MIDDLETOWN, PA UTILITY MOVES TO NEPTUNE ARB® FIXEDBASE™ AMR SYSTEM
MIDDLETOWN, PA – Neptune Technology Group Inc. has implemented a full-scale fixed base Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system that eliminates the needs for mobile reads while using the same meters and meter interfaces units (MIUs) as before. The Borough of Middletown, Pennsylvania has effectively moved to data collection totally comprised of targeted fixed network data collectors as part of its ARB® FixedBase™ AMR System.
These R900® Gateway data collectors can be mounted on rooftops, towers, and even certain areas on the ground. In some municipalities, these units may be all that is needed to collect the reads – although the R900® MIUs can also be read by mobile truck rolls in the event they are ever needed.
Middletown reads all of its approximately 2,750 accounts using existing cellular infrastructure, as well as the same Neptune R900 radio technology it had before; however, the utility no longer needs to send out a truck for mobile reads, instead gathering that data through four R900 Gateway units. Utility Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Ken Klinepeter is “extremely pleased with the [the Gateway], which has really great range,” and just as happy with the
ARB® N_SIGHT™ host software tools that allow the utility to graph customer consumption to pinpoint leaks.
The utility can collect daily readings, allowing for a more proactive approach not only to reading and billing, but to leak, tamper, and reverse flow detection as well. Customers can be notified and a leak fixed in a process up to 30 times faster than before (with monthly reads), improving customer service and satisfaction. After being compiled over the course of several days, the meter readings also yield a pattern of consumption that can aid in both customer response and water conservation measures.
“We can call up the data from an FTP site where it’s there waiting for us,” Klinepeter said. “With the Gateway, all we have to do it push a button.”
Neptune Technology Group Inc., a pioneer in the development of Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies for more than 43 years, is a leading provider of data collection systems which are used to read more than 72 million meters per month and offers a full line of industry-leading NSF ANSI compliant lead-free metering products to water utilities throughout North America. Since 1892 Neptune has continually focused on the evolving needs of utilities – revenue optimization, operational efficiencies, and improved customer service. The company offers a fully integrated migration path for its utility customers to meet their needs now and in the future. For additional information, please visit the company website at www.neptunetg.com. Neptune is a part of Roper Industries, Inc. (NYSE:ROP), Sarasota, Florida, www.roperind.com .