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Southwest Tennessee EMC: GPS Inventory/AMR Project |
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In an effort to reduce operational costs and identify consumption patterns, Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (STEMC) undertook an automated meter reading (AMR) project.
In early 2006, Southeastern Reprographics, Inc. (SRI), was contracted to replace electromechanical meters on the STEMC system with new electronic AMR meters. The electronic meters do not require a field worker to perform a reading. Despite the cost of each unit and its configuration, a utility can save money in the long term because direct data is available and can provide immediate information on where the most power is used and during what times of day.
SRI personnel recorded global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for each meter location and collected old and new meter identification numbers and readings. SRI meter change out crews worked in two-man teams to ensure safety and productivity. Meter data was returned to STEMC on a daily basis for input into the customer information system.
STEMC had a Smallworld geographic information system (GIS) in place, which now includes up-to-date mapping data. The utility recognized the need for not only the customer data but also other facility data.
SRI also collected GPS and attribute data on all other facilities within the STEMC electric system. This data included primary and secondary wire size and type, primary equipment with size and type, pole birthmark information, and connected phase data with phase orientation.
As a final product, SRI uploaded all data collected in the field into the Smallworld system with all associated electrical connectivity.
Servicing eight counties near Memphis, STEMC provides electricity to more than 48,000 customers.
SRI is part of the Davey Resource Group team providing innovative solutions for utilities.
For more information, contact Tommy Maloney at (770) 619-5545, or call (800) 924-5233.
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