to be able to purchase the meters using present purchasing policies i.e.
competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, based on the cost to the City for maintaining software and hardware
systems, including upgrades from each manufacturer as well as staff training time on the
various systems, coupled with the relatively low volume of meters purchased yearly, it is
recommended that the City Council authorize standardization for demand and time -of -use
solid state meters from one manufacturer, namely Schlumberger until such time as the
metering industry develops a protocol and equipment that can be utilized on all
manufacturer's products.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby approve the
standardization of demand and time -of -use solid state meters from one manufacturer,
Schlumberger.
Dated: August 18, 1999
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 99-124 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held August 18, 1999, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hitchcock, Mann, Nakanishi and Land
(Mayor)
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Pennino
A; )� '
ALICE M. REI CHE
City Clerk
99-124