Title
Supporting the inclusion of funding for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the Madison Water Utility 2011 Capital Budget.
Body
Whereas, the Water Utility has analyzed the feasibility of implementing an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system; and
Whereas, Clark Dietz, an engineering consulting firm, has been working with staff to develop a needs assessment, business case, and request for proposals; and
Whereas, an AMI system will enable the utility to cost-effectively transition from a 6-month to a monthly billing cycle, improve cash flow and the implementation of future rate increases, reduce operating costs, improve customer access to timely water consumption data, enable a conservation rate structure, improve the financial viability of the water utility, reduce water loss through improved leak detection; and
Whereas, the City’s sewer utility has pledged support and funding for half of the project; and
Whereas; the utility’s meter supplier, Badger Meter, has notified the utility that in two years it will no longer manufacture the generator meter heads and remote registers upon which the utility currently relies; and
Whereas, the AMI project has appeared in the last three capital budget documents; and
Whereas, the Management Team has proactively communicated about the AMI project through a white paper, press releases, and media stories; and
Whereas, the Management Team has built internal buy-in and support through the active participation of a representative cross-sectional employee committee in project planning and development; and
Whereas, Clean Wisconsin intervened in the utility’s last rate case to express support for AMI and monthly billing; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has stated that the utility must provide its customers with a more timely price signal in order to qualify for a conservation oriented rate structure; and
Whereas, the Common Council has approved a city-wide water conservation plan that calls for a conservation-oriented rate structure; and
Whereas, the AMI system has environmental benefits beyond water conservation, such as removing three meter reading vehicles and their associated emissions from the roadways;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Water Utility Board hereby urges the Mayor and Common Council to include the requested funding in the 2011 Capital Budget to implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure for the citizens of Madison.