Improve Meter Reading Efficiencies

Challenge

Fences, shrubs, dogs, occupants – all pose a hazard to a utility’s best efforts to gather timely meter data cost-effectively. Meters are frequently located in difficult-to-read locations such as the interior of a customer’s residence, a high-security area, or deep inside a pit or vault. When the meter reader can’t get to the meter easily, operational costs can soar due to estimated reads, repeat visits and longer route times. Once the data is collected, manual data entry errors can leave a utility questioning the reliability and accuracy of the data. In an age when all businesses need to do more with less, the challenge to energy and water utilities is two-fold: collect better meter data and collect it more efficiently.

Solution

Automate costly manual meter reading systems by installing automatic meter reading (AMR)-enabled meters or AMR communications modules on existing electric, gas and water meters and then use the appropriate Itron collection systems to gather the data. Itron has AMR technology that addresses the specific needs of utilities of all sizes and service types. Handheld and mobile collection systems significantly reduce labor costs and eliminate manual data entry errors. Mobile AMR can also be used to perform off-cycle reads for beginning- and end-of-service account management. Itron’s Fixed Networks can totally automate data collection and streamline the collection of large amounts of interval data daily and on-request for applications that go far beyond just customer billing.

Benefits

Improves data reliability and accuracy

Improves billing accuracy

Eliminates estimated meter reads

Reduces labor costs

Improves employee safety

Reduces customer complaints

Improves management of delinquent accounts

Accelerates cash flow based on monthly billing