Utility management has entered a new era, one defined by efficiency, innovation, and enhanced customer service. The City of Cartersville, Georgia, in partnership with Equipment Controls Company (ECCO), Sensus, and Utility Metering Solutions (UMS), has set a benchmark for this transformation with the deployment of the Sensus FlexNet® Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution. This collaboration not only optimized resource utilization and improved billing accuracy but also elevated customer service to new heights.

A Collaborative Journey

The journey began in February 2020, just before the onset of the global pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and subsequent supply chain disruptions, the project persevered, extending over five years. Through teamwork, innovation, and resilience, 30,000 smart meters were installed across three utility verticals: gas, water, and electric.

Key Project Milestones:

• RFP Awarded: February 25, 2020
• Project Start: August 13, 2021
• Network Setup: November 22, 2021
• Product Delivery Start: December 17, 2021
• Meter Installation Start: March 1, 2022
• Sensus Analytics Kickoff: May 9, 2022
• Completion of Meter Installation: 2025

This timeline reflects not only the scale of the project but also the collaborative spirit that drove its success. Special recognition is due to Cartersville’s city leaders, including City Manager Dan Porta and Assistant City Manager Freddy L. Morgan, for their steadfast support and vision.

A Modernized Utility System

Smart Meters Deployed:

• Gas: Sonix IQ Residential Gas
• Electric: Stratus IQ Residential & Aclara Kv2c Commercial, Industrial Electric
• Water: iPearl Residential & Omni Commercial, Industrial Water

These smart meters replaced the labor-intensive manual reading process with an automated, efficient system that delivers real-time data. Departments initially hesitant about the change now wonder, “How did we manage before?”

Infrastructure Enhancements:

• Base Stations: Six comprehensive base stations were installed to gather and transmit meter data to the cloud. These robust stations, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensure seamless data communication.
• Smart Gateways: Sixteen Sensus® Smart Gateways were integrated into the gas system to monitor distribution pressure, enhancing scalability for future smart technologies.

Overcoming Challenges

The pandemic’s impact on global supply chains necessitated creative problem-solving and adaptability. Despite these hurdles, the project stayed under budget, a testament to the dedication and expertise of all partners involved.

A Glimpse Inside the Process:

• Soil analyses, pole installations, and coaxial cable connections were executed with precision to ensure safety and compliance.
• Innovative approaches, such as pre-assembling antennas and installing omni-directional antennas atop 270-foot cellular towers, showcased the team’s ingenuity.

Enhanced Customer Service

The Sensus FlexNet® AMI solution not only modernized utility management but also empowered the City of Cartersville to:

• Improve billing accuracy
• Enhance resource efficiency
• Deliver superior customer service

Freddy L. Morgan, Assistant City Manager, reflected on the partnership: “ECCO has been an excellent partner… The City of Cartersville is better positioned because of our partnership with ECCO.”

Looking Ahead

This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cartersville’s utilities. With scalable solutions in place, the city is well-equipped to meet future demands and integrate additional smart technologies.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments:

A heartfelt thank you goes to every individual and organization that contributed to this monumental achievement. Your commitment to excellence has not only transformed Cartersville’s utility landscape but also set the stage for continued innovation.

View Project: https://issuu.com/sdadvertising/docs/ami-progress?fr=sODFkZTYzMDMzNTY