US city selects Mueller Systems’ AMI network

Mueller Systems, a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, has been selected by Kannapolis, North Carolina for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network.

The city will upgrade its water system by implementing the company’s Mi.Net Mueller Infrastructure Network for Utilities.

The Mi.Net system will automate the city’s meter reading-to-billing process by linking its meters, distribution sites and control devices in a single data network.

Kannapolis director of public works Wilmer Melton said: "We are committed to employing technology that will improve the level of service we offer our customers while increasing the efficiency of our water system.

"Mueller Systems’ AMR solution has been a tremendous asset in helping us better manage our water system. The Mi.Net System will enable us to provide an even greater level of service to our constituents."

As well as implementing the Mi.Net System, the city will deploy around 18,000 Mueller Systems water meters throughout the city by the end of 2014.

A portion of the residential meters will be Mueller Systems’ 420 Remote Disconnect Meter (RDM), a fully integrated remote disconnect meter designed to enable the City to remotely manage water services through the Mi.Net System.

The city will also implement Mueller Systems’ Mi.Data to manage their water consumption and Mi.Data provides information about water usage and improved communication between households and the city.

The company claims that the Mi.Net System enables utilities to improve operational efficiencies and customer service by fully automating the meter reading-to-billing process and linking meters, distribution sites and control devices in a single data network.

The Mi.Net System features on-demand meter readings, e-mail alerts and alarms based upon near real-time information as well as the ability for utilities to better manage their water resources through on-going access to custom data and information.

Mueller Systems vice president and general manager Hassan Ali said: "Kannapolis has developed a reputation for implementing technology that improves the relationship between the city and its ratepayers.

"Kannapolis has used Mueller Systems’ HotRod AMR solution for several years, and in implementing the Mi.Net System, Kannapolis exemplifies how a municipality can efficiently progress from visual-read, to drive-by, to a two-way AMI solution."