The CEO of Envocore, Stephen Troese Jr., has announced that the utility services company has been selected to assist Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) with the upgrade of all 420,000 residential and commercial water meters. When the project is complete, JEA customers will have access to Envocore’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. In the following article is a discussion on how this project is expected to pan out.
By replacing Jacksonville’s current metering system with state-of-the-art AMI technology, customers will gain access to an enhanced interactive experience, including more transparent insights into their water consumption – a move that could potentially help customers reduce their monthly water bills.
Stephen Troese Jr. Discusses Improving the Customer Experience
Work began in mid-June on the meters of the first few thousand customers in Nassau County. Because of JEA’s extensive service territory, the comprehensive upgrade to nearly half a million water meters is expected to be a four-year endeavor.
Stephen Troese Jr. says that the project entails replacing JEA’s outdated radio interface system with AMI. Previous models were difficult to read and didn’t give customers much insight into how their water usage affected their monthly water bill. Multiple studies over the last decade have shown that Americans drastically underestimate their water usage.
However, the new AMI user experience will change all that. These state-of-the-art meters will provide a simple way for residents and building owners to see daily water consumption levels in their homes and businesses.
Theoretically, Stephen Troese Jr. notes that the new metering technology will allow users to moderate their water use and save money. The upgrade itself will not reduce water costs or usage, but it will give customers the power to oversee the amount of water being used in their unit and decide what changes to make if they want to lower their monthly water bill.
The Power of Prediction and Prevention
Envocore’s new AMI-powered water meters will also use remote reading technology so meter readings can be done more quickly and efficiently while eliminating the manual readings necessary in other neighborhoods.
Stephen Troese Jr. explains that another key feature of the new system is its ability to identify potential water leaks and send alerts to customers rapidly. This will allow for swift action to be taken while decreasing wasted water that may lead to an unexpectedly high water bill.
Preparing For the Upgrade
Stephen Troese Jr. says that due to the number of meters to be replaced, customers cannot request a pre-scheduled appointment for the water meter switch. Instead, JEA will be sending emails and postcards in the mail to alert customers about the timing up to two weeks prior to their visit.
Stephen Troese Jr. also notes that customers will receive a knock on the door to be warned of the contractor’s arrival. They will also be informed if they should expect any brief interruption in water service during the upgrade. In any case, no precautions are required other than to provide safe access to the meter and restrain any pets.
The 30-minute task is not expected to cause any inconvenience, and customers do not need to be home when it occurs. Anyone concerned about the presence of contractors in their neighborhood should look for JEA-branded trucks and Envocore shirts, or they can call (904) 665-6000 to speak with a Customer Advisor to confirm the visit.
When service is complete, the contractor will leave a door hanger with details of the upgrade and any information in the unlikely case that they need to return later to complete the work for some reason.
A New Way Forward for Utility Management
Stephen Troese Jr. says that the upgrade process will occur for all JEA customers. The final results will be either a new radio device to be attached to a current meter or an entirely new meter. Regardless of the type of upgrade, there will be no charge to customers, as this is a free service.
Stephen Troese Jr. and Envocore are pleased to be able to provide this resource management technology to JEA customers, who can now expect enhanced customer service. The AMI technology will allow the utility company to read all water meters remotely, making it easier to answer questions to identify any potential issues in a timely manner.
Envocore’s metering services are provided to the Jacksonville Electric Authority, which will be responsible for using the technology to improve customer engagement, ensure bills are accurate, enhance their operations, and better manage city water resources and infrastructure to prepare for the future.
