The City of Sheridan, Wyoming, sought to implement a turn-key AMI solution that would not only help achieve accurate meter reading and billing, but also enhance customer relations. The rollout of Mueller Mi.Net AMI system on more than 10,000 service connections resulted in an estimated 65% drop in labor hours previously spent on servicing water meters and an improved daily read of 99.6%.
Improved Daily Read
Saved on Sewer Backup Drains
Utility Maintenance Time Saved
Annual Staff Hours Saved
Located in the U.S. state of Wyoming, the City of Sheridan (the City) has a population of approximately 17,500 residents. Thwarted by aging meters installed almost 20 years ago, the City researched a smart meter system that would provide improved system reliability and future operational efficiencies. To achieve this goal, the City migrated from its existing AMR system to a more powerful and flexible Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system.
The City found the perfect solution in Mueller Systems’ two-way Mi.Net® AMI network system for its functionality and cost-effectiveness, amongst other attributes needed to meet its goals.
The Mi.Net system is a communication network that fully automates the meter-reading-to billing process by linking meters in a single, highly efficient data network. This provides the backbone for advanced metering technology as well as sensors for continuous monitoring of the entire water distribution system.
The Mi.Net System has saved the City valuable labor hours, which are now deployed to other vital areas of their water and sewer systems. The City reports an average of 2,300 staff hours saved annually on meter reading, work orders, and turn offs. The utility maintenance team also calculated approximately 65% of their time saved on meter related work, as they can now get instantaneous reads without having to roll a vehicle.
Over time, the City’s utility maintenance team transitioned its dedicated person for meter reading to an operational role where he can contribute to other parts of the water and sewer systems, not just meters. These additional staff hours allow the City to accomplish more important activities such as cleaning and flushing sewer mains saving the City an estimated $50,000 per year on sewer backup claims. Additionally, the City replaced six fire hydrants that resulted in increased system reliability on hydrants that were previously non-functioning or had low flow.
The Mi.Net system integrates with Mueller Systems remote disconnect meter (420RDM), which, by accessing the account information through the Mi.Net AMI user interface, allows meters to be turned on or off. The Mueller 420 RDM can be turned on or off from the office in under 18 seconds saving valuable labor hours.
Ken Hirschman
Utility Maintenance Superintendent, Sheridan, WY
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