What's New at Peru Utilities
AMI Project / Meter Deployment Update:
Our AMI project is moving right along. As of 6/8/18, the UMS installers have installed 2,804 water meters and 2,432 electric meters.
Peru Utilities is extremely happy to announce the meters are doing their job! We have been able to notify around 75 customers so far regarding possible issues with their existing plumbing, which could be a possible leak in their home. This has given our customers two to three weeks notice of an issue in their home before they even receive a bill. In addition, we have been able to identify faulty wiring at some homes that could have been a potential for a house fire. We also have found areas that Peru Utilities needs to improve upon as well.
“This puck really does look funny on my water pit.” Curious, aren’t you? This is the piece of equipment, which transmits the reads from the meter back to our office. Reminder: the puck, water lid, and everything within the pit is Peru Utilities’ property. If you want to see what it is all about and do not want that tamper fee, come on in to our office! A water meter and electric meter will be on display in the cashier’s area.
*** To those with concerns over RF transmissions, Peru Utilities asked the questions below directly to the manufacturer, SENSUS***
Q) Do these meters give off a radio transmission all the time? A) The electric and water meter is set by default to transmit every 4 hours. They will wake up for a millisecond, transmit the read, and then go back to sleep mode. The meters do not all transmit at the same time. Each meters transmit timer is determined by the installation time.
Q) Can I hear the RF? A) It is impossible to hear the Radio frequency or (RF) that the meters produce.
Q) What makes it wake up and transmit? A) A timer within the meter.
Q) How much RF or Radio Frequency does one of these meters put out? A) “If you stand on or right beside an electric or water meter for 20 years and never move, that is equal to 1 to 2 minutes of using your cell phone.”
Peru Utilities looks to the future with the installation of a SENSUS AMI solution
Peru Utilities, Peru Indiana – Peru Utilities begins installation of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system from SENSUS.
Peru Utilities has partnered with Everett J. Prescott Inc. (EJP) and Utility Metering Solutions (UMS) to design and implement an advanced metering infrastructure that will allow for better leak detection, meter accuracy, billing efficiency, and improved customer service.
The upgrade, which is planned to begin in April, is expected to take 8 - 12 months to complete and will include the replacement of approximately 10,400 electric meters and 6,200 water meters. Peru Utilities will use the Sensus FlexNet communication network to read both electric and water meters throughout their service area. The customer usage data will then be securely transmitted from collectors located on three existing water towers, directly to the Peru Utilities billing department. The network communicates via dedicated, FCC-licensed spectrum, ensuring secure and reliable data transmissions.
“The versatility of the FlexNet system was a big differentiator for us; along with being able to read both water and electric meters, the network can be scaled to meet future needs or demands,” said Joshua Chance, General Manager of Peru Utilities. “Additionally, the accuracy of the iPERL meters will help us to detect leaks and follow up with customers well before they get a high water bill.”
“Advanced metering also supports our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment by reducing carbon emissions by taking meter reader vehicles off of the road, enhancing our ability to quickly detect and minimize water loss, and providing customers with up-to-date water and electric usage data so they can improve their efforts to conserve," said Chance.
Utility Metering Solutions (UMS) has been contracted to perform the field installation of the new electric and water meters. UMS is a leader in the deployment of utility infrastructure systems and resource conservation.
Customers will receive a notice with their bill prior to the beginning of installation in their area. Additionally, announcements will be made via the Peru Utilities website and Facebook page. During installation, contractors working on behalf of Peru Utilities will briefly interrupt water or electric service. After replacing water meters, crews will test the new water meter by running about 1 to 2 gallons of water from an exterior hose or faucet before leaving the site. Door hangers will be left at the main entrance to the property, informing the customer of the status of the visit.
UMS employees will carry Peru Utilities Contractor badges, be wearing yellow UMS tee-shirts, jackets, or vests and will have successfully completed a comprehensive background check. Contractor vehicles will also be clearly marked with the “UMS” logo.
In the future, there will be a customer portal on the website, where customers will be able to easily access account information, which will empower them to target energy goals and budget within their means. Until the portal becomes available, please visit our FAQs page, like our Facebook page, call us at (765) 473-6681 or email at amiquestions@peruutilities.com for more information
