APPA2004 Business & Finance

Conference

Meter Reading & Field Technology Update

September, 21, 2004

Agenda

Basic Overview Books vs. Handhelds: Why Invest

the Money? What’s Out There? Features vs. Fluff Features to Look For Current Providers

Meter Reading

Basic TerminologyEMR = Electronic Meter Reading. First

step from meter books. Involves using handheld computer and may include some probes.

AMR = Automatic Meter Reading. Term refers in general to automating meter reading using a variety of technologies including RF, PLC, Touch Reads, etc.

Basic Components of a Handheld Meter Reading System

Handheld Computer Docking/Charging Device Route Management Software Billing System Interface

Billing System Interface

Route Management Software

Why Use Handhelds?

Accuracy Hi/Lo Audit Checking Automated Data Transfer

Meter Reader Tracking Meter/Account/Premise Search Resequencing Efficiency

Myths

Handhelds will improve meter reader efficiency by 50%

Handhelds will eliminate all meter reader errors

Handhelds never fail Handhelds are all the same Handhelds make good dog clubs

Handheld Examples

Features vs. Fluff Memory

Large MB’s of data storage are largely just overkill 8 MB will typically hold 20,000 accounts

Processor Speed Even the slowest models are significantly faster than

previous models Data Transfer Speed

How fast do you need it? “Ruggedized Case”

All models are built to rigid specifications All will break

Features to Look For Operating System – CE or DOS Data Entry Storage

Stored on Hard Drive –or- Stored on Flash Card

High Resolution Screen Test the unit in bright sunlight, dark closet

Computer connections USB Support? Serial Port?

Features to Look For (cont) Intuitive keyboard Upgradeable How long has the model been out? Configurable screen Multiple security level options Battery type

NiCad Lithium Ion Other

Probe support Support

Route Management SoftwareFeatures to Look For

Ease of Use Interface to Billing System Upgradeable

AMR, Mobile, Fixed Error Tracking Reporting Capabilities

Custom Reports? Support

What About Cost?

Typical entry-level system ranges from about $6,000 - $10,000

Variables include billing interface & training fees

Major Suppliers

Itron Schlumberger Datamatic Radix Meter Manufacturers

Further Information

Hometown ConnectionsBill SmartNational Sales Director – West303-940-7331bsmart@hometownconnections.com

Steve VanderMeer National Sales Director – East970-221-4494svandermeer@hometownconnections.com