WM Utility picks firm for automated metering

WM Utility picks firm for automated metering

Commission taps KTI for infrastructure job

news@theeveningtimes.com

During the Sept. 7 board meeting, West Memphis Utilities Engineer Zach Winters presented an evaluation of two companies vying to handle automated metering infrastructure (AMI) for West Memphis Utility Commissioners to consider.

Commissioners heard the scoring criteria and pondered the pros and cons of moving ahead with Katama Technologies Inc. or Valutech Solutions for the infrastructure required for new meters.

The two companies were ranked in four separate categories. Specialized experience; on time capabilities and capacities; cost, quality and meeting deadlines; Past performance record with AMI in similar sized municipal utilities.

The rankings were separated by just one point. KTI got the nod because of the amount of experience in cities similar in the number of meters with West Memphis. KTI had two public power organizations representing municipalities and utilities listed as backers.

Both the APPA and Hometown Connections and other references indicated KTI was more familiar dealing with like sized cities according to the evaluation.

“We are recommending KTI based on the scoring method,” said Winters.

The other company has high qualifications too, but deals with much bigger customers. Most of there customers are in the 100,000 to 600,000 meter range and we have about 22,000 meters we’d change. It makes a difference if we need attention.

It’s a small-fish-in-the-big- pond kind of deal. KTI has worked with a lot more small- to mid-sized utilities.”

By voice vote, the commission

authorized the Utilities to move forward with

By John Rech