RALEIGH, NC - July 30, 2007
Energy Services Pensacola (ESP) has selected Sensus Metering Systems’ FlexNet system for an advanced metering deployment covering 50,000 gas meters in the Pensacola, Florida area.
Existing gas meters will be retrofitted with Sensus FlexNet transmitters. The radio frequency device will send meter information to a Tower Gateway Base Station (TGB). The TGB will collect all usage data and forward to a Regional Network Interface at ESP. The data is then available for immediate use for billing, customer service and other systems at the utility.
FlexNet is a radio frequency, fixed network AMI system designed to increase meter reading efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and enhance customer service. FlexNet offers the gas utility hourly or daily reporting options, eliminates bad reads, estimated reads and curbside reads. FlexNet provides move-in/move-out reads, is applicable for commercial and industrial meters as well as residential and provides a 20 year battery life. Other benefits ESP can expect from the FlexNet system include: automated reporting of indoor meters, support for gas demand-side rationing programs and delivery of information that can reduce gas theft.
In addition, the FlexNet system is designed to be scalable to accommodate growth as a utility expands the meter deployments throughout its service territory. Because the FlexNet system is a tower-based AMI 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.
“The FlexNet system was chosen because of its advanced functionality and the ease of integration into the utility’s existing meters,” said Tim Harriger, director of Sensus Energy Sales. “This will be one of the first large scale FlexNet gas installations in the US.”
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.
About About Energy Services Pensacola
ESP supplies natural gas to Escambia County (except Pensacola Beach and Century). ESP purchases natural gas from many sources along the Gulf South Pipeline System obtaining energy at the lowest possible cost to meet high demands on the coldest days of the year. To learn more visit www.espnaturalgas.com.
Issued 7/30/2007
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