HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 6, 2005 E-05AGENDA ITEM E005
Aft CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt resolution approving the Standardization of Solid State Meters
for Residential and Small Commercial Application with Itron, of
Spokane, Washington (EUD)
MEETING DATE: April 6, 2005
PREPARED B Y Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDEDACTION: That the City Council adopt a resolution approving the
standardization of solid-state meters for residential and small
commercial application with Itron, of Spokane Washington.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The metering industry has gradually moved toward solid-state
meters, i.e., away from electro mechanical meters. This trend in
meter technology utilization is being implemented across the power
customer base such as residential, small commercial, agricultural, hospital, big commercial, industrial,
etc. In August 1999, the City of Lodi approved Resolution No. 99-124 to standardize demand and time -
of -use solid-state meters for big commercial and industrial customers. Majority of our single-phase
meters for residential and small commercial customers are still electro -mechanical units. These meters
are only available as special order items and are marginally supported due to the age of the technology.
Wdh solid-state meters, each manufacturer uses proprietary and distinct protocol, programming, testing,
troubleshooting, data processing soflware and communication devices. The user of such meters. like the
City of Lodi, has to maintain each manufacturer's software, hardware and system upgrades. User has to
train staff to efficiently work with the different meter units and systems thus making the metering tasks
complex.
We purchase approximately 576 metersfor residential and small commercial installation annually. These
single-phase meters are priced from $33 to $65 per unit depending on the complexity of the meter with
the vast majority being in the $33 range.
Considering cost to the C i for maintaining software and hardware systems, periodic upgrades from
each manufactureras 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 the
standardization of solid state meters with Itron.
The proposed Itron system is compatible with the C i s existing programming, data retrieval and
processing equipment. The City owns the latest software, software support and necessary hardware for
the Schlumbergersystem. In December2004, Itron acquired Schlumbergerand all its meter businesses.
Itron is also a leading company in development and deployment of the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
technology. Itron solid-state meters for residential and small commercial are scalable to AMR
application. The City would be positioned to advance its meter reading responsibilityfrom the usual
APPROVED:
Blair King, ity Manager
Adopt resolution approving the Standardization of Solid State pis for Residential and Small Commercial Application with Itron, of
Spokane, Washington(EUD)
April 6, 2005
Page 2 of 2
'walk -by' process to 'drive-by' method or migrate directly to `network' system. There are other benefits
that could be derived from itron meter deployment both tangibles and intangibles.
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
marketed. When such standard protocol and equipment is available, the City will be considering meters
from all manufacturers.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Currently budgeted in Business Unit 161653and161656
Equipment Service C nec ions
J mes R. Kreger, Finance Director
Alan N. VaHow
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED B Y Derny Bucaneg, Sr. Parer Engineer
ANVIDBIISt
cc: City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-64
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING STANDARDIZATION OF SOLID STATE
METERS FOR RESIDENTIALAND SMALL
COMMERCIAL APPLICATION WITH ITRON
WHEREAS, the meter industry has gradually moved toward solid state meters
i.e., away from electro mechanical meters; and
WHEREAS, this trend in meter technology utilization is being implemented
across the power customer base such as residential, small commercial, agricultural,
hospital, big commercial, industrial, etc.; and
WHEREAS, in August 1999, the Lodi City Council approved Resolution
No. 99-124 to standardize demand and time -of -use solid-state meters for big
commercial and industrial customers. A majority of Lodi's single-phase meters for
residential and small commercial customers are still electro -mechanical units. These
meters are only available as special order items and are marginally supported due to the
age of the technology; and
WHEREAS, with solid-state meters, each manufacturer uses proprietary and
distinct protocol, programming, testing, troubleshooting, data processing software, and
communication devices. The user of such meters, like the City of Lodi, has to maintain
each manufacturer's software, hardware, and system upgrades. User has to train staff
to efficiently work with the different meter units and systems thus making the metering
tasks complex; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lodi purchases approximately 576 meters for residential
and small commercial installation annually, and these single-phase meters are priced
from $33 to $65 per unit depending on the complexity of the meter, with the vast
majority being in the $33 range; and
WHEREAS, considering cost to the City for maintaining software and hardware
systems and 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 the standardization of solid state
meters and acquiring these meters from one manufacturer, Itron, of Spokane,
Washington; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Itron system is compatible with the City's existing
programming, data retrieval, and processing equipment. The City owns the latest
software, software support, and necessary hardware for the Schlumberger system. In
December 2004, Itron acquired Schlumberger and all its meter businesses; and
WHEREAS, Itron is also a leading company in development and deployment of
the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology. Itron solid-state meters for residential
and small commercial are scalable to AMR application. The City would be positioned to
advance its meter reading responsibility from the usual "walk -by" process to "drive-by'
method or migrate directly to "network" system. There are other benefits that could be
derived from Itron meter deployment, both tangibles and intangibles; and
WHEREAS, 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 marketed. When such standard
protocol and equipment is available, the City will be considering meters from all
manufacturers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby
approve the standardization of solid state meters from one manufacturer, Itron, of
Spokane, Washington.
Dated: April 6,2005
hereby certify that Resolution No. 2005-64 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held April 6, 2005, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS— Hansen, Johnson, Mounce, and
Mayor Beckman
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS— None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hitchcock
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS— None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2005-64