PITTSBURGH, PA - October 12, 2006
More than 80,000 of the newest and most advanced electric meters in the industry will soon be deployed in the York Region of Ontario. PowerStream, one of Ontario’s six largest electricity providers, will use the FlexNet AMI solution, provided by Sensus Metering Systems and its Canadian distributor, KTI Limited, to meet their requirements for the Ontario Government’s Smart Metering Initiative.
PowerStream, part of the Coalition of Large Distributors (CLD), selected the Sensus FlexNet system from the “Vendor of Record” shortlist consisting of five AMI solutions. The CLD is comprised of the six largest Municipal Electric Utilities in Ontario. CLD completed a thorough technical and economic evaluation of today’s AMI solutions in order to select “Vendors of Record”, which Ontario utilities can engage to begin deployment of Smart Meters in their respective franchise areas.
“Our selection process evaluated every technology available today.” said John Sanderson, PowerStream’s Vice President, CDM and Metering. “We chose Sensus’ FlexNet system because it satisfies our stringent technical requirements, utilizes minimal network infrastructure; and is a true multi-utility platform, which communicates over a secure licensed spectrum.”
FlexNet is a radio frequency, fixed network utility meter reading system designed to increase meter reading efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and enhance customer service. Its two-way fixed based design is able to reach distances up to 700 square kilometers of coverage, depending on terrain, from one collector. The patented technology allows for Internet-based programming of the network and meter endpoints, as needed.
In addition, the 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.
“We believe our system was chosen because of it’s advanced functionality and ability to perform in a variety of rural, urban and suburban environments,” said Dan Harness, president of Sensus Metering Systems. “We are eager to start working with the PowerStream AMI team, and we look forward to helping meet the Ontario Government’s AMI and Conservation objectives.”
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 PowerStream Inc.
PowerStream, the fourth largest local electricity distribution company in Ontario, delivers power to more than 225,000 residential and business customers in the municipalities of Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. The company, jointly owned by the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham, is committed to providing its customers with safe, reliable and efficient service. This goal is achieved by focusing on operational efficiencies and procedures in order to minimize overhead costs and maximize the use of company assets. PowerStream strives to be efficient and provide optimum service to keep their system safe and reliable.
Issued 10/12/2006
Topics: