RALEIGH, NC - August 26, 2005
Alabama Power Company and Sensus Metering Systems are teaming to provide 45,000 residential and 5,000 commercial customers in the Birmingham, Alabama market with a full two-way fixed network meter reading system designed to increase efficiency, reduce overhead costs and enhance customer service.
Working together with partner AMDS (Advanced Metering Data Systems), Sensus is under contract to deliver the meters to be installed by the end of the year. The system consists of Sensus’ solid-state iCon meters integrated with AMDS Connect (FlexNet) transceivers, the AMDS fixed network infrastructure and system software. The project represents the first significant award by a major utility for the Sensus/AMDS venture since the two companies joined forces earlier this year.
“From day one, we told vendors we wanted a full two-way system directly to the meter, with all the bells and whistles to achieve our value add economic benefits, while keeping within our budget,” comments Derl Rhoades, Principal in Alabama Power Company’s Power Delivery Metering. “Sensus and AMDS proved their technology could deliver on each of our requirements. The ability to provide a comprehensive suite of functionality with such a simple system architecture was a key factor in the decision to select FlexNet, not to mention the applications this network can provide beyond metering.”
A FlexNet pilot system has been installed at Alabama Power since the fall of 2004. Other technologies were evaluated including competing fixed networks, mesh and power line carrier. This will be Alabama Power’s largest automated meter reading project to date.
“We are very excited Alabama Power has chosen to work with Sensus and AMDS for their AMR deployment. Alabama Power is recognized as an innovative utility with high demands for their technology. We are fortunate to have them as a partner and look forward to a long term and successful relationship,” said Tom Haven, Sensus Sales Manager.
Because the FlexNet system is a tower-based AMR network, reliance on additional infrastructure, such as numerous collection points is avoided. The system has a simple, single-tier design: from meter to tower, substantially reducing infrastructure cost. Furthermore, the AMDS service agreement handles installation, operation and maintenance of the network which releases the Utility from having to allocate manpower and resources to maintain the network. The service agreement allows Alabama Power to secure a fixed ongoing operations cost and guaranteed level of performance.
Note: iCon and FlexNet are trademarks of M&FC Holding, LLC
Note: AMDS Connect is a trademark of AMDS
About Sensus Metering Systems
The Sensus Metering Systems companies are leading world-class providers of water, gas, heat and electric meters including comprehensive metering communications system solutions that comprise both automatic meter reading (“AMR”) and advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”) systems. Additional linked businesses include Smith-Blair, Inc. a leading provider of pipe clamp & coupling products for the water, gas, and industrial markets; and Sensus Precision Die Casting a producer of complex, high quality die castings.
Issued 8/26/2005
All statements in this release, other than historical facts, are made in reliance on the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. These statements reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding its financial position, revenues, cash flow and other operating results, business strategy, financing plans, forecasted trends related to the markets in which the Company operates, legal proceedings and similar matters. The Company’s expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. The Company’s actual results could be materially different from its expectations because of various risks. These risks, some of which are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (SEC File No. 333-113658) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2007, include its dependence on new product development and intellectual property, and its dependence on independent distributors and third-party contract manufacturers, automotive vehicle production levels and schedules, its substantial financial leverage, debt service and other cash requirements, liquidity constraints and risks related to future growth and expansion. Other important risks that could cause actual events or results to differ from those contained or implied in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to integrate acquired companies, general economic and business conditions, competition, adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment in which the Company operates, and other factors beyond the Company’s control.
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