Meeting Summary
The city council received an update on the Smart Choice Smart Meter implementation program for electric and water utilities. This initiative involves installing 42,000 electric and 38,000 water meters over an 18-24 month period, starting in June, to provide customers with timely usage data and enhance system efficiency. The project's major components were approved in October 2019, and the meter installation contract was approved in January, coming in $2 million under estimate.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Smart Choice Program Major Components
The major components of the Smart Choice smart meter system were approved by the council in October 2019, with an estimated cost of just under $11 million, funded by existing revenue streams without impacting rates.
Approval of Meter Installation Contract
A contract with Utility Partners of America (UPA) for meter installations was approved this past January for $3 million, which was $2 million under the initial estimate. This cost is also revenue-funded with no impact on rates.
Financial Matters
Smart Choice Program Major Components
Approved in October 2019, this covers the main infrastructure for the smart meter system, split equally between water and electric utilities.
Meter Installation Contract with Utility Partners of America (UPA)
Approved in January, this contract covers the physical installation of smart meters, split between water and electric utilities, and came in $2 million under the initial estimate.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Customer portal for previous day's hourly usage expected to go live in September.
Watch For
- Smart meter installations to begin in June of this year.
- The full rollout of 42,000 electric and 38,000 water meters is expected to take 18 months to two years.
Announcements
- A 30-second video outlining the Smart Choice program is being distributed on streaming services.
- Information is being pushed out on social media platforms and the city's website (edmondok.gov/smart).
- Speaking engagements are available for community groups interested in learning more about the program; contact Edmond Electric to arrange.
- Postcards with QR codes linking to the website will be distributed.
- Utility Partners of America (UPA) will operate a 24/7 call center for installation-related inquiries.
- Notification letters will be sent 2-4 weeks prior to installations in specific areas.
- Door hangers will be left by UPA technicians if homeowners are not present during installation.
- Informational videos about the installation process are available.
Agenda Summary
Smart Choice Smart Meter Implementation Update
Electric Director Clint Fischer provided an update on the Smart Choice program, detailing the benefits of smart meters, project history, financial aspects, and planned public outreach for the installation of new electric and water meters.