The new advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI, meters allow Friendswood to automatically and electronically read meters, which are then uploaded to a customer portal that will allow each city customer to view their own data from a secured website daily, according to the news release.
Friendswood is working with Ameresco to replace the meters, and the entire process will take about a year to fully complete, which includes changing each meter and installing infrastructure, such as communication towers, software systems and receiving antennas, said Glenda Faulkner, Friendswood city manager executive assistant, in an email. The city’s contract with Ameresco will cost $9 million, Faulkner confirmed.
Ameresco’s employees will be in an identifiable vehicle, wearing uniforms and safety vests, and will not need to enter residences to replace the meters, the city said in the release.
The process will take less than 30 minutes and requires the water of each home or building to be shut off. Commercial accounts with the city will be scheduled individually, according to the release.
