Exeter-Merritt first started using advanced meter reading technology in 2012 with Mueller’s AMR endpoint. At the time, the endpoint was the perfect meter interface unit for the water co-op to transmit an encoded serial number, water consumption, leak detection information and status data operated on a 902 to 928 MHz radio frequency.
“Initially, we were presented with a number of AMR solutions from the market, but we decided to go with Mueller Systems,” says Barb Mathews, network manager and operator at Exeter-Merritt Water Cooperative. “What stood out for me was that the Mueller Systems AMR solution could address the impending needs and help us handle the influx of new customers.”
Taking it up a notch
Mueller Systems accelerated the next iteration of the endpoint by introducing the Mi.Net AMI Migratable solution. This AMR to advanced metering infrastructure migratable endpoint solution can be installed as a mobile AMR system, giving utilities the flexibility to migrate over to a fixed network in the future should the need arise. AMI empowers utilities to design certain areas with fixed metering and deploy mobile solutions throughout the remainder of the utility while maintaining the full two-way command and control capability that enables functionality such as remote disconnect, on-demand data log retrieval and even over-the-air firmware upgrades.
In mobile or AMR mode, the Mi.Net migratable endpoint transmits data every few seconds utilizing long-range, or LoRa, technology. LoRa is a radio frequency modulation technology for low-power, wide-area networks. It delivers significant distance improvements in communication over many AMR systems available in the market. The water co-op can also avoid driving down unsafe roads as the transceiver picks up the reading from at least a mile away.
“Having the AMR system saves me eight to 12 hours on meter reading. Now, it takes just four hours; saving us time and money,” says Mathews. Mueller Systems’ lightweight mobile transceiver works in tandem with its software to provide reliable data directly into Exeter-Merritt’s billing system.
Reliable data logging
The new solution also provides the water co-op with data-driven evidence of a suspected leak through a comprehensive and robust data logging feature called “Consumption Profiling.” This capability is built into the Mi.Net Migratable system, allowing over 100 days of hourly usage analysis to be retrieved from the meter, with graphically displayed alarms. This enables utilities to respond to customer questions quickly, and proactively approach customers about possible leaks or tampering.
“Now when we have customers who don’t believe there is a possible leak or faulty issue with their side of the meter, we can provide them with detailed reports to show their daily consumption usage. This has helped gain customer trust by showing their meter profiles on the spot, with granular hourly data. It assists us in responding to billing questions and demonstrates when issues such as leaks or backflow conditions start and end.”
Today, Exeter-Merritt Water Co-Op continues to reap the benefits of the Mi.Net Migratable endpoints and mobile transceivers. They are also in the process of changing their meters to the Mueller Systems ME-8 encoded register with positive displacement meters to receive granular data, permitting them to capture maximum revenue and be proactive in leak detection and resource conservation.
Mueller is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water. The company helps municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending.
800-423-1323 | www.muellerwaterproducts.com