Honeywell Awarded $14.9 Million to Install Smart Metering System in Tallahassee

Energy Resource, Feb 7, 2008

ENERGY RESOURCE-7 February 2008-Honeywell Awarded $14.9 Million to Install Smart Metering System in Tallahassee(C)2008 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

Honeywell has been awarded a $14.9 million contract by the city of Tallahassee, Fla., to implement a smart metering network system that will allow the city to automatically collect electricity, natural gas and water usage data from residents and local businesses.

The smart metering system, which will include more than 220,000 electric, gas and water meters, will help the city reduce its operating costs by an estimated $21 million over 15 years and improve customer service.

As part of its contract, Honeywell will replace more than 110,000 electric meters with smart meters from Elster Integrated Solutions. Honeywell also will retrofit more than 25,000 gas meters and 85,000 water meters.Every meter will be equipped with a digital register -- instead of the traditional rotating dials -- and wireless technology that will allow the meters to send readings to more than 300 "collector" meters located throughout the city. Elster's EnergyAxis System will connect these data collection points to the city's utility systems, allowing the city to automatically compile metering information.

The electric meters feature two-way communication capabilities as well, which will give the city greater visibility into, and control of, the electricity grid. Instead of just collecting usage data, for example, utility employees can pinpoint specific houses affected by a power outage or remotely shut off power if a resident is moving.

The new meters will further reduce costs by detecting gas and water leaks or other problems almost immediately. Overall, the smart metering system will allow the city to generate timely, accurate usage and billing information for its customers. And it will minimize the need for meter readers to visit properties every month.

Honeywell expects to complete the installation of the smart meters in 2009.

"This system will give utility customers greater control of their energy and water use, and it will help Tallahassee better understand and manage demand," said Kent Anson, vice president of Global Energy for Honeywell Building Solutions. "The work will generate long-term benefits for the city and all its residents."

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