At a council work session, Batesburg-Leesville leaders learned about Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a collection of devices and systems that gathers, measures, communicates and analyzes water data.

No votes or final decisions were made.

Jay Hendrix, the town manager, provided a detailed overview of the proposed system, highlighting its ability to enhance water service efficiency, reduce operational costs and more.

During Hendrix’s presentation, he stated water utilities are embracing AMI to modernize and streamline operations.

Currently, the town uses meters that are decades old, and it can take two or three additional weeks for a bill to be produced and sent after the initial meter reading.

The proposed AMI would provide at least 5% more accurate readings. By providing more accurate readings, residents will be billed fairly, ensuring they pay only for the water they actually use. If the system saves the town money, those savings could potentially be redirected to other necessary projects, Hendrix said.

He proposed that switching to AMI could improve the system and provided a few goals for AMI:

• Keep water services affordable for residents; AMI could help reduce the need for large increases in water rates.
• Replace degraded meters with smart meters. This AMI system would include replacing the old meters, and the new meters would lead to improved revenue collection.
• Improve services for residents, as the new meters will provide residents with real-time access to their water consumption data. This will allow them to monitor their water use, receive alerts for leaks and make informed decisions about conservation.

Hendrix also noted that other companies have found that the portal has minimized complaints and problems. The AMI meters are projected to be replaced every 15-20 years.

A project overview was provided, and the cost range is from $1.2 million to $1.9 million; third-party vendors would conduct the project. The selected vendor will determine what the needs are and be responsible for coordinating with the Batesburg-Leesville staff on the replacement schedule.

This potential project could also include checks for lead connections in the meter boxes, though the town currently has no grants secured for the initiative.

Hendrix highlighted that the current system in place is not sustainable with the two employees reading the meters. At times, the employees struggle to complete all meter readings by the billing cycle deadline, and Hendrix said implementing AMI could assist them.

“I know it’s been talked about for numerous years,” Hendrix said. “I think it’s time for us to really move forward with it. I think it’s a good thing for customers and the town.”

The next council meeting is on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the Batesburg-Leesville Town Hall Council Chambers (Building B), located at 120 West Church St.