Overview
Landis+Gyr needed a qualified Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and maintenance provider for Ameren and Spire’s Illinois and Missouri service network areas. Landis+Gyr wanted an efficient, reliable, and qualified utility contractor to handle meter data collection to be used for end user billing.
Project Summary
Landis+Gyr fills an important niche as an energy management solution provider, streamlining operations and reducing costs for major regional energy providers such as Ameren (3.3 million users) and Spire (1.7 million users).
As part of their service contracts, Landis+Gyr needed a qualified Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and maintenance provider for Ameren and Spire’s Illinois and Missouri service network areas. Landis+Gyr wanted an efficient, reliable, and qualified utility contractor to handle meter data collection to be used for end user billing. Since these services typically have implications for overall cost reduction as well as customer service, this project became a top priority for both Landis+Gyr and their utility clients.
Scope of Work
Landis+Gyr wanted a single contractor to provide technicians for 100% of their clients’ service network area. Because technicians would regularly interact with customers on behalf of client utility companies as they collected data and performed meter maintenance, Landis+Gyr had two primary requirements:
- All technicians must be properly familiarized with Landis+Gyr proprietary software for AMR and AMI data collection purposes
- All technicians must maintain a professional and knowledgeable appearance as a representative of client utility companies.
The Landis+Gyr software platform provides technicians with the tools necessary to remotely collect data from meters daily. Such data, which includes historical consumer information like meter location, address, previous billing data, and previous utility notes, were integral for accurate, periodic billing efforts. If data was not collected on time, Landis+Gyr’s utility clients would miss their customer billing deadlines.
Solution
Experts in Utility Meter Services
Landis+Gyr hired Second Sight Systems to provide the professionals needed to support this project. To adequately cover the large service area maintained by Landis+Gyr clients, Second Sight’s Utility Field Services group deployed a team of experienced technicians with a fleet of professional vehicles outfitted with advanced wireless radio communication technologies. Second Sight’s experienced team included field supervisors, dispatchers, and over 50 qualified meter technicians. These professionals are specifically cross-trained in meter reading, audits, maintenance, programming, and installation, which means they are perfectly suited to adapt to the needs of Landis+Gyr and their clients. All technicians are also specifically tested and trained to interact with the public in a professional manner, above and beyond their technical expertise.
To support that manpower, the Second Sight Utility Field Services Group mobilized a fleet vehicle for every meter technician. Each vehicle was fitted with advanced communication technology like radio hardware, inverters, and antennas to perform accurate wireless meter reads. Finally, to keep Landis+Gyr and Second Sight operators in sync, Second Sight proactively implemented a weekly operational review that put managers from both parties in constant contact with one another. This ensured that both companies could discuss performance, safety metrics and personnel resources as it relates to the success of the program.
Second Sight technicians immediately stepped into their role with Landis+Gyr with professionalism and expertise. Both Ameren and Spire reported to Landis+Gyr that their volume of “skipped” meter reads had dropped since Second Sight had taken over operations, which resulted in more accurate monthly data collection and a reduction in billing users through estimated power usage. These results ultimately meant that both companies could serve their customers better while at the same time reducing the utilities’ operating costs through an improvement in billing accuracy and a reduction in customer inquiries. Most importantly, Second Sight has achieved these results while maintaining a perfect safety record.
“Both Ameren and Spire reported to Landis+Gyr that their volume of “skipped” meter reads had dropped since Second Sight had taken over operations”
Ameresco
“Second Sight Systems consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and operational thoroughness. Their team approached each phase of the deployment with clear communication, expert coordination, and an unwavering commitment to quality. They showed exceptional skill in coordinating access, minimizing disruption to businesses, and maintaining a seamless workflow that aligned with the city’s timelines and requirements.. We would not hesitate to work with them again on future projects.”
– Garrett Luther, Senior Manager Construction Services, Ameresco
Westwood Financial
“Second Sight Systems was a great decision for our property. We were losing so much money on faulty water meters. Since we installed the wireless submeter system we have seen an increase in our recovery. It was a very smart decision for this property!”
– Paula Garcia, Senior Property Manager, Westwood Financial
Pendleton South Carolina Public Works
“I am the public works director for Pendleton, South Carolina. We recently completed an AMR upgrade in our community. Second Sight was fantastic. Jordan’s leadership was impressive to say the least. I highly recommend them if you are doing an upgrade in your community.”
– James Ford, Public Works Director, Pendleton, South Carolina
Missouri State Highway Patrol
“Second Site Technicians have been good to work with on the variety of jobs the Highway Patrol has needed accomplished. Second site Technicians have communicated well on job sites, start times and completion times and on any hiccups that occur. Second Site Technicians arrived on site ready to accomplish the task. Everyone has been a team player and easy to converse with. The installations have been good. Also willing to make any slight changes to make the installed system a little better. They also put great effort and seem to take pride in the work being done. The safety assurance has not been ignored, good equipment and making sure everyone is taking the proper precautions has been achieved.”
– Peter Ickes, Chief Communication Technician, Missouri State Highway Patrol
Ward Silver Technical Services
“As an informal adviser to the Missouri Univ of Science and Technology’s radio club, I became aware of problems with the club’s antenna and rooftop Rohn 25 tower system.. Second Sight was contracted with the necessary certifications and experience working on amateur radio antennas and inspecting Rohn tower systems.. The work was performed professionally and efficiently. All antennas and the rotator are functioning properly and the station is back on the air. The roof work area was left clean and secure.. Second Sight’s costs were reasonable, they did the work efficiently, and submitted all necessary reports to the University. I would definitely use their services again and would recommend them for other similar work.”
Ward Silver, Ward Silver Technical Services
Eaton
“We have been very pleased with our partnership with Second Sight Systems over the past three years and are willing to recommend your services for installing AMI infrastructure and performing meter and AMI endpoint exchanges throughout the country, and, in fact, we often do. The professionalism and execution on challenging projects that your organization has executed to date has been impressive and we look forward to the opportunity to partner on even more projects in 2024 and beyond.”
– Jim Roche, Product Line Manager, Eaton
Asheville Water Resources
“During the learning process early in our relationship, I observed dedication, professionalism, and integrity related to your leadership team at Second Sight.. You made this business decision based not on financial gain, as there was no extra monetary burden placed on Asheville, but rather your commitment to helping us through our dilemma at the time. That sole priority to help a customer, and provide great support, speaks volumes.. The type of leadership displayed by Second Sight is how successful business ventures such as Second Sight and Asheville Water Resources develop, and I look forward to working with your team again in the future.”
– Brandon, Division Manager, Asheville Water Resources
Radar, Airfield, & Weather Systems
“Second Sight Systems provided professional, knowledgeable, and skilled personnel throughout the project. They performed their work safely and with a high level of quality. Although numerous obstacles and challenges presented themselves, the project was completed on time with no change orders. I would highly recommend Second Sight Systems for your upcoming project.”
– Kristopher Krug, RAWS Technician
USG Water
“Second Sight Systems has provided excellent service and performance on the projects on which we have engaged them. Their professionalism and attention to detail have been outstanding. They work well with our team as well as our customers’ personnel to deliver the agreed-upon scope of work in a timely and diligent manner. Their attention to safety is strong and we will continue to use them on projects we obtain.”
– Frank Sublett, Director of Metering Implementation Services, USG Water
Ferguson Waterworks
“Here at Ferguson Waterworks, we have partnered with Second Sight Systems to complete over (12+) meter installation projects together in various states across the United States. Second Sight Systems continues to provide excellent service, while being very conscious of working with the local municipalities to minimize any disruptions that could occur.”
– Chris Dashiell, Senior Project Manager, Ferguson Waterworks
Ameresco
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and your team for the hard work and partnership that Second Sight Systems has provided on the last few projects. We appreciate SSS willingness to work through some of the issues that have presented themselves on these recent projects. We look forward to maximizing the lessons that both of our companies have learned, and doing many more projects together in the future.”
– Russell Kennedy, Director of Construction, Ameresco
KenWave Solutions
“KenWave Solutions thoroughly enjoyed working with the Second Sight Systems team. They were punctual, knowledgeable and technical, and did a great job supporting our field team with water main condition assessment work.”
– Arun Thankarajah, Senior Project Manager, KenWave Solutions
Landis + Gyr
“I’ve served at Landis+Gyr for 30 years using multiple different contractors, however I can say with 100% confidence that Second Sight Systems was one of the best decisions I made. Their professionalism, integrity, commitment, and hard work was noticeable within a matter of months.. We never had to worry that we would not be able to provide the data to our Utility customers.. because of Second Sights ability to prepare, plan and commit to delivering excellent service with an amazing safety record.. I can with confidence say that whatever company or organization hires Second Sight to do their work, will not be disappointed, but will find a dedicated and committed partner that will represent them with pride and excellent customer service.”
– Josep Brynleifsson, Program Manager, Landis+Gyr
Designing Great American Homes
“I am the HOA President for a 68 house subdivision. Second Sight installed and monitors our new water meters. Their team was professional and efficient. The work was finished on time and the homeowners were pleased. We have experienced several months of monitoring service, and their customer service has been excellent. I recommend Second Sight to other communities wishing to convert to individual meters and remote monitoring.”
– William Baker, Designing Great American Homes
Brookhaven of East Cobb
“Everything about the install and set up process went well, and the communications both before and after install were thorough and professional. The customer service offered, and the timeliness and accuracy of billing, has been excellent.. We strongly recommend Second Sight Systems as a highly regarded and reliable vendor.”
– Gary Fradkin, HOA President, Brookhaven of East Cobb
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