Tacoma Public Utilities Deploys Xylem Digital Technology Across Water and Electric Network
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) has expanded its deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) from Xylem to cover both its water and electric services. The initiative includes the installation of 300,000 advanced meters and a FlexNet® communication network, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. This improved system registers 6.5 million reads daily, enabling more accurate billing and faster response times, important during severe weather events. TPU's proactive pressure management has already prevented potential customer issues, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in real-time utility management.
- TPU installed 300,000 advanced meters enhancing operational efficiency.
- The FlexNet® communication network registers 6.5 million reads daily.
- Improved billing accuracy and smaller, frequent payments for customers.
- Rapid response times, important during severe weather events.
- Real-time pressure management with smart gateways helps preemptively address customer issues.
- Increased customer empowerment with direct visibility into data.
- No significant negatives were highlighted in the press release.
Insights
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is leveraging advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) from Xylem to enhance its operational efficiency and customer service. These technologies include Sensus Stratus IQ™ residential electric meters and the FlexNet® communication network, which collectively ensure accurate data collection and remote management of meters. This technology deployment represents a significant upgrade in utility management, enabling better response times and more precise billing for customers.
The FlexNet® communication network is particularly noteworthy as it supports 6.5 million registered reads each day, a tremendous leap in data gathering capability. This level of data accuracy and frequency is critical for utilities to manage resources effectively, especially during crises like severe weather events. The integration of smart meters provides TPU with direct visibility into customer usage patterns, which is a step forward in transparent customer service and operational resilience.
Moreover, the proactive pressure management facilitated by smart gateways and sensors helps in anticipating and resolving customer issues before they escalate. This preemptive troubleshooting capability is important for maintaining consistent service levels and for managing maintenance tasks efficiently.
From a market perspective, TPU's adoption of Xylem's AMI technology shows a shift towards smarter, more resilient utility networks. This deployment could set a precedent for other utilities considering similar upgrades, potentially expanding Xylem's market share. The ability to restore power quickly after storms demonstrates significant improvement in customer service reliability, which can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The economic benefits of accurate billing and reduced need for manual meter readings cannot be understated. It reduces operational costs for TPU in the long run, while also making utility bills more manageable for consumers through frequent, smaller payments. This alignment of interests between the utility provider and its customers is a strategic advantage.
Furthermore, the focus on data transparency and customer empowerment could drive other utilities to adopt similar technologies, influencing market trends towards more data-centric utility management.
Utility improves community resilience and service offering with 300,000 advanced meters and communication network
Tacoma Public Utilities improves community resilience and service offerings with 300,000 advanced meters and communication network from Xylem. (Photo: Business Wire)
TPU deployed AMI technology from Xylem (NYSE: XYL), including Sensus Stratus IQ™ residential electric meters and the FlexNet® communication network, to improve operational efficiency and customer service, and to support the area’s economic growth. The improved network delivers 6.5 million registered reads each day, giving customers the benefit of frequent billing with smaller payments and rapidly improved response times.
“We no longer have to estimate meter reads because of access issues, since the advanced meters are remotely managed. We receive accurate data to appropriately bill customers and ensure efficient customer service, especially during severe weather outages,” said Sally Mohr, AMI program delivery director for TPU.
The upgraded infrastructure aided in storm recovery as recently as January. After a violent storm with high winds and heavy rainfall left thousands in the area without power, TPU restored power within hours.
TPU also deployed bellwether ally® water meters and smart gateways with pressure sensors to ensure near real-time pressure management.
“We have already seen proactive pressure management help us anticipate customer issues preemptively,” said Dan Martin, TPU senior data analyst. “Recently, during routine maintenance, a detected pressure fluctuation enabled our crew to address a lodged rock in the valve within hours, averting potential customer impacts.”
“Xylem has consistently demonstrated responsiveness, and we appreciate that our team has direct visibility into our data,” said Mohr. “This level of transparency ultimately empowers our customers to take control of their bills and become active participants in managing their water and electricity usage."
To learn more about how Xylem technology has aided TPU’s proactive approach to utility expansion, read the full case study.
About Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to solving the world’s critical water challenges with innovation and expertise. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered combined pro forma revenue of
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240606092377/en/
Kim Genardo
+1 (919) 417-2760
kim.genardo@xylem.com
Source: Xylem Inc.
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