Radio Readers for Data Transmission & Accurate Billing

This leading US-based, water utility company distributes drinking water, collects and treats wastewater and provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for some counties. Orion developed an advanced AMI system to replace the company’s aging infrastructure.

Challenge

The company wanted to update its infrastructure after experiencing expiring meters, which were intended to transmit water-usage data to the appropriate departments; this data was then used to accurately bill each customer based on usage. When the transmitters on the meters started to break down, the company sent individuals to manually read each meter, which required too much time and investment.  

Solution

Orion worked with the company to develop new meters that used radio transmitters wired to water meters. These would transmit data to a network of radio receivers and eliminate the need for individuals who manually read each meter, thus enabling timely, accurate billing for customers. The company also wanted to update stakeholders about these recent developments and the new data acquired from the updated system, so Orion developed an Asset Management System that provided daily reports and reflected on the success of meter replacements. This Asset Management System displayed changes on a map and made it easy for stakeholders to understand the project’s overall impact.

Impact

• Accurate billing for customers due to new meters 
• Daily reports with information about the new meter implementation 
• Time and money saved due to staff no longer having to physically check each meter