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Energy & Utilities Assessment & Optimization

Smart meters and a CIS framework: The dynamic duo transforming water utilities

06/11/2024

by Jay Jayasuriya, Lauren Beistegui, and Karim Virani

You’re a water utility company that’s just ditched the manual meter readings and bill estimations. You’ve now been welcomed into the world of smart meters, a game-changer for your organization and your customers.

These intelligent devices capture real-time, accurate data, ushering in a new era of efficiency, engagement, and sustainability. However, in order to truly unlock their potential, water utilities need to take advantage of the capabilities smart meters offer and upgrade their Customer Information Systems (CIS) to leverage these benefits, and ultimately, maximize their technology investment.

Let’s explore why smart meters and an effective CIS framework make up the winning formula for water utilities.

From estimated bills to real-time accuracy: A billing revolution

Smart meters eliminate the guesswork from billing, removing the dependency on inaccurate estimates. With this enhanced technology, customers will be charged for the exact amount of water they use. This translates to fairer pricing and fewer billing disputes, leading to happier customers and a more stable revenue stream. Coupled with a CIS’ ability to auto-calculate billing—rather than manually keying in values, or worse, hand-calculating—a significant amount of time can be saved.

Data-driven decisions: Optimizing operations and saving costs

Smart meters are data powerhouses, providing utilities organizations with a wealth of information on usage patterns. By analyzing historical data, businesses can predict future demand with pinpoint accuracy. This empowers companies to allocate resources effectively, manage costs efficiently, and even implement a pricing structure tailored to customer demand. Consider it a win-win—utilities save money and customers benefit from responsible resource management.

Peak performance: Planning for demand and encouraging conservation

As a data powerhouse, smart meters provide granular data on water usage throughout the day. This allows utilities to identify peak demand periods and take proactive measures to manage system strain. Imagine this: On scorching summer days, utilities can encourage customers to adjust their watering schedules by implementing on-peak and off-peak pricing. Not only does this reduce the strain on the system, but it also promotes water conservation—a plus for everyone.

Beyond residential: Tailoring services to diverse customers

With smart meter data, utilities can move beyond the traditional residential and non-residential customer segmentation. Imagine more nuanced demographics, like multi-family units, commercial businesses, and industrial facilities. Furthermore, an upgraded CIS can aid in creating different customer groups in the utility billing system and assigning accounts to each. This allows for targeted services and rate structures based on actual usage patterns, leading to an enhanced customer experience while exhibiting a more equitable approach to recovering costs.

Empowering customers: Taking control with real-time data

Leveraging smart meter data within an enhanced CIS puts the power in customers’ hands. Imagine providing customers real-time access to their water usage data, leak detection alerts, and timely reminders—all through a convenient mobile app. This provides customers with the ability to actively manage their water consumption, resulting in increased satisfaction and trust in their utility provider.

Seamless integration: A connected ecosystem for enhanced service

The benefits stemming from maximized smart meter capabilities and an upgraded CIS framework extend far beyond billing and customer engagement. Upgrading a CIS to integrate with smart meter systems and other technology—Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)—creates an interconnected ecosystem. This allows utilities to pinpoint leaks, identify water quality issues, and manage infrastructure proactively. The result? Reliable, high-quality service for customers and a more efficient operation for utilities.

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The future is smart: Embracing a new CIS framework for sustainability

Smart meters are transforming the water utility landscape. As these intelligent devices become the new norm, companies must upgrade their CIS to maximize their technology investment. By leveraging the power of smart meter data within their CIS, utilities can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

It’s time to embrace the smart meter revolution, take the next step, and unlock the true potential of water management. Reach out to a Sendero consultant today to get started!

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