ATTACHMENT 2
A2-95
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
encryption works within our products. For example, encryption and decryption occur at the Head End System and the meter. No additional encryption or decryption occurs at any points along the network. Network access points are considered pass-through devices along the encryption path. Encryption does not increase the size of the packets on the network and does not add additional overhead to the network.
As part of our layered security model, Sensus uses a NIST-approved, FIPS 140-2 encryption algorithm with a strong key (256 bits) to ensure th at communication cannot be intercepted during transmission. In addition, to prevent a replay attack (the recording and replay of a harmful but still -encrypted command like disconnect), all encrypted communications use a time quantum. When two- way communications are enabled with AES encryption, a CBC - MAC (Cypher Block Chaining - Message Authentication Code) is used to verify the authenticity communication origin’s authenticity. To provide data confidentiality and assurance of authenticity, all commands from the Head End System are encrypted using the AES- CCM mode which combines AES-CTR mode encryption with a CBC -MAC.
Similarly, all data originating from the meter endpoint is encrypted using the AES-CCM mode which combines AES- CTR mode encryption with a CBC-MAC.
The internet communication between the basestation, the head end, and utilities software application is performed through Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
Tab C, Requirement C22 - Describe the ability to utilize the proposed AMI system for both water and electric meters.
The FlexNet system with its Point-to-MultiPoint architecture, where endpoints communicate directly to the FlexNet system, is perfect for supporting multiple applications on one Smart Utility Network communication system -- to best support your evolving Smart City use cases when you are ready to implement them. Sensus water endpoints do not rely on electric endpoints to communicate to the head end; instead, they (as do all endpoint types) communicate directly to the FlexNet network. Using a single network for a variety of solutions provides multi - commodity utilities with a lower overall cost of ownership for the life of the system.
FlexNet systems support full duplex communication from the endpoints in the field to the FlexNet Head End System, and they support the ability to use separate RF frequencies for communicating from endpoints in the field up to the head end system and back down from the head end to the endpoints. FlexNet systems also support the ability to allocate RF spectrum for dedicated solutions into separate RF channels – ensuring that different message types can each have their own dedicated communication path, reducing congestion on the network and speeding up message throughput. Different message types like electric and water billing data, alarms, and SCADA control signals and alerts, etc., are assigned to different RF frequencies that are completely separated and do not compete with each other. These capabilities ensure high performance for all your applications and avoids confl icts between the different solutions running on your system.
With Sensus’ FlexNet system, utilities can use a single communication network for their water and electric Smart Utility Network System. Providing our electric and water utility customers with a strong, robust and flexible network that provides long range communication support for all commodities is something that the FlexNet system does better than any other AMI system on the market.
Sensus's history of providing Smart Utility Networks to water and electric utilities with FlexNet’s market -leading full-duplex communications along with solutions for meter reading, remote meter switch operation, leak detection, cathodic protection, SCADA system support, water level monitoring, pressure monitoring, demand response, lighting, and others have helped utility customers improve their operations and add valuable Smart City use case to the FlexNet system when they are ready to roll them out.
Tab C, R equirement C24 - Indicate any additional benefits the Utili ty could incorporate into their daily operation using the proposed network system.
While Sensus and Aqua-Metric cover the entire municipal landscape with our smart-city solutions for gas, electric, and lighting solutions, we understand the importance of smart water. Together we can leverage expertise and solutions that help solve water throughout the entire water utility cycle.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-96
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
With FlexNet at its core, Sensus AMI can provide City of Burbank Water and Power with a robust solution that transforms the utility water cycle into the smart water cycle by helping the City measure smarter, communicate more reliably, and analyze easier. We can help utilities actively monitor and dynamically optimize their systems – including water quality, distribution system pressure, storm water, wastewater, and reclaimed water. The following provides examples of Sensus metering products that can be utilized by the Utility using their existing FlexNet system.
Ally Remote Disconnect Water Meter
The Sensus Ally water meter is groundbreaking technology that sets a new standard in water distribution system management. This residential smart water meter features an integrated, three -state remote service valve for remote shut off, turn on and reduced flow. The Ally also has pressure and temperature sensors and alarms available.
The innovative electromagnetic flow measurement technology of the ally meter allows enhanced accuracy ranges at both low and high flows and perpetual accuracy over the life of the product. It can be installed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The ally meter has a 20-year life cycle, along with a 15-year accuracy warranty.
The Sensus Analytics “Service Management Application” is an optional add on to manage the Sensus Ally meters.
Individual meters can be managed one at a time through Analytics, however the SMA allows a utility to perform actions on groups of meters and maintain an overall view of the meters’ valve status.
The Sensus Analytics “Pressure Profile” application is an optional add on to provide a dashboard for all meters or smart Gateways providing pressure information. Pressure profile will allow the user to compare multiple devices at one time and see all pressure related alarms and statistics as a map overlay.
Application:
- Service Connectio ns with Frequent Account
Turnover
- Vacant / Seasonal Service Usage Accounts
- Services with Account Management Needs
- Line Bleeding for Line Flushing
- Reclaim / Irrigation Services
Features:
- Magnetic Metrology
- Alarms (Empty Pipe, Reverse Flow, Leak, Tampering, Battery) - Data logging 90-120 Days
- Three-State Valve (Open, Close, Trickle)
- Pressure Sensor and Temperature Sensor (Hourly) Programmable - On-Demand Reads
Models:
- Sensor Unit (Water Usage, Pressure, and
Temperature Measurement)
- Valve Unit (Sensor with three -state remote
operated valve)
Services:
- Potable Water
- Reclaim Water
- Fire Service (Valve Model Not Available)
Valve Details:
- Open, Closed, Trickle States
- Life Sustaining Flow in Trickle Mode
- Regular Exercise of the Seat
- Self-Cleaning
- Stainless Steel Ball
- Limit of Cycle Operations
- Proprietary Actuator
Benefits:
- Remote Shut-Off Valve: Account Management, Leak Shutoff, Water Conservation, Customer Service, Fewer Truck Rolls)
- Pressure Sensor: System Mapping, Energy Optimization, Customer Service, Fewer Service Calls
- Temperature Sensor: Customer Portal Warning, Freeze Detection / Less Line Breakage
- On-Demand Reads: Analytics, Modeling, Customer Service - Two-Way Communication to the Meter: Corrective Action - More Data Logging: Customer Service and Troubleshooting Sensus Smart Gateway for Water
Smart Gateway provides a wide range of solutions for FlexNet customers. Smart Gateway is a battery -powered FlexNet radio with four sensor inputs – two 4-20 mA inputs and two Form A digital inputs – that ties data seamlessly to the FlexNet Head End System. Smart Gateway empowers FlexNet users to use a wide variety of third -party sensors to monitor water quality, water distribution pressure, storm water, wastewater, and reclaimed water assets – using the same FlexNet infrastructure they utilize for meter reading.
Smart Gateway Applications
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-97
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Leak reporting
Lost revenue
Pressure profile
Demand planning
Hydraulic management
Flushing management
Theft management
Water loss management
Water quality management
Energy management
Safety management
Storm Water management
Temperature management
Sustainability management
Permalog+ Acoustic Monitoring
Permalog+ is an acoustic sensor deployed throughout water distribution networks to monitor distribution lines and localize leaks. Using sound waves to detect flow, sensors activate overnight, listening to the distribution system when ambient noise is at its lowest. It then reports flow conditions back to the utility using the FlexNet communication network and SmartPoint communication modules.
Once flow conditions are reported back through the network, the utility can analyze the data to determine if a leak condition exists. Service crews can quickly investigate and make repairs before they become costly problems or prominent stories in the news.
Permalog+ sensors magnetically attach to gate valves throughout your distribution system. This allows them to be mounted temporarily or permanently. Permalog+ is an economical way to proactively address current and potential leak conditions. The end result: the utility can conserve millions of gallons of water and discover and regain lost revenue with two industry-leading technologies.
The Sensus Analytics “Acoustic Monitoring Application” is an optional add on to manage the acoustic loggers that send in data to the AMI system based on what they hear during quite hours.
Sensus VantagePoint Smart Lighting Control
The Utility can leverage FlexNet to make i ntelligent and more cost- effective lighting decisions through a Smart Lighting solution. Sensus VantagePoint Lighting Control is an intelligent solution that uses a lighting control module, lighting software and the FlexNet network to provide greater control and automation of your lights. VantagePoint will help the Utility conserve energy, manage its assets, reduce maintenance costs and promote public safety. The City’s lighting can be remotely managed from the Utility’s operations center or mobile applications, giving the Utility greater control over its daily operation where and when its needed.
Sensus Lighting Control offers a cost effective, smart alternative to current outdoor lighting systems. Using FlexNet in conjunction with high efficiency induction and LED lighting, the Utility can effectively reduce municipal lighting energy consumption by 50%. Routine maintenance is further reduced by an additional 20% over the life of the lights. In addition, utilities realize a faster ROI and lower total cost of ownership of their Sensus FlexNet system by incorporating outdoor lighting control as part of their smart grid applications.
Real Time Monitoring and Alarming and Intelligent Dispatch Sunrise / Sunset Management and Savings – No Photocells Dimming Control Energy Savings Grouping and Flashing Safety Control GIS Mapping Chase Lights Safety Control; Event “Flashing” Disconnect Slow/No Pay Integrated Metrology According to ANSI C12.20 .5 Class PMP Networks Supports Several Applications and Strategic Deployment
Intuitive Web Interface and Dashboards
- Aggregate consumption and alarm status
- Key Metrics displayed, with drill-down capability
Alighting Scheduling and Asset Management
- Asset management data input and extract ; - Individual light dimming schedule and control Additional Sensus Vantage Point Software is required for providing Lighting Functionality. This would need to be scoped in order to provide the correct components.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-98
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
DA/SCADA Solutions
Sensus offers near real-time powered SCADA solutions using RTM II and T866 endpoints equipped with SmartPoint communication module boards that communicate directly up to the FlexNet system via FlexNet Basestations.
This solution supports the monitoring of data at the site, and the RTM II and T866 endpoints support near real-time control capability from your SCADA system – thereby extending your current SCADA system’s reach to new points in the field.
In our SCADA solution, endpoints in the field connect to utility equipment on-site and enable monitoring and control to this equipment from your SCADA system. Our FlexNet-enabled SCADA endpoints include:
• Intelligent Communication Field Protocol Gateway – RTM II (or RTM II+) Remote Telemetry Module: This is a powerful plug-and-play solution that enables end-to-end field interoperability with any compatible third-party intelligent electronic control (IED) that supports either the DNP 3.0 or Modbus automation protocols. • Flexible Input/Output SCADA Control MicroRTU – T866: This is a flexible hardware platform for enabling and addressing a wide range of SCADA automation needs across DA applications. This DA endpoint supports digital state input a nd outputs and analog inputs and is an ideal solution for water DA applications when the equipment in the field supports these signal types.
To use Sensus FlexNet functionality for SCADA, Sensus Automation Control (AC) software is required. A propagation study and capacity requirements need to be assessed. Automation Control can be used to monitor and control, or SCADA Exchange can be used, is an optional software integration to allow the utility to use other display systems (e.g., Wonderware, VTScada, etc.).
Tab C, Requirement C27 - Describe any Network as a Service offering including detailed standards (i.e., stock materials, response times, performance guarantees, accessibility to network performance reports, maintenance, troubleshooting)
Aqua-Metric is proposing a hosted software-as-a-service solution to BWP; however, we are providing information below on Sensus’s NaaS Solution. If the City is interested in NaaS as an option, pricing can be provided based on a better understanding of the Utility’s scope.
Network as a Service (NaaS) Overview
Sensus’ Network as a Service (NaaS) is a managed service offering where Sensus provides end -to-end solution management across the FlexNet AMI system lifecycle, as a private cloud -based service. Sensus is responsible for owning, managing, and maintaining all FlexNet network and AMI head end software hardware and software. We will conduct hardware maintenance and obtain all replacement parts; handling applicable vertical asset third-party leases, permitting, and structural analysis. The NaaS service also includes antennas, coax, Basestations, cabinets, monopoles, and third-party leases. Sensus’ experts will monitor, manage, and maintain the FlexNet communication network and head end system for you. Our professionals are responsible for ensuring that you have full coverage in your service territory, and that the network is always operating at peak performance.
The Sensus NaaS offering allows you to obtain an all-inclusive AMI solution that leverages our purpose-built FlexNet wireless communication network and head end system, with ongoing maintenance managed by Sensus. The wireless network component is designed, built, and maintained by Sensus and our local partners. Our team has extensive experience installin g and maintaining FlexNet infrastructure and has expertise in tower climbing, pole installation, antenna installation, and third-party site certification.
In addition, Sensus will coordinate regularly scheduled security testing and auditing by internal and industry-leading external partners. Disaster prevention and recovery are included in the NaaS model, and professional IT staff and resources are available 24/7.
All network Basestations, firmware, RF spectrum and system health conditions are managed and maintained by our state-of-the-art Network Operations Center (NOC), around the clock 24x7x365.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-99
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
There are no upfront capital costs associated with the implementation of the Sensus NaaS service, and the annual fee includes all associated support and maintenance services to meet and exceed the contractual requirements for the life of your FlexNet system.
The Sensus NaaS service is built upon the Sensus SaaS service and provides an industry leading, turnkey managed solution, giving customers peace of mind with g uaranteed performance, predictable budgeting, industry leading security, and assurance as their solution will be managed by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Day 1.
Sensus vs. Customer NaaS Responsibilities: With our NaaS solution, Sensus owns, operates, manages, and maintains the FlexNet communication network and provides the use of the infrastructure and licensed spectrum to customers. NaaS is a subscription-based service, and annual fees are paid for the year in advance.
Sensus NaaS Responsibilities : In the NaaS service, Sensus owns, manages, monitors, and maintains the FlexNet communication network and infrastructure for the utility. Sensus is responsible for warranty, maintenance, and support of the Basestations and FCC -licensed radio spectrum. Sensus is responsible for mitigation of all RF interference on our customers’ FlexNet system RF spectrum, should any occur.
With Naas, Sensus guarantees performance under SLAs as part of our standard offering. Sensus performs network optimization and tuning to ensure that the FlexNet communication network is operating at peak performance. Part of network optimization and tuning includes looking at stale meters, Read Interval Success (RIS) rates, RF channel usage, and overall network health, capacity, and perform ance. We take the lead, after conferring with the utility, to change meter configuration and channel configuration to ensure optimal performance for each RF channel and frequency throughout your system.
Sensus also performs regular scheduled maintenance on each Basestation, including on-board battery replacement when needed, and responds to any network -related incidents that may occur in the field. We monitor all FlexNet components around the clock from our Network Operations Center to ensure prompt identif ication of issues, minimizing impacts and durations of incidents.
Sensus manages and maintains the Basestation firmware and other software required to operate the Sensus Basestation applications. The Sensus Security team and experts manage, monitor, and maintain the security of your FlexNet network’s Basestations.
Utility NaaS Responsibilities: Depending on the utility’s situation and circumstances, the utility may provide access to utility vertical assets that can be used to install the Basestations.
As part of our standard NaaS offering, Sensus will own, manage, and monitor the backhaul communications, and be responsible for securing and managing these connections, as well as troubleshooting any connection issues with the cellular service provider. Sensus has direct access to the cellular carrier’s top-level Tier 3 support personnel to assist in any required troubleshooting.
If fiber or another utility communication is unavailable, as part of our NaaS solution, Sensus can be responsible for installing the backhaul connectivity to each Basestation.
NaaS Supports Growth over Time : The Sensus NaaS solution is a customer value driven service, designed with scalability in mind. Sensus NaaS customers have opted to better leverage the FlexNet platform to support I oT & Smart City applications, deploying Sensus Vantage Point Lighting, Sensus Smart Gateway Sensor Interfaces, Sensus Cathodic Protection, and have collaboratively worked with Sensus to develop new innovative applications to gain additional value from their Sensus solution.
When our customers opt to deploy additional devices to support IoT and Smart City applications, the Sensus Managed Service team works hand in hand with our customers. We evaluate any potential impacts, plan accordingly, and take actions to mitigate any risks. The Sensus team will also work with our customers to support the piloting and proof of concept of any proposed solutions on their Sensus Managed Solution. We strive to ensure our customer’s success.
The NaaS agreements have provisions for such scalability, to ensure the solution can support our customer’s growth. Sensus works with our customers to come to an agreement within the framework of our contracts to
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-100
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
include any additional network or endpoint devices required in the NaaS agr eement. Sensus’ NaaS framework is designed to support customer growth, not limit it.
Endpoint Firmware (FW) Management : The core NaaS service offering includes endpoint firmware (FW) management support. In other words, we’ll provide Product Information Notices (PINs) and release notes through the normal channels but accepting and testing of endpoint FW is the utility’s responsibility. We perform the Over- the-Air (OTA) firmware downloads for the utility, so that we can optimize the firmware download jobs to mitigate impacts to performance.
A complete FW management program, including testing and acceptance of endpoint FW versions for all their endpoints, can be offered and priced.
Sensus NaaS Includes:
• Network Performance Assurance (Meter Reading Performance) • Reporting Services – Service Level Acceptance (SLA) Managing and Reporting • FlexNet AMI system use of Sensus’ FCC-licensed, primary-use RF spectrum • No upfront capital costs for network infrastructure, site leases, site certifications, vertical infrastruct ure, backhaul, and site preparation
• RF Infrastructure Operation, Maintenance, Monitoring & Network Optimization • Event, Incident, & Problem Management
• Change Management
• Network design – propagation study with RF Network Design & RF Infrastructure Asset Provision • FlexNet M400B2 Basestations, antennas, and coax
• Verizon/AT&T wireless backhaul (Ongoing)
• Applications and RF Engineering staff (Ongoing)
• Replacement parts and labor (Ongoing)
• Applicable site leases (Ongoing)
• Remote monitoring – Basestation and backhaul (Ongoing) • Preventative maintenance (Ongoing)
• Basestation firmware updates (Ongoing)
• Disaster Recovery capability in the U.S. using Sensus’ two geographically separated data centers (Ongoing) NaaS Benefits and Outcomes
• Guaranteed performance from your FlexNet AMI system
• Provide predictable, more level costing structure for budgetary planning • All-inclusive of hardware, software, and services for up to 20 years • Improves operational efficiency by leveraging Sensus expertise – increases availability an d uptime of the FlexNet communication network, reducing outages and system downtime • Reduced risk of system and network misconfiguration by shifting responsibility to Sensus experts • Improve security on the FlexNet communication network by having the network managed and monitored by Sensus security experts and personnel
• Reduce the risk of system and network misconfiguration by shifting responsibility to Sensus • Provides predictable budgeting for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the FlexNet AMI communicati on network
• Reduce IT and operational costs required to manage, monitor, and maintain the FlexNet communication network
• Reduced risk associated with system configuration and maintenance • Reduced risk in planning for business continuity through Disaster Recovery • Increased operational efficiency leveraging Sensus’ Network Operations Center (NOC) • Scalability for future growth
• Secured and tested for vulnerability
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-101
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
• Multi-application: water, gas, wastewater, electric, cathodic protection, demand response, DER, street lighting, and IoT
Tab C, Requirement C29 - City seeks operational communications insight of network and transmitter in order to maintain system health including, but not limited to, received signal strength indicator, signal to noise ratios, packet success rates, channel utilization, backhaul performance etc.
Sensus deploys an advanced toolkit of diagnostic features through the Sensus FlexNet AMI server software. The AMI server software enables analysis and display of every aspect for every element in the FlexNet AMI system from the meter to AMI collectors (basestations) to the AMI server. Displays include overall system performance so that key performance indicators, i.e., read latency, Signal -to-Noise Ratio (SNR), message throughput, can be readily viewed and examined. Thes e can be drilled to a single meter, single transmission over a 30 -day period. Analytic tools allow sorting by any of over a dozen metrics. Results can be shown in time plot or histograms. The following is a partial listing of available reports:
Avg SNR vs. Overall
Throughput;
Distance to Closest FlexNet
Basestation vs. Throughput
SNR vs. Missing Data
(MaxRG);
SNR vs. Hours Stale;
SNR vs. mPass Client Count Stale Meter Histograms; Stale Meter Histograms; Individual Meter Statistics Plots and Exception Reports
Distance to FlexNet
Basestation;
Average SNR; 2s SNR; Average Signal
2s Signal; Average Noise; 2s Noise; Throughput;
Gap Analysis; Number of Received
Messages;
SNR Histograms
Additionally, Sensus frequently develops custom reports for utility partners that are delivered daily as a management dashboard for system health monitoring.
All of these tools can be used to diagnose and repair communication problems remotely without the need to visit the meter in the field. In rare circumstances where a field visit is necessary, Sensus provides a variety of diagnostic tools.
The Google Maps application provides a visual overlay on maps to support the operator in accessing map data across multiple variables (filter supported) to access data points on exception data of interest.
Tab C, Requirement C31 – Describe the types of other sensors that may utilize the network to support BWP operations
Sensus has developed a sensor interface compatible with FlexNet called the Smart Gateway. This product is battery- powered and packaged meeting IP66 guidelines. It uses four sensors, two 4 -20 ma sensors for pressure, temperature, distance, level, and other inputs, and two discrete inputs for normally open switches to transmit data and alarms to the FlexNet Head End System.
The Smart Gateway allows utilities to leverage the FlexNet Infrastructure and collect data from locations where there is no power available, without the cost and expense of solar panels and storage batteries. The versatility of its input capabilities allows for countless types of data to be collected and transmitted.
The data from the sensors is then used by software applications to generate water utility-based solutions.
Applications for the Smart Gateway include the following:
- Leak Reporting
- Lost Revenue
- Pressure Profile
- Demand Planning
- Hydraulic Management
- Flushing Management
- Theft Management
- Water Loss Management
- Water Quality Management
- Energy Management
- Safety Management
- Storm Water Management
- Temperature Management
- Sustainability Management
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-102
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Tab D, Requirement D4 - Will the transmitter generate alarms? Please describe all the alarms generated by the transmitter with specificity; i.e., cut cable, register no communications, low battery Sensus SmartPoint Alarms: SmartPoint communication modules for water transmit several alarms, based on the communications they receive from the meter, in order to alert the utility to potential issues before they become more costly. These alarms are transmitted immediately to the FlexNet Head End System to ensure that the utility gets vital information as quickly as possible.
• Swapped Meter
o The Swapped Meter alarm indicates that the SmartPoint has detected that the register has been changed without a proper installation. The swapped meter is detected by comparing the register serial number from one reading to the next. If it differs, the register has been swapped. o Additionally, the alarm can be trig gered if the number of reading digits reported from the register differs from one read to the next. That is, if the last read was reporting six digits and the next read reported seven digits, this would also be interpreted as a swapped meter. • Continuous Flow
o The Continuous Flow alarm indicates when the SmartPoint has detected continuous flow for an extended time period. Configurable parameters include volume, threshold, and duration. • High Flow
o The High Flow alarm indicates that the SmartPoint has detected a n excessive flow rate, possibly caused by a broken pipe. Configurable parameters include volume and threshold. • Meter Communication Fail
o This alarm indicates that the SmartPoint failed to successfully read the water register – either there was no response from the register, or the reading string was corrupted. Possible causes may be a cut wire, an incorrect or poor connection to the register, a malfunctioning register, or no register connected at all. o When a cut wire condition is detected for the first time, it triggers a SmartPoint alarm to be sent to the FlexNet Head End System indicating a cut wire. When it is time to transmit a reading message to the head end system, the SmartPoint checks the last meter sample. If there was a problem obtaining the last meter sample (including an active Cut Wire alarm), the SmartPoint sends an alarm message with a reading of 0 and the Transmission in Lieu of Reading bit set instead of a reading message. o If a Cut Wire alarm persists – that is, it has occurred within the prec eding 35 days (840 samples – but the SmartPoint detects that the condition is no longer present, then the normal reading will be transmitted. • Non-Numeric Read/Meter Read Malfunction/Register Error o This alarm indicates that the SmartPoint successfully read the water register, but the register indicated an error condition: for example, a stuck encoder wheel.
• Backflow/Reverse Flow
o The Backflow alarm indicates that the SmartPoint has detected reverse flow (decreasing reading values) for a specified period of time. Configurable parameters include volume, threshold, and duration. • Bidirectional Communication Failed
o The SmartPoint failed to successfully send a command to the register or get the response to a command back.
Tab D, Requirement D6 - Describe how the transmitter is programmed and options or features related to when and where the transmitter can be programmed. Please identify if there are any limitations in dial reads between transmitter and register.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-103
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
The water SmartPoint communication module requires programming during initial installation to ensure that the proper latitude and longitude coordinates, register ID, and associated meter type are captured.
Upon activation, the SmartPoint sends a series of initiation messages containing the meter number, SmartPoint ID, register ID, latitude and longitude coordinates, meter units of measure, and register resolution. When the FlexNet Basestation receives transmissions from a SmartPoint, the meter is automatically registered, and the SmartPoint number and meter number are linked in the FlexNet Head End System’s database.
Programming SmartPoints requires a Sensus -compatible handheld device and a Sensus CommandLink communication device. The handheld incorporates a software program, FieldLogic Connect, which guides the operator through installation. Upon activation, the installer is prompted to enter the GPS coordinates if the FieldLogic software does not have a valid GPS fix.
FieldLogic Hub, used to install FieldLogic Tools on a handheld device, allows the operator to make adjustments to meet the utility’s programming needs and provides the operator the functionality to customize programming for various situations.
Multiple default variables can be programmed automatically into the SmartPoint radio during installation, including Sensus’ licensed RF frequencies, which are assigned to each utility; utility code; mode of operation (walk-by/drive- by or fixed-base mode); leak detection settings; and latitude and longitude of the installed radio. In addition, the FieldLogic Tools software has diagnostic features to assist with troubleshooting deployed meters.
Once the SmartPoint is programmed, FieldLogic software displays that a successful activation has been completed.
The software shows the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and which basestation the SmartPoint is communicating with.
In addition, after the SmartPoint is activated, it immediately sends out a series of messages to the FlexNet Head End System software. Those messages contain the setup information and register reads.
As soon as the SmartPoint is installed, the read interval timer initiates within 30-60 seconds. Reads will immediately begin occurring at the programmed interval, and messages will be received at the head end system within 15 minutes.
Programming changes can be accomplished through the FlexNet Head End System software or by using a hand - held device at the meter site.
Sensus commitment to open standards and interoperability ensures that the SmartPoint will accurately read compatible meters it is conn ected to. Please refer to the enclosed SmartPoint compatibility chart for additional information.
Requirement D19 - Describe alternate options for transmitter connectivity should the network fail to reach certain areas of the service area. These options are described in the comments section. BWP prefers alternatives to cellular connectivity.
FlexNet technology performs well in many different terrains and hard -to-reach locations because our FCC license enables us to transmit at higher power. We also desig ned the FlexNet Basestation to be the most sensitive data collector of any available on the market today, with the Minimum Detectable Signal (MDS) approaching theoretical limits. This sensitivity, coupled with overlapping FlexNet Basestation coverage for data transmission from the meter, offers unmatched reliability and accessibility in hard-to-reach locations in our standard system design.
Part of the field deployment process is to tune the network as the FlexNet endpoints are installed; often this is performed by route. The goal of this tuning is to ensure that the installed units are performing per the contractual KPIs.
Tuning can consist of a number of technical solutions, including (but not limited to):
• Changing a particular meter’s transmission level to a higher output level, different FSK • Installing a R100NA basestation (our smaller-footprint, lower-cost, gap-filler solution) near the hard-to-reach location(s) where it can hear the meter’s transmitted messages
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-104
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
The R100 basestation can assist with communications in extremely challenging locations (for example, geographically hard-to-reach locations, sub-basements, and very deep subterranean locations).
For isolated pockets of meters (urban or rural), the R100 is a low -cost, miniaturized, full-functioned, multichannel RF data collector that can be deployed in areas where a full FlexNet Basestation will not physically fit or is overdesigned for the application (that is, too few meters to justify the higher cost of the basestation).
It has been designed with a small form factor, enabling the R100NA to easily be installed inside buildings, tunnels, and in subterranean locations to read only a few meters. Data collected by R100s can either be repeated to the installed FlexNet communication network or backh auled via a local TCP/IP connection over cellular or fiber. A variety of external antenna connections can be used to increase the versatility of the R100 network performance.
Omnidirectional, unidirectional, or leaky coax type antennas can be used to reach into areas that might not be reachable using standard technology.
Although recent field testing concluded that FlexNet provides reliable RF communications in very challenging conditions, additional low-cost network elements (external antenna) are availabl e to supplement RF coverage in areas where reliable communications are not cost-effective using the standard network components.
Upon creation and review of the City’s formal propagation analysis, at this time it is not determined that an R100 collector is required for the <<Customer Name>>. The three basestations reflected provide complete coverage for the City’s distribution area.
Upon creation and review of the City’s formal propagation analysis, at this time it is not determined that an R100 collector is required for the City of Burbank Water and Power. The two basestations reflected provide complete coverage for the City’s distribution area.
Tab D, Requirement D27 - The transmitter can operate in both AMI (fixed network) and AMR (drive -by/vehicle gateway) modes. Please describe the process for collecting reads in AMR mode and at what interval AMR receives reads.
The following provides an overview of the Sensus AMR Drive-By and Walk-By Solutions.
Sensus offers industry leading advanced meter reading technology with mobile, handheld, and network technologies based on the FlexNet communication offering. Although “FlexNet” is primarily a term used when regarding an AMI System, in actuality, FlexNet is the two-way primary frequency and supporting technology to provide utilities with best -in-class meter reading systems. For AMR, Sensus FlexNet uses two -way data communication between a Vehicle Gateway Basestation (VGB), or handheld device with CommandLink , and a SmartPoint radio transmitter connected to compatible utility meters. The SmartPoint will read meters hourly and, when interrogated by a walk -by or drive- by device, will provide reading and/or additional data and alarms upon request.
In the case of drive-by technology, readings are performed with a Sensus Vehicle Gateway Basestation (VGB), a portable radio-based meter reading device which can be used in any vehicle providing 12 -volt DC power. The operator simply sets up the system in the vehicle and loads the desired meter reading route into the computer. The meter reading data is collected while the vehicle traverses the route. A Sensus VGB is, at minimum, twice as strong as all competing AMR system – this greater power leads to decreased drive-time and generate savings to the utility.
Driving every street to collect meter reading information is typically not required, reducing the associated costs for data collection including time and fuel. The VGB reading system uses FCC, primary-use, licensed spectrum, to enable this superior reading distance.
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Route Loading
Walk-By/Drive-By reading solutions use the Sensus AutoRead software to manage routes and their associated reading equipment. The customer CIS will need to generate either a delimited or fixed width file containing the accounts that will need to be read.
At a minimum this file must contain the following: Account Number; Address; Register ID; Radio/MIU ID; Meter Type; Radio Type
Once a file is generated from the CIS, AutoRead is then used to import the file into the appropriate routes and then load the route to the desired reading device.
Hand-held Reading – Depending on the handheld device, they can be loaded from AutoRead through an ethernet connected charging stand, or WiFi.
DriveBy Reading – A route can be saved from AutoRead to either a thumb drive or shared drive. This route can then be accessed from the DriveBy Laptop using Sensus AutoVu.
Once reading is complete, AutoRead is used to retrieve the readings from the Handheld, thumb drive o r shared directory. AutoRead will then generate a reading file which can be imported into the CIS and reports can be generated and printed.
Tab E, Requirement E13 - Responder shall present a product development roadmap outlining the vision and strategy for the future of the proposed system. Include a description of the upgrades and enhancements that are in the planning or design stage. Responder should provide documentation to support future scalability and expandability beyond what is initially required in this phase.
The FlexNet system has been designed to achieve its 20 -year service life— continuing to support your deployed water meters and applications while also supporting the ability to add the latest hardware and software offerings when ready. The Fle xNet system’s multi-application support allows each application to operate independently of other applications. New applications can be added at any time and are managed and secured independently.
The following roadmap information is considered confidential.
Sensus Water Roadmap: Sensus has a number of exciting water roadmap solutions that are being worked on for our utility customers. Many of these solutions have been conceived through discussions with our existing customers, including those participating in our SPAN customer-run users’ group.
These solutions will be supported on existing FlexNet systems, with upgrades to the new software supporting them, or with new hardware being rolled out to accomplish them.
Water Meters
• Refresh of the OMNI register to include alarms and near field connections. • Enhance existing iPERL meter to include metal flow tube. • Develop 1-inch ally meter size.
• Continued development for our static meter portfolio through more sizes and meter applications. • Support for additional sensors and alarms support.
• Additional interface methods for ease of use, troubleshooting, data retrieval, and installation. • Implement variable measurement intervals for troubleshooting, investigations, and asset life extension.
Sensors
• Add more third-party sensors to increase Sensus’ support of additional use cases.
Communications
• Support for more input interfaces (sensor and meter) for additional interoperability and compatibility. • Additional options for controls, downlinks, and high-data volume applications.
Software
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• Integrate additional Xylem applications such as View, Polaris, and BluX. • Additional smart water applications for hydraulics, sustainability, water quality, and asset management • Increased third -party interface support for a wide variety of solutions, including SCADA, prepayment, customer portals, and enterprise data.
Tab E, Requirement E35 - The HES must secure and/or encrypt data during transmission. Proposing Responder shall describe this process and protections in place to protect data being transmitted.
Encryption: Sensus’ approach to encryption is a balanced one that considers the need for security as well as business needs and goals. This approach is evidenced by how encryption works within our products. For example, encryption and decryption of meter data and commands occur at the edges of the FlexNet network in the meter and head end. This approach avoids the need for routes and gateway devices within the network from performing additional encryption of the meter data and commands.
Network access points are considered pass -through devices along the encryption path. Encryption does not significantly increase the size of the packets on the network to avoid adding additional overhead to the network.
Encryption can be emp loyed to protect the communications in both directions. On the head end, meters can be configured using their unique FlexNet ID to require the use of AES 256 cryptography to protect all communications.
Encryption on the meter occurs on the FlexNet SmartPoi nt communication module. Once a meter receives a communication from the head end system, it retrieves the unique key from local storage, uses it to decrypt the command, validates that the command came from the head end system, and then processes the command. Should anything fail in this process, the meter will not complete or acknowledge the command. This is then recorded in the head end system. This encrypted communication protects all messages transported across the FlexNet network from eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle, injection, and spoofing attacks.
Encryption Algorithms: As part of our layered security model, Sensus uses a NIST-approved, FIPS 140-2 encryption algorithm with a strong key (256 bits) to ensure that communication cannot be intercepted during transmission. In addition, to prevent a replay attack (the recording and replay of a harmful but still -encrypted command like disconnect), all encrypted communications use a time quantum allowing the recipient to detect an obsolete or replayed command.
When two-way communications are enabled with AES encryption, a CBC -MAC (Cipher Block Chaining - Message Authentication Code) is used to verify the communication origin’s authenticity. To provide data confidentiality and assurance of authenticity, all commands from the head end system are encrypted using the AES-CCM mode which combines AES-CTR mode encryption with a CBC -MAC. Similarly, all data originating from the meter endpoint is encrypted using the AES -CCM mode which combines AES -CTR mode encryption with a CBC -MAC.
FlexNet v2 supports digital signature of communications to and from the endpoint, specifically around critical commands (remote disconnect, meter reprogramming, and firmware download) to support integrity and non - repudiation of these commands. Digital certificates are issued from a Sensus PKI hosted by a reputable third-party PKI provider.
Tab E, Requirement E36 - AMI solution must provide an authorization process to validate any individuals “right of access” to the system Head-End or subsequent control and monitoring screens.
The FlexNet Head End System provides Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to allow our customers to grant granular- level access with regard to sensitive functions such as Remote Disconnect. This allows our customers to limit this function to only those personnel in the organization who are required to use this function.
The system has a default configuration of eight predefined roles with various levels of permission (for example, administrator, read-write, read-only), and can be further customized by the customer to meet their specific needs.
The customer has the ability to create unlimited roles with an unlimited number of permissions, depending on the access control requirements.
In addition, all critical functions within the system are logged, and can be exported to a third -party alerting and reporting system to integrate with the customer’s existing workflow.
ATTACHMENT 2
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Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
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Mechanisms for authentication within the system, including multi-factor authentication and identity management Authentication is the granting of access based on a user’s credentials (like username and password).
Multi-factor authentication is the practice of requiring two or more forms of credentials, such as a username/password and the swipe of a security card.
Authorization is the granting of appropriate privileges to an authorized user. In the Sensus solution, authentication is performed:
• By the head end system. Access to the FlexNet Head End System is managed by a local instance of an LDAP - based authentication s tore. Optionally, the head end system can be configured to access the organization’s external LDAP -based store (like MS Active Directory). The authentication store can contain a variety of information about each user, including authorized roles, and this enables robust role-based authorization. • By the Basestation. Access to the Basestation is managed by a local instance of an LDAP-based authentication store. To simplify management of a large number of Basestations, authentication and authorization can be centralized by integration with an instance of RADIUS in the datacenter.
Multi-factor Authentication is done at the head end system, and Basestation authentication is supported through the implementation of third-party software in the data center network.
Sensus provides strong authentication mechanisms in the FlexNet Head End System through a local LDAP authentication store included in the head end system. The ability to integrate into an organization’s existing LDAP/Active Directory authentication store is also an option. This provides a robust authentication solution for a broad range of deployment options. The FlexNet Head End System also provides role -based access to ensure separation of duty and restriction of access to critical functions. This provides a granular level of access control for the various roles required by complex organizations. The system has a default configuration of eight pre -defined roles with various levels of permission (e.g., administrator, read -write, read-only), and can be further customized by the customer to meet their specific needs. The customer has the ability to create unlimited roles with an unlimited number of permissions, depending on the access control needs.
In addition, FlexNet Basestations suppor t local authentication and integration with RADIUS/LDAP for centralized identity management.
Each endpoint authenticates using unique cryptographic keys. Each message is encrypted and CBC-MAC’d using the meter’s unique key. This provides message layer authentication for messages from the endpoints. The FlexNet Head End System also performs this message- level authentication for commands sent to the endpoints. This provides bidirectional authentication across the network. The head end system also supports key rotation in a manual or automatic fashion, for periodic refreshing of cryptographic keys.
Tab E, Requirement E49 - Responder shall train on the process of obtaining readings (uploading and downloading data from the reading devices from the AMI system software).
AMI Training Overview : The Sensus Customer First philosophy is evident in our approach to training. Ensuring a seamless transition to the FlexNet system is Sensus’ top priority for utilities during the training process. Our Education and Training Se rvices team designed its curriculum to transfer knowledge as efficiently as possible to personnel so that utilities can better serve their customers from day one.
Sensus offers a three- phased training plan that supports you during every stage of the deploy ment – and throughout the life of the system. After system acceptance, easily accessible online resources provide ongoing support to your staff. In addition, Sensus offers follow-on training to keep your team knowledgeable and up to date.
Standard Training: Aqua-Metric and Sensus offer a core education and training solution that is highly customizable depending on a utility’s specific needs. Our standard training solution is based on a phased delivery schedule that occurs prior to and during deployment of the FlexNet system. It begins by introducing the utility users to the FlexNet system and familiarizing them with its major components. The Sensus training solution provides multiple on -site
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visits that focus on properly monitoring and maintaining the FlexNet communication network and installing endpoints.
Core Curriculum Overview: We deliver a stepped learning approach to gradually educate its utility customers through deployment and implementation. This approach not only helps your staff use the FlexNet system effectively today, but also provides access to a library of learning aids for the new employees of tomorrow.
The Sensus Core Curriculum comprises the following phases:
The Introductory Series – Understanding Your New Solution Recommended for al l customer personnel, the Introductory Series sequence of educational modules provides a simplified overview of the FlexNet communication network. The series reviews the roles and responsibilities for effectively managing the network, as well as the major components and software applications that make up the FlexNet system. The modules build on themselves and are designed to benefit management, office, and field personnel.
Pre-deployment phase training blocks include:
• Training Block I: Introduction and Overview
• Training Block II: Meter and Field Installation (Train the Trainer) The Role-Based Series – What You Need to Know
The Role-Based Series of FlexNet training is presented by professional educators with years of field experience.
These modules demonstrate to utility staff what their daily tasks should be for the first few months of the AMI system deployment. Utility staff receive a checklist of daily actions and tasks, as well as intuitive student guides that can be used as desktop references later.
Head end system software deployment phase training blocks include:
• Training Block III: Role-Based Training
Lifetime Access to the Sensus Training Website
On the Sensus Training site, customers will find a wide array of education solutions, including self-paced eLearning modules, tutorials, and videos. This material supplements the in-person training on the fundamental tasks required to monitor the FlexNet communication network.
Training Customization: We recognize that different utilities have differe nt needs and has adapted its training approach to address them. We can tailor a training solution to the individual needs of a utility. In the past, we have created customized solutions that provide one -on-one instruction. Such training supplements the for mal instructional training and typically results in a deeper understanding of the operations and maintenance of a customer’s specific system.
For a detailed list of training courses that are available, please visit the Sensus Education website at https://www.sensus-training.com. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular expectations for training during the planning phase of the project.
Tab F, Requirement F2 - All SaaS shall be accessed using a secure socket layer (SSL) protocol with a trusted certificate from a certification authority (CA). Describe the security certifications currently held by the proposed solution.
Security Testing: Sensus has developed a robust program of security validation and testing that involves internal and external resources, enabling our products to evolve as security testing and validation evolves.
The testing is focused on the product during development, and the product as implemented in customer and SaaS environments. Our security team, in conjunction with the Sensus Quality Assurance (QA) team, performs testing throughout the development and QA process using manual and automated security tools.
The tools these groups used to perform security testing are a mixture of open-source and commercial. This provides a wide range of testing that can be performed and simulate the tools available to malicious personnel. Any issues
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or vulnerabilities discovered are communicated to the development teams to correct through Sensus’ change control process and are retested once a new version of software is available.
In addition to QA resources, our security team performs regular monthly security assessments and penetration tests on our internal systems to ensure current and future releases do not contain vulnerabilities. The security team uses a variety of open-source and commercial tools that include (but are not limited to) the following:
• Nessus
• GE Digital Achilles (Wurldtech) platform
• Veracode/Qualys Dynamic scanning
• Veracode Static scanning
• Proprietary fuzzing and grammar checking
Internal Security Assessments
• Dedicated Sensus security team
• Responsible for all data center security
• Actively participates in and monitors industry regulation and standards regarding security (such as InfraGard, NERC, FERC, NIST, OpenSG, etc.)
• Monthly vulnerability scanning
• Patch and antivirus management
Third-Party External Passive and Active Testing
We employ external security experts to perform the following testing and validation on an annual basis and during major revision changes to our products:
• Architecture and code reviews (NCC Group, IBM)
• End-to-end penetration testing of the Sensus environment on an annual basis (Wirehead Security, Rapid7) • End-to-end security assessment and penetration testing on customer environments (SAIC, Bishop -Fox, GE Digital/Wurldtech)
This provides us and our customers with an objective, third- party assessment of system security, as well as the security of the system as implemented in customer environments. Any issues or vulnerabilities discovered are communicated to the development teams to be corrected through our change control process. They are re-tested once a new version of software is available.
Vulnerability Testing
Sensus conducts ongoing vulnerability assessments of our development, staging, and production systems using a variety of third-party partners, including NCC Group, Rapid7, GE-Digital, IBM, and others, to enhance our security posture relative to the FlexNet system and other smart grid solutions. When vulnerabilities have been found, Sensus performs the following actions:
• VERIFY the vulnerabilities, active or potential exploits, risk/impact/likelihood, and other criteria. • PRIORITIZE based on risk, likelihood, customer best interests, regulatory constraints, and other primary considerations.
• REMEDIATE congruent with the priorities articulated above. • VALIDATE remedial activities both internally and with third-party external partners. • PREVENT future occurrences of identified vulnerabilities, as well as the class of vulnerabilities, by incorporating appropriate additional remediation and testing.
Sensus can share more details of past assessments with utilities as appropriate, when require d confidentiality agreements are in place and other applicable legal constraints are met.
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Third-Party Security Certifications
In the absence of any industry -standard testing framework or certification specific to the AMI industry, Sensus partnered with GE- Digital, an industrial testing and certification firm, to work with their existing technical certification program to integrate AMI specific requirements, as well as the Sensus FlexNet protocol, into their testing platform. This integration has now become a part of their base platform and is fully incorporated into their certification process.
Sensus is the first Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) company to achieve overall cybersecurity certification, after an eight- month collaborative effort with GE D igital. Sensus has achieved the GE -Digital Achilles Practices Certification (APC), a security best practices benchmark, in addition to the Achilles Communication Certification (ACC) maintained for major releases of the Sensus FlexNet AMI communications system.
The APC testing covers more than 200 Sensus processes in specific areas designed to improve and proactively maintain security throughout the product lifecycle, including organizational support and governance, product functionality, commissioning, and maintenance.
The Achilles Communication Certification (ACC) verified that an end -to-end FlexNet system, comprising ten components and all inter -component communication, possesses robust communication architecture, and an overall resilience against intrusion or other malicious acts.
This certification for Sensus covers the end-to-end FlexNet hardware, firmware, and software components as well as all head end system components (web applications, database, web services, and so on). It tests the robustness and security of the system as a whole, as well as individual components. Sensus is scheduled to continue to certify our products for each major release.
• 3rd Party Security Certifications
• FlexNet is the industry’s first security-certified AMI • Sensus is the industry’s first security-certified company • Achilles is an internationally recognized certification from GE (Wurldtech) COMMUNICATION CERTIFICATION: Verified that the end-to-end FlexNet AMI system demonstrates strong security architecture and proved its overall resilience against intrusion or other security breaches
PRACTICES CERTIFICATION: Awarded to Sensus for
achieving overall cyber security objectives. Covered
over 200 Sensus processes in product, support,
commissioning and maintenance security
Tab F, Requirement F13 - The software shall comply with prevailing industry standard hardware, software, operating systems, databases, and user interfaces.
A critical part of Sensus’ roadmap is dedicated to our participation and adherence to industry standards. Each of the major standards bodies is addressed (for example, NIST, Open-SG, and Zigbee), along with tracking for changes in NERC-CIP requirements. As an example, the security roadmap provides details on the evolution of these standards, and how Sensus will be incorporating them into our products in current and future releases.
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Sensus is involved in numerous standards organizat ions with regards to security. The use of standards varies by its applicability in our product and organization. The security team, in conjunction with our standards and marketing
group, tracks a large number of standards. Due to the
sheer number and bread th of standards in the industry, Sensus has carefully chosen with which standards to
comply. Sensus has determined that these standards
provide a broad range of overall guidelines, technical
recommendations, and regulatory guidance.
Sensus also adopted sta ndards not only for our product, but also for many of the processes and procedures used to develop our products. Finally, there are standards specific to encryption that Sensus has adhered to specifically for federal and industry compliance. This overall approach to standards and compliance is depicted in the following illustration.
Sensus's Approach to Standards and Compliance
This provides Sensus with a holistic approach to working within the standards bodies and integrating the requirements into our products.
Sensus has representatives on all major standard bodies that affect our specific products and solutions including AGA, the American Water Association, ANSI, IETF, Zigbee Alliance, and MultiSpeak. Our representatives not only contribute to establishin g new industry standards but help guide Sensus on proactively anticipating industry standard changes and adapting our technology and solutions to meet our customers’ current and future needs.
Water Standards: Water SmartPoint Specifications
All Sensus FlexNet SmartPoints operate on an FCC-licensed, primary-use frequency band within the 900 to 950 MHz bands. Sensus provides its customers with the ability to operate on primary -use licensed frequency bands that Sensus and its customers have the exclusive rights to use. This exclusivity offers 100% protection from interference from other devices that could potentially cause interference with a FlexNet system.
SmartPoint communication modules comply with the applicable US approvals (FCC CFR 47: Part 24D, Part 101C, Part 15).
Water Meter Standards: NSF/ANSI Standards
• ally: All ally meters are NSF/ANSI Standard 61 Annex F and G-compliant. • accuSTREAM: All accuSTREAM meters meet the requirements of NSF 61, Annex F/G and 372. • iPERL: All iPERL meter meets the requirements of NSF 61, Annex F/G and 372. • SR II: All SR II meters meet the requirements of NSF 61, Annex F/G and 372. • OMNI C2: All OMNI meters are NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G approved in accordance with the latest standards.
• OMNI F2: All OMNI meters are NS F/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G approved. The OMNI F2 meter is UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-listed and FM (Factory Mutual)-approved for use on fire protection and domestic water applications.
• OMNI H2: All OMNI meters are NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F a nd G-approved in accordance with the latest standards.
• OMNI R2: All OMNI meters are NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G -approved in accordance with the latest standards.
• OMNI T2: All OMNI meters are NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G -approved in accordance with the latest standards.
AWWA/ANSWI Standards
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• ally: The ally meter far exceeds the most recent revision of ANSI/AWWA Standard C-700 and C-710 for accuracy and pressure loss requirements.
• accuSTREAM: The accuSTREAM meter complies with the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C-710. • iPERL: The iPERL meter exceeds the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C-715. • SR II: The SR II meter complies with the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C-700. • OMNI C2: OMNI C2 meter meets and far exceeds the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C701 and C702 class II. Additionally, the meter does not require a valve to meet these standards. Each meter is performance tested to ensure compliance.
• OMNI F2: The OMNI F2 meter meets and far exceeds the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C703 class II. Additionally, the meter does not require a valve to meet these standards. Each meter is performance tested to ensure compliance.
• OMNI R2: The OMNI R2 meter meets and far exceeds the most recent revision of ANSI/AWWA Standard C701 class II standards and exceeds performance criteria for ANSI/AWWA C700 Residential Standard using Sensus Turbo technology.
• OMNI T2: The OMNI T2 meter meets and far exceeds the most recent revision of AWWA Standard C701 class II standards. Each meter is performance tested to ensure compliance.
Lay Length Standards
Residential and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) water meters comply with the appropriate standards for laying length (distance from one end to the other).
Tab G, Requirement G28 - Describe in detail the site installation process in detail including tasks, assigned responsibilities and controls.
The following response was provided by Aqua-Metric’s subcontracting partner Concord Utility Services. 1) Exit vehicle wearing ALL required PPE (safety glasses, high visibility shirt, protective gloves, steel toe boots) 2) Place cones adjacent to rear bumper approximately 5’ from vehicle and even with driver side mirror. 3) Locate Meter Box and lift lid, checking for hazards, snakes, rodents, sharp protrusions. 4) Validate Location by verifying Old Meter Serial Number (last 4 digits) and Address matches work order data. a) If Location is CORRECT, proceed to Step 5?
b) If Location is NOT CORRECT and there is mismatched serial numbers, follow appropriate steps for RTC and RTU Review Codes.
i) RTC – Return to Concord – Escalate to a manager to resolve issue. ii) RTU Review – Return to Utility (city to address an issue prior to performing the installation, e.g., damaged, existing leak, broken stop, cannot locate, etc.) 5) Validate work order Exchange Type: Register Retrofit, Radio Only, etc. 6) Install Endpoint:
a) Install endpoint into AMI ready lid, ensuring the endpoint is secure to mounting surface in lid. b) Connect endpoint to meter register.
c) Activate/Program endpoint if required.
7) Collect Work Order Data following the managed workflow on mobile device. a) Input last read.
b) Validate old meter number by entering last 4 digits serial number c) Input new meter serial numbers (bar code scan)
d) Input new register serial numbers (bar code scan)
e) Input new endpoint serial numbers (bar code scan)
f) Validate meter size and type.
8) Photos: IMPORTANT: For QA uniformity, handhelds must always be in the upright (portrait) position when taking photos.
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a) Photo 1: Pre-Site picture of work area 4 to 6 feet in front of meter box showing surrounding area ‘As Found’ conditions.
b) Photo 2: Pit condition - pre-installation (Dirt level and valve exiting position) c) Photo 5: New Transmitter Serial number.
d) Photo 6: Photo of existing Register Read.
e) Photo 7: Photo of existing Meter Serial Number.
f) Photo 8: Completed Installation: Capture Ball Valve and Angle stop in the correct position. g) Photo 9: ‘As Left’ Site condition:
9) Review all collected data in handheld.
10) Save Data
11) Clean Site and Meter Pit of all materials, trash, debris, and excess spoils 12) Install pit lid ensuring the lid is installed properly and completely flush (Watch all wire connections when closing the lid.)
13) Move to next Work Order
Tab I, Requirement I2 - Responder should describe in detail the cyber-security measures in place to protect the data captured by installation staff throughout the project.
The following response was provided by Aqua-Metric’s subcontracting partner Concord Utility Services.
WOMS Cyber Security: Peak Workflow’s standard integration is a CSV-based file integration via SFTP. This integration is the most universal and offers clear separation of security concerns for the 250+ Customer Information Systems across the markets we serve. The diagram below depicts typical data in and out including frequency. During our project planning processes, the work group chartered with the Data Integration Plan will walk through in detail and align on data detail and flow specifications. The Utility’s systems will put data inputs and get data outputs via our hosted SFTP with Peak Workflow having no direct access to customer systems for security and separation of concerns.
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Tab I, Requirement J3 - Software (Hosted)- 15-year full coverage of HES and network applications associated with annual licensing.
Comply – As a part of the Sensus FlexNet AMI SaaS subscription platform, Sensus provides 24/7 system monitoring and management services to the City. Sensus provides the hardware and software required to operate the head - end software (the RNI) through their world-class data centers, eliminating the need for additional capital expenditures from the City, such as IT, office space, and specialized recourses. Sensus monitors the servers and network connections around the clock to ensure 99.9% availability and reliability. Their data center team performs all hardware maintenance, software patches, and updates to ensure the City has access to the latest software features.
These services, and more, are included within the Annual Hosted RNI and Annual Hosted Sensus Analytics Data Management Software fees included within our cost proposal.
Alongside Sensus’s annual subscription services, Aqua-Metric offers additional support services to our customers.
As a Sensus Certified Value-Added Reseller (VAR), Aqua-Metric’s local technology department delivers best-in-class support to each of our customers, ensuring their automated system operates at the highest possible level of efficiency. From the conceptualization and initial installation, through project closure and beyond, Aqua -Metric works with each of our customers to provide the technical support required for optimal system operation.
In addition to the Sensus Software Maintenance Program, Aqua-Metric's Value-Added Services provide remote and on-site assistance with implementation, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting and diagnosis, software patches and updates. The City will have peace of mind knowing that Aqua-Metric and Sensus technical support professionals are available to help design, implement, maintain and support your automated technology throughout the systems life cycle. Pricing for Aqua-Metric’s annual support program is also included within the enclosed cost proposal.
Tab K, Requirement K2 – Responder should provide detailed information for integration and ability of the proposed system to accommodate leak detection sensors. Pricing should be provided in the pricing sheet.
Comply, Sensus offers integration with Permalog+ acoustic leak detection loggers, which monitor the distribution system and report any detected leaks on a nightly basis, from Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS). Hundreds of water utilities have reduced leakage and have prevented small leaks from becoming large leaks by implementing Permalog+. Furthermore, the extended range of the FlexNet communication network allows water utilities to deploy Permalog+ devices even without deploying AMI water meters. Pricing for Permalog+ loggers are included within our cost proposal.
Tab K, Requirement K3 - Responder should identify if the proposed network infrastructure supports any third p arty IoT or sensor equipment. Please explain any network protocol and requirements Feature and Benefits of a SaaS Solution
24/7 System Monitoring Security testing and auditing by industry-leading partners
Software and server hardware managed,
maintained, and monitored by Sensus
professionals
All software maintenance included Annual fees include all hardware and software licenses Disaster recovery included
Hosting conducted in world-class
data centers (SAS-70 type II, SSAE16
Certified)
Reduces IT capital and operational
overhead
Provides full and continuous access to
servers via web portal
Reduces risk associated with system
configuration and maintenance
Reduces risk in planning for
business continuity through
disaster recovery
Accelerates time to market with new
technologies
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4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
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The Sensus Smart Water Gateway: The Smart Water Gateway is a battery-operated device that can be connected to any type of pressure sensor or other sensor that outputs a discrete digital or 4-20 mA analog output.
The Sensus Smart Water Gateway allows utilities to monitor system pressures anywhere in the distribution system and will send an alarm immediately if configurable alarm thresholds (high and low) are exceeded.
This product is part of Sensus’ portfolio and is designed to provide water utilities with a self-calibrating distribution system pressure model that can be used to predict – and ultimately prevent – leaks and blowouts.
Since devices on the FlexNet communication network speak directly with to FlexNet Basestations, utilities can deploy the Smart Water Gateways strategically without requiring the entire network to be deployed to implement this pressure monitoring solution. Sensus welcomes the opportunity to discuss the Smart Water Gateway and how it can help you reduce mainline leak and breaks today – ahead of a full AMI deployment.
Tab L, Requirement L7 – All electric meters shall support in dual function AMR/AMI mode. Responder should describe system redundancy and data logging capabilities.
Comply. Sensus has designed each of their systems to have the ability to work in unison with one another.
Specifically, the AMR Drive-By System can be used as a backup system within AMI. Sensus is unique in the fact that they have the only AMR system that can affordably and realistically migrate to an Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system with minimal infrastructure requirements and without revisiting each endpoint. SmartPoints can operate in either AMR (walk-by/drive-by) or AMI (fixed based) mode. These transmitters utilize high-powered two- watt radios to communicate directly with AMR or AMI systems. SmartPoints will transition to and from each system type with a single command given by the head end system. This feature provides a clear area of cost savings versus other technologies.
One of the advantages of a FlexNet system is its ability to communicate over long distances – enabling it to be designed with overlapping RF coverage, so that meters and other endpoints have permanent, always-on duplicate communication routes for sending their messages to the head end system. Instead of a meter having a primary route to get its billing messages out, multiple paths are continuously used; we call this approach All Paths, Always.
This approach ensures high performance for your system on calm summer days as well as during the stormy ones.
This built-in redundancy makes a FlexNet system reliable, resilient, and secure – it is a solution that you can depend on especially when you need it the most – during and after severe storm events.
There is no single point of failure with FlexNet. The FlexNet AMI system has multiple levels of redundancy to mitigate potential loss of data in the event of a temporary failure of a component or the h ead end system. The following failure use cases are accounted for:
FlexNet Basestation Hardware Failure : Utility’s RF design is designed such that, on average, each endpoint is covered by multiple FlexNet Basestations. Because of this redundancy, the system has the capability to read meters in the event of a temporary Basestation failure, as this redundancy provides multiple redundant paths from the meter to the head end system.
FlexNet Basestation Primary Backhaul Failure : Messages received on the Basestations are backed up for 30 days.
Upon reconnection of the backhaul, the unsent messages begin flowing to the head end system, along with the real-time readings being received.
FlexNet Head End System Failure: The FlexNet head end system stores up to 60 days of historical data.
Water Meter Data Storage: All Sensus water meters store data on-board that can be retrieved once the system is restored to operation.
Tab L, Requirement L16 – Responder shall provide specifications for tamper detec tion/alarm when power is lost, reverse energy, hot socket conditions and when meter is pulled.
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Electric Meter Security: The FlexNet system is used every day by more than 1,300 utility customers to collect billing information from their meters, as well as performing many other solutions.
The FlexNet system supports the detection and reporting of tampering and has been designed to protect against theft of service, and ultimately, loss of revenue. The overall philosophy of the FlexNet system for revenue protection is multifaceted and includes prevention of unauthorized access to data or system functionality through systemwide security.
All basestations support the ability to send an alarm to the head end system if the cabinet door is opened. Security measures include AES 256 -bit encryption; methods of detecting and initiating alarms when physical tampering occurs; maintaining audit trails by recording critical events in a log; and employing tools for investigating theft of service, such as the ability to locate a meter that has been stolen.
Security Features
FlexNet can locate stolen meters and service theft. The Sensus solution also provides the capability to locate meters that have been stolen and are being used for service theft. The FlexNet system can i nitiate an algorithm using nearby meters to triangulate the position of the stolen meter within about 100 feet.
Meter inversion. Users can also configure meters to measure delivered plus received energy to help eliminate energy theft through meter inversion.
Physical tamper detection . Methods of detecting physical tampering include the Sensus -patented electronic tamper detection, providing a proof-positive method of identifying when an energized Stratus IQ meter is removed from the meter socket.
Tamper alarms. Alarm messages are automatically transmitted to the FlexNet Head End System.
Meters with disconnect switches remember last -assigned open/close position . Sensus IQ meters with service switches include a feature that remembers the open/close posi tion last assigned and returns the switch to that position after a loss of power, if it is determined that tampering has occurred.
Dedicated alarm RF channel. Electric meters send their alarms to the head end system via a dedicated alarm channel exclusively reserved for communicating these events, expediting notification to the utility team.
Non-Technical Loss/Revenue Assurance
Sensus supports a number of capabilities to prevent non-technical loss in electric meters. Some of the non-technical loss capability of the Stratus IQ electric meter are detection of bad, loose, or open neutral at residential form 2S residential locations; detection of bypass wiring at residential customers attempting to steal power by routing power around the meter; proof-positive reporting of a powered meter that is removed from its meter socket; and the ability to find a meter that has been moved for use as a substitute meter to steal power.
The FlexNet system has been designed to protect against theft of service, and ultimately, lo ss of revenue. The overall philosophy of the FlexNet system for revenue protection is multifaceted and includes prevention of unauthorized access to data or system functionality through system-wide security.
Security measures include AES -256-bit encryption; methods of detecting and initiating alarms when physical tampering occurs; maintaining audit trails by recording critical events in a log; and employing tools for investigating theft of service, such as the ability to locate a meter that has been stolen.
The FlexNet system can locate stolen meters and service theft. It also provides the capability to locate meters that have been stolen and are being used for service theft. The FlexNet system can initiate an algorithm using nearby meters to triangulate the position of the stolen meter within about 100 feet.
Preventing Unauthorized Reprogramming, Reconfiguration, and Other Unauthorized Changes Electric meters support AES 256 -bit encryption. When encrypted, an encryption key is needed to communicate with the meter locally via field tools.
The Stratus IQ meter's optical port can also be disabled to prevent unauthorized personnel from making any changes. When disabled, the utility needs a password -protected software program called Spotlight and the
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encryption key for the meter to unlock the optical port. If the optical port is enabled, the user needs to enter a password for access. Based on chosen security settings for the optical port, upon a configurable amount of incorrect login attempts, the optical port would be locked out for a configurable number of minutes and send an immediate bad password alarm to the head end system.
Protection of Stored Data : Access to electric meters is protected with meter cover seals, which prevent casual access to the meter. If the seal is broken, utility personnel can detect it. Access to a meter does not enable access to the FlexNet system, which is protected by the FlexNet system’s AES 256 -bit encryption techniques. In addition, access to the meter requires specific field tools, which are not available to the general public, and which require corresponding user encryption keys to use and access.
Sensus provides two methods to support field visits to encrypted meters:
• Suspend encrypted communication for a specific, temporary period . This allows field technicians to communicate with meters using any field tool that supports FlexNet communications. • Use the Key Management web service gateway . This gateway implements a web -based service to retrieve SmartPoint communication modules’ encryption keys for use in field tool devices. Once the field tool is loaded with encryption keys, it can communicate securely with the electric meter’s integrated SmartPoint communication module. In addition, for keys extracted from the head end system, an au tomatic rotation is available to refresh the endpoint’s unique encryption keys. The timing of the automatic rotation is configurable.
Tamper Detection for Aclara and Honeywell Meters : For Honeywell A3 ALPHA, Aclara I -210+c, and Aclara kV2c meters, each time the integrated communication board detects power loss, its tamper algorithm starts. The algorithm monitors a hardware vibration sensor to determine if the meter has been removed from the socket.
If the meter was removed from the socket, a tamper alarm will be sent to the FlexNet Head End System.
If, after 6 seconds, it is determined that the meter is still installed in the meter socket, the meter will instead follow its normal power fail sequence.
Stratus IQ Meter Magnetic Tamper Prevention: The Stratus IQ meter sends a magnetic tamper alarm when a magnetic field is detected. Sensus testing has confirmed that a magnetic field alarm is generated by the meter in all our magnetic field tests. Utilities can use these alarms to inform your Tamper Investigations department for further investigation at the service.
These findings were validated by a battery of magnetic field tests that Sensus performed at our testing lab in Morrisville, North Carolina. The magnetic field was generated using a N52 Neodymium Rare Ea rth magnet with a remanence of up to 14,800 gauss. The magnet was placed at a variety of locations on the meter cover during the testing. The Stratus IQ meter utilizes air core di/dt sensors which are immune to DC magnetic fields.
Meter Cover/Seal: Electric meters ship from the factory with a manufacturer’s seal, which seals the cover to the meter.
Tab L, Requirement L17 – All electric meters should support outage detection and restoration. Responder should provide specifications to define an outage event with the ability to customize qualifying events, for event management, and to determine the availability of historical data.
Outage Management Solution Overview
Sensus realizes that a highly reliable AMI system can greatly enhance a utilities’ performance and customer satisfaction metrics – especially during extreme weather conditions. That’s why FlexNet offers the fastest, most complete, and most reliable power outage detection and power restoration solution available from any AMI system on the market today.
During an outage condition, FlexNet Basestations remain powered up and continue operating normally by switching over to their on-board batteries. This backup power supply enables electric meters to continue to have their outage and restoration alarms processed – providing the critical data needed for your outage response teams.
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Electric meters report a permanent outage condition to the battery backed -up basestations multiple times once the power goes out, ensuring your operations team has the best information available on where customer outages are occurring to best deploy your restoration crews and get your customer’s lights back on faster.
By a wide margin, FlexNet systems provide the fastest, most complete, and most reliable outage and restoral notification of any available AMI solution. FlexNet’s unique, FCC-licensed, point-to-multipoint architecture features dedicated priority alarm channels and direct meter -to-FlexNet network communication for FlexNet -enabled endpoints.
Since the FlexNet Basestations have on-board battery backup, and because electric meters do not rely on a series of neighboring meters – some of which are also likely out of power during an outage – to communicate, FlexNet systems have repeatedly demonstrated the highest percentage of outage and restoration alarm message success in the industry – during the times when utilities need help the most.
Perhaps most importantly, the FlexNet system architecture does not require any time to re -form after an outage; instead, the direct com munication between an electric meter and the FlexNet network is available immediately.
This design ensures that your operations team will have the very best information to help deploy repair crews as power restoration work continues. This capability transl ates into dramatically lower operating costs through reduced truck rolls – since trucks can be better deployed using the most up to date information that your FlexNet system will provide. Customer service and satisfaction is improved when their power is restored faster.
Several key components of the FlexNet network enable the superior performance our customers experience with their outage detection and restoration:
• Point-to-multipoint architecture where endpoints communicate directly to multiple basestations all the time. • The FlexNet AMI network is independent from the endpoints. Instead, endpoints communicate directly to the network individually.
• Basestations powered by on-board batteries during an outage. • FlexNet transceivers in electric meters powered by supercapacitor during an outage enabling outage alarms to be transmitted for ten minutes.
• Redundant basestation coverage across the utility service area. • Basestations are equipped with battery backup ensuring that the FlexNet network continues to operate for a minimum of eight hours, even though AC is offline due to the outage. • FlexNet uses a dedicated RF alarm channel for transmitting and processing outage and restoral messages which is reserved exclusively for alarm communication.
• Even in less-than-ideal conditions, the FlexNet communication network maintains its consistent reliability. The network will remain fully functional and provide dedicated RF spectrum for alarm messages, including outage messages, to ensure outage notification success.
FLEXNET FEATURES ENABLING SUPERIOR OUTAGE MANAGEMENT
Benefits of the FlexNet Outage Management Solution Key Smart Grid Attributes Faster power restoration.
Better customer service satisfaction due to shorter
outages.
Reduced utility restoration costs and lost revenue.
Improved employee and customer safety.
•
FlexNet Operates over our primary licensed RF
Frequencies
Dedicated Alarm Channel
Resilient infrastructure (FlexNet communication
network).
Comprehensive coverage of the entire utility service
territory.
Capacity to manage both momentary and extended
outage events.
Manage Outages with Confidence
In the absence of line power, FlexNet -enabled electric meters detect, log, and report outages to the head end system for utility consumption. The type of outage – momentary or extended – is determined using a utility -
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configured time threshold. This time threshold must be exceeded before the meter will report a power outage as an extended outage: otherwise, the meter reports a momentary outage.
After a permanent outage condition is met, the meter transmits outage alarms over a radio frequency (RF) channel specifically dedicated for alarm messages. This unique channelization feature creates a clear pathway for critical alarm messages, eliminates collisions with other types of messages being transmitted at the same time, and ensures that outage notifications are delivered to the utility as promptly as possible.
The FlexNet radio inside the electric meter sends four alarm messages to the FlexNet Basestations at random times to spread out the alarm messages for larger outages. Many FlexNet utilities have expressed their satisfaction with the system’s ability to send critical outage information to their personnel most quickly, as demonstrated by our customer testimonials: https://sensus.com/resources/case-studies/topic/outage-management/.
Configurable Outage Detection Time Threshold
Each time the SmartPoint communication module inside the electric meter detects the absence of power at the meter, an algorithm prompts it to evaluate the condition to determ ine whether the loss of signal is due to a momentary outage or a permanent outage (sometimes referred to as sustained or extended outages).
The type of outage is defined based on a configurable time threshold in the electric meters. Utilities can program the meter to recognize a permanent outage after detecting an absence of power for as few as 8 seconds or as many as 480 seconds (8 minutes), in 8 second increments. Normally the time selected is after the distribution line’s protective devices -- breakers, reclosers, and lateral fuses – have operated before a permanent outage is declared.
Power Outage Notification Sequencing
After the momentary outage time threshold is exceeded, the meter sends the first (permanent) outage alarm randomly within a timeframe o f 0 to 32 seconds. It then sends three subsequent outage alarms in successive randomized 184-second windows. This process is depicted in the following figure.
FlexNet System Power Restoration Details
The meter retains all measurement data collected before the power loss and delivers this data to the head end system when power is restored. Immediately upon detecting restored power, the meter automatically resumes measuring electricity and communicating with the FlexNet system. This enables F lexNet utilities to resume data collection as soon as power is restored, whereas mesh systems can take weeks to reform following power restoration.
The FlexNet system also sends power restoration alarms immediately upon completion of the power restore threshold time, enabling the utility’s operations teams to use this critical information to better deploy repair crews
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in real time. The power restore threshold is set by the utility in their meter program as the time to wait when power is restored to ensure the power on the distribution feeder or lateral is fully restored.
All power outage and restoration events are timestamped and logged in the head end system, which supports real- time outage and restoration message integration with an OMS or other utility system.
Power Restoration Notification Process
The same solution architecture that is used to quickly notify utilities of power outages is also used to send restoral notifications. Like the outage detection mechanism, the power restoral process uses a configurable uptime threshold to abort false positives and the same semi-random algorithm when sending power restoration alarms to avoid network collisions with adjacent meters experiencing power restoral at the same time.
When power has been restored following an outage, a configurable timer threshold in the meter’s program intentionally delays sending the power restoration alarm to provide a sense of confidence that the power will remain on, and that it is not toggling unreliably for repeated momentary outages.
During the outage, electric meters without line power rely on a supercapacitor installed on their FlexNet transceiver to send their outage alarms to the FlexNet system.
When the power is out, the meter’s FlexNet transceiver performs a single task: ensuring outage alarms are delivered to the utility as quickly as possible. No other messages need to be sent during this time. In the point-to-multipoint FlexNet system, a meter is not a critical component of network routes, and therefore, it does not have to se nd messages on another meter’s behalf.
Momentary Outage Notification Delivery
Sensus offers the option to command the meter to either send the momentary outage notification with every read transmission or once every 24 hours – whichever the utility prefers . In addition to sending the notification, the meter also indicates how many momentary outages have occurred since the last notification.
Tab L, Requirement L19 – All electric meters should meet the most recent standards of the American National Standard for Code for Electric Metering ANSI C12 and ANSI C12.1.
Electric Meter Standards: All proposed electric meters comply with ANSI C12.19 and IEEE North American Metering Standards, including 0.5% accuracy class for single phase meters, and 0.2% accuracy class for polyphase meters. All proposed electric meters are compliant with ANSI C12.19 tables and meet all required ANSI performance standards (ANSI C12.1, C12.10, and C12.20) as well as UL 2735.
The following table provides more information about our electric metering standards:
Meter Standard Stratus IQ Aclara
I-210+c
Aclara
kV2c
Honeywell A3
ALPHA
UL 2735 - Standard for Safety Electric Utility Meters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ANSI C12.1 – Code for Electricity Meters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ANSI C12.7 -- Requirements for Watthour Meter Sockets ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ANSI C12.10 – Watt-hour Meters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ANSI C12.18 - Protocol Specification for ANSI Type 2 Optical Port ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ANSI C12.19 - Utility Industry End Device Data Tables ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ANSI C12.20 – 0.2% Accuracy Class ✓ ✓* ✓ ✓
ANSI C12.20 – 0.5% Accuracy Class ✓
ANSI C62.41 - IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ANSI /ASQZ1.4 - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ASTM D999 - Standard Methods for Vibration Testing and
Shipping Containers ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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CFR 47 - Federal regulations Part 15 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
IEEE C37.90.1 - SWC Surge Testing ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
IEC 61000-4-2 - Electrostatic Discharge Requirements ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ IEC 61000-4-4 - Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Requirements ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ IEC 68-2-6 - Basic Environmental Testing Procedures: Vibration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ IEC-68-2-27 - Basic Environmental Testing Procedures: Shock ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ IEC 801.2 - Electrostatic Discharge Requirements
Sensus Tests to ANSI C12.1-2008 / C12.20-2010; Test Case #28 (Effect of electrostatic discharge (ESD)) which is harmonized with IEC 61000-4-2.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
IEC 801.4 - Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Requirements Sensus Tests to ANSI C12.1-2008 / C12.20-2010; Test Case #25 (Effect of electrical fast transient/burst test) which is harmonized with IEC 61000-4-4.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
IEC 801.3 - Radiated Electromagnetic Field Requirements Sensus Tests to ANSI C12.1-2008 / C12.20-2010; Test Case #18 (Effect of external magnetic field).
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
* Accuracy typically measured at +/- 0.2 percent
Tab L, Requirement L25 – Responder should describe all functions that are supported by the meter (i.e. voltage, power quality, etc.).
Stratus IQTM features: The Stratus IQ™ is loaded with the latest features available on the market.
The Stratus IQ has load limiting, six energies and six demands, eight load profile channels, and full over the air configuration of the entire meter.
Power and energy management: The Stratus IQ continuously monitors the energy flowing through to the load.
Voltage, current, and energy thresholds are configurable. When any of these thresholds are reached the meter sends an alert.
Power restore and power fail: The meter monitors line voltage and transmits power fail and power restoral messages as applicable.
When the power fails, the meter goes into a low power state for a holding period. This holding period, called Outage Time Threshold, is configurable from 8 to 120 seconds. The meter continues to monitor the power while in the low power state. If the power returns to normal during the holding period, the meter goes back to normal operation and no alerts are issued. If the powe r is still not back at the end of the holding period, the meter sends up to five power fail alerts.
When the meter starts a power restore, the meter waits for the power monitor signal to activate and then enters a holding period. This holding period, calle d Restoral Time Threshold, is configurable from eight to one hundred twenty seconds. When the holding period is done, the meter sends four power restore alerts.
Note: If power comes back before the Outage Time Threshold is over, the meter does not send any power restore messages. If power comes back while the meter is sending transmission fail alerts, the meter stops sending the alerts, starts a power restore sequence, and sends power restore messages.
Power quality: The meter checks the voltage every secon d. Measurements are reported to the brownout and overvoltage detection functions every 90 seconds.. The maximum, minimum, and average voltages reset every time the voltage average window resets. The voltage monitoring window is configurable for reset at one, six, twelve, or twenty- four hour increments. The voltage monitoring window always resets at midnight in addition to the configured time.
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The meter sends an alarm message containing the voltage data once per week. An optional alarm message is generated automatically if a brownout, over voltage or over class amps condition occurs.
A brownout condition occurs when the minimum voltage is lower than the Brownout Voltage threshold. The Brownout Voltage threshold can be between 98V and 606V. A setting of 96V m eans brownout monitoring is disabled.
An over voltage condition occurs when the maximum voltage is greater than the High Voltage threshold. An over class amps condition occurs when the current through the meter exceeds the class amp rating for ten seconds.
In case the alarm message for any of these conditions does not get through, the brownout or over voltage or over class amps bit is set in each meter read message until the voltage monitoring window expires. This bit is set even if the condition has already cleared.
The meter also counts short power outages that last for a few line cycles. These short outages are called clicks. The minimum click duration is a configurable setting and sets the minimum number of cycles where the line voltage is not present in order to be counted as a click.
Reverse energy detection
Reverse energy detection is a configurable feature. The meter sets a flag indicating reverse energy flow when reverse energy detection is enabled and the condition occurs. • If the flag is set, a corresponding reverse energy bit is set in the on-air FlexNet transmission. The reverse energy bit is cleared when the voltage average window resets.
• When the meter initially detects reverse flow an optional alarm message is sent.
Tamper detection
Each time the meter detects a de-asserted power monitor signal, the tamper algorithm starts. The tamper detection monitors a hardware vibration sensor to determine if the meter has been removed from the socket. If the meter was removed from the socket, the meter imme diately sends up to four power fail transmissions with the tamper bit set.
Tamper detection activates for the length of the set Outage Time after a loss of power. When the Outage Time expires, if it is determined that the meter is still installed in the meter socket, the meter enters the normal power fail sequence. If power is turned off to the meter and the meter is removed from the socket after the set Outage Time, only normal power fail transmissions are sent.
The transmission mode for each tamper transmission depends on the module configuration.
Temperature management
The meter tracks the meter temperature and compares it to configurable thresholds.
The Stratus IQ has three temperature sensors: one for each bus bar and a third on the PCB module. The two sensors on the bus bars report their temperature every second. If the hotter of the two temperature readings is above the configured high temperature alarm threshold this triggers a high temperature alarm. The high temperature threshold default is TBD.
Six alarm messages are transmitted five seconds apart once the temperature read exceeds the high temperature alarm threshold. The temperature must drop at least 15 degrees below the threshold before the high temperature detection function starts again.
In a Stratus IQ with remote disconnect, a Temperature Auto Open threshold can be set so the meter will shed the load once the threshold is reached.
When there is a rapid temperature rise, a reduced temperature threshold feature deploys. This feature lowers both the High Temperature Alarm threshold and the Temperature Auto Open thresholds by a common configurable amount.
Demand metering
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The meter can provide peak and cumulative demand registration. Demand is the average power calculated by dividing the accumulated energy in a time interval, by the interval period. The energy may accumulate in discrete intervals called sub intervals. At the end of each sub interval, the total energy is calculated for all sub intervals. The total time for all sub intervals is called the Main Interval.
Each of the six demand registers can be configured with an energy type/net mode combination that determines the source of the energy type and net mode accumulated. If a negative net value is selected (such as F -R), it is automatically 0 because demand is determined as a positive number.
The Demand Calculation is an average power consumption over the specified time, defined by the Main Interval.
Energy values during the specified interval are accumulated and at the end of the Main Interval are divided by the time of the accumulation providing an average Demand. A constant load should provide the same average power calculation even if the Main Intervals are different. For example, a 1 KW load accumulates approximately .083 KWh in 5 min, or .166 KWh in 10 minutes.
The average power in 5 minutes = (.083 KWh * 60min/hr) / 5 min = 1000W The average power in 10 minutes=(.166 KWh * 60min/hr) / 10 min = 1000W
Set the Main interval and the Sub interval to the same value to create a Block D emand Calculation. Set the Sub interval or multiple sub intervals to a smaller number than the Main interval to create a Rolling Demand Calculation.
Demand Configuration Parameters
Demand forgiveness: Utilities may have a forgiveness period after a power outage so the consumer is not penalized for the increased power demand immediately after a power restoration.
Demand is often artificially high when power is restored after a power outage. For example, HVAC equipment immediately comes on to heat or cool.
When configured to do so, the meter initiates a period of forgiveness. The length of the forgiveness period can be set to:
• None
• Main Interval
• Sub Interval
• 15/30/60/90/120 minutes fixed
Demand reset: The peak demand can be reset by sending a FlexNet command or scheduling a recurring (automated) demand reset (Auto-Push only).
The FlexNet module receives the command, reads the peak demand register, and then issues a demand reset. A demand history message with a history of peak demands as well as the cumulativ e demand is transmitted in response to the demand reset command. Each time the demand is reset, the Demand Reset Counter is incremented and is sent in the demand history message.
Note: The meter has a 10 -minute lockout period following a demand reset to pr event the FlexNet module from resetting the demand multiple times if the tower sends multiple demand reset commands.
Parameter Description
Enable Enables Demand calculations.
Source Energy source used to calculate average power.
Main Interval The total Demand calculation time. The Main Interval must be in the range of 5 to 255 minutes and is made up of the number of Sub Intervals x the length in minutes.
Sub Interval Sub Interval is a distinct interval of the total Main Interval. Each Sub Interval contains the energy accumulated during the Sub Interval. At the end of each Sub Interval the total energy is calculated and the oldest Sub Interval is cleared. The range is between 1-255 but is limited by the Main Interval definition.
Forgiveness The time after a Power Restore where demand calculations are suspended (used with utility caused outages).
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A scheduled demand reset can be set up daily at a specified hour in the day, or monthly, where the reset occurs on a specific day in the month and a specified hour in that day, or seasonally when TOU is enabled.
Load profile
The meter stores load profile data at configured intervals. The data is auto-pushed or retrieved upon request.
Up to eight (8) channels are available for Load Profile in the meter. Channel 1 must have the same data source as Self Read Register 1. Any register can be assigned from the source list for interval data collection. The initial resolution of the value is equivalent to the resolution of the source register (energy values are high resolution (Wh, not KWh). If desired, a scalar/divisor for the LP channel can be configured.
Status data is saved on a per interval basis and includes Power Fails, Power Restore, DST State, Time Alignment, and when a Configuration Change occurs.
The Ideal History table shows the depth of Load Profile history if no Power Fails, Power Restores, or Time Alignments occur; this would be the maximum number of entries that could be recorded when the conditions are perfect.
Time of Use (TOU) metering
The meter can be configured to store Time of Use (TOU) data locally at the meter. TOU data can be set up for up to twenty years at one time.
The meter categorizes accumulated power into seven (7) different tiers or rates. All seven can be scheduled in any of eight (8) seasons with fifteen (15) independent tier schedules containing one of the four day types (Weekday, Saturday, Sunday, Holiday). Each of the fifteen schedules allow up to eight tier switch times. Any tier can be configured for critical peak, and any tier can be configured as for use when the meter is not in time sync.
Day Type schedule
The meter has multiple day type schedules for each season.
The meter retains fifteen (15) unique Day Type schedules for each season. Each Day Type schedule can map to any combination of Day Types (Weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday) for multiple seasons. This results in simpler schedule editing and creation as one Day Type schedule can be used for two or more days.
Each Day Type schedule can schedule any of the 7 Rates, any time of day on 1-minute increments, with up to 8 start times, including 12:00 am - midnight. Any active schedule that does not begin at 12:00 am - midnight uses the configured NTA tier from midnight to the start time of that schedule. Every schedule ends at midnight of the same day.
In addition, if the meter has a remote disconnect switch, the switch can be enabled to open or close along with the rate switch. When the rate code changes, if this option is enabled, the remote disconnect changes state along with the rate code.
Day Type map and season schedule
The Day Type Map assigns a defined Day Type schedule to one of the four day types for each season.
Weekday is defined as Monday through Friday; none of these days can have a separ ate schedule. A schedule can preempt the assigned Weekday, Saturday, or Sunday schedule if it is defined as a Holiday.
There are eight (8) seasons that can be scheduled. The start date of each season is defined by month and day; the start of a new season implies the end of the old season. If no season begins on January 1, the last season of the prior year is active until the earliest season of the year begins. When a season changes or expires, all Day Type Schedule changes occur at midnight at the end of the day. At that time, the expired season’s tier data is stored and available by requesting a Season Self-Read.
Holiday schedule
Up to twelve holidays in any given calendar year can be scheduled by the customer.
Customers choose which year to start the holiday calendar, and determine which holidays are defined. Customers can define up to twenty years of holiday schedules. The meter stores the holiday list in smart date format. The entire holiday calendar can be updated through over the air configuration.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-125
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Daylight Savings Time schedule
You can enable Daylight Savings Time (DST) with automatic recurring dates using day of week and week of month settings.
You do not need to send new dates to the meter every year.
If you enable DST, the time automatically adjusts forward one hour at 2:00am at the start of DST. The time adjusts backward one hour at 2:00am on the day of the end of DST.
TOU registers
The TOU Working Register contains the current values of each Rate's Energy (including Critical Peak), Peak Demand, and Time of Peak Demand.
The TOU Tier Change Self Read Registers are updated on every tier change. The TOU Demand Reset Self Read register saves the data when the Tier Change registers are updated after a valid Demand Reset. When the season changes, the TOU Tier Change Self Read Registers are copied and saved in the TOU Last Season memory space.
Daily Backup occurs for both the TOU Working Register and the TOU Self Read Registers at the contract hour of each day.
Optical port
The Stratus IQ has a high speed bi-directional optical port that can configure and read meter data.
The optical port is located on the front of the meter and is password protected. It receives serial commands when a C12.18 session is established. Command responses use the optical port by default.
The optical port can be activated or deactivated via command. In addition, commands to the optical port can be restricted through the use of passwords and access lists. The optical port will lock after a set number of unsuccessful access attempts.
The optical port also supports firmware download.
The weekly setup messages include the optical port status.
History log
The Stratus IQ contains a history log that can store up to approximately 28,000 metrology events.
The data from the history log is available three different ways. 1) Use ping 81, subtype 09, Log Request Query. FlexNet related radio events are not stored separately and require selecting the FlexNet option.
2) Use ping 103, Extended Query . This ping uses sequence numbers to read contiguous events without ambiguity. 3) Use a Table Read of ANSI Table 74 over the Optical Port.
The History Log can be configured to store only certain events, thus increasing the storage capacity or limiting visibility. Use the Configure Log Disable Map command to configure the History Log.
Remote Disconnect (RD)
Remote Disconnect (RD)-enabled meters are equipped with a 200A relay capable of disconnecting the Load Side from the utility’s Line Side.
With Load Side Sense (LSS), the relay and associated circuitry ca n detect if an external voltage source has been applied to the load side. If LSS is active, the meter can protect against dangerous relay closures.
The relay may be opened, closed, or armed to close by a command message. If the relay is armed to close, an infrared remote must be used locally at the meter to close the relay. The relay also can be automatically opened and closed using Load Limiting. If the current or demand exceeds a certain pre-configured level, the relay opens. In the case of current, the value must be exceeded continuously for a pre -configured time. Once opened, the relay automatically closes after a pre-configured time.
Load Side Sense (LSS)
The meter is equipped with a Load Side Sense circuit function that detects whether an unsafe voltage is present on the Load Side before trying to close the relay.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-126
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Load Side Sense keeps the relay from being closed if a temporary power source (such as a generator, jumper cords from an adjacent house, inverters) is placed on the Load while the relay is open.
The meter must account for phase and frequency variations from the varied voltage sources. The debounce time is the time the LSS circuit must remain in a safe to close state. This is a configurable parameter with 16 options ranging from 0 to 60 seconds. A 0 value means the timer is off and the relay can close immediately. The default value is 10 seconds.
Debounce Time Constants
The meter interprets the timer and the LSS setting in the follow ways:
• When opened or when power is restored with the relay open, the meter assumes a LSS for the preconfigured time.
• If LSS is active, the state immediately becomes LSS and the timer is reloaded with the preconfigured timer. • If LSS is inactive, the timer runs until expired. LSS state is assumed until the timer expires.
Load limiting
The Remote Disconnect switch provides load or demand limiting as an option.
Loads are configured as either current or demand. When a predetermined Current or Demand load is exceeded, the relay opens and the load side disconnects from the line side.
When Load Limiting is set to Current, a disconnect time value accompanies the current threshold. That time value accumulates until the time threshold is reached. When the load goes over the maximum load as configured the time counter counts up. Whe n the load drops below the maximum load as configured, the time counter stops counting up, but does not clear. If the load goes back above the maximum load as configured the time counter starts counting again until it reaches the time threshold.
When Load Limiting is configured to use Demand, there is no time threshold, since there is an inherent time component in the Demand calculation.
On-air commands sent to the meter may interfere with the Load Limiting features. Load Limiting should be deactivated befo re any on -air Remote Disconnect commands are sent. When Load Limiting is active, Remote Disconnect behaves as follows:
• If an on-air Open command is sent while the relay is open due to Load Limiting, the command is ignored and the relay closes according to the Load Limit settings.
• If an on-air Close command is sent while the relay is open due to Load Limiting, the relay closes but reopens based on the load and configured Load Limiting parameters. • If an on-air Arm command is sent while the relay is open due t o Load Limiting, a closure must be completed before a power fail or the meter will follow the Load Limiting power restore rules for Load Limiting and close accordingly.
• If an on-air Open command is sent while the relay is closed, the relay opens and remains open indefinitely. • If an on-air Close command is sent while the relay is closed, the relay opens based on the load and configured Load Limiting parameters.
Parameter
Configuration
Value Parameter
Configuration
Value Parameter
Configuration
Value
0 OFF
1 1 sec 6 6 sec 11 15 sec
2 2 sec 7 7 sec 12 20 sec
3 3 sec 8 8 sec 13 30 sec
4 4 sec 9 9 sec 14 45 sec
5 5 sec 10 10 sec 15 60 sec
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-127
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
• If the relay is open due to Load Limiting, and Load Limiting is then turned off, the relay remains in the open state and must be closed by an on-air command.
Temperature Auto Open (TAO)
Temperature Auto Open (TAO) can be programmed when a meter is equipped with Remote Disconnect.
The TAO threshold's default is 0, which is OFF. The TAO threshold normal value range is 85–105°F and can be set at the factory or can be remotely configured.
• In a meter equipped with Remote Disconnect, if TAO is enabled, the meter automatically opens the remote disconnect switch when the high temperature threshold is reached. • If the meter senses that the switch has not opened or current is still flowing through the meter, it attempts to reopen the remote disconnect switch every five seconds for a total of five tries. Upon opening the load, the meter sends six alarm messages interspersed with six Load Shed (Remote Disconnect) Ack responses indicating that the load has been shed.
• In cases of rapid temperature rises, an advanced reduced temperature feature deploys that reduces both the High Temperature Alarm and the Temperature Auto Open thresholds by a common configurable amount.
Current Auto Open (CAO)
Current Auto Open (CAO) can be programmed when a meter is equipped with Remote Disconnect.
The CAO default is zero, which is OFF. The CAO value range is 1 -127 where 1-60 = five second increments and 61- 127 = thirty second increments resulting in a range from zero (disabled) to thirty-eight and a half seconds.
If CAO is enabled, the meter automatically opens the remote disconnect switch when 105% of the rated current is exceeded for the programmable number of seconds.
When this is triggered, the meter sends a Load Shed Ack six times. If this happens in conjunction with an over class alarm the OCA alarm is interspersed with the Load Shed Acks.
Communication modes
The meter supports three different communication modes: AMI, On-Demand, and Opt-Out.
The modes can be assigned over the air without disrupting the network’s monitoring, measuring, and reporting capabilities except as listed below. The modes do not affect optical port comm unication except when the optical command requests an over the air response. In that situation the communication mode is the default and the response may not be sent.
AMI Mode is the default fully-operational mode. Normal communication via the FlexNet system is supported.
In On-Demand mode, the meter never sends unsolicited messages. However, the meter's FlexNet board continues to listen, so time sync messages are supported and the meter responds to RNI messages. A meter in On -Demand mode transmits RF messa ges only when requested to do so by the RNI. The meter does not send any Auto -Push Reading Messages or Self-Read messages. The meter does not participate in any Buddy traffic. Alarms and setup and binding messages are still transmitted. All other functionality remains the same as AMI mode.
In Opt-Out mode, the meter does not send any transmissions nor accept any commands except for the following:
• Commands to change the communication mode
• Requests to query the communication mode
• Time sync messages from a Basestation
No RF messages are transmitted from a meter in Opt-Out mode, the meter does not participate in any buddy traffic.
The meter communication modes enable you to decline the full functionality of an AMI meter while preserving the option of future AMI functionality. This may be useful in cases where a customer prefers to have a non-transmitting meter even though the utility is deploying AMI meters. The customer receives only the functionality they want without the utility having to physically swap out the meter.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-128
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
XI. Exceptions and Clarifications Summary
Exceptions and Clarifications Summary
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-129
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Exceptions and Clarifications Summary
Aqua-Metric would like to thank BWP allowing us the opportunity to present our Sensus FlexNet AMI Solution in response to their Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project. We believe our system exceeds the requirements outlined within the Utility’s bid documents but would like to offer the following clarifications to help better understand our proposed response.
1. Price Proposal Sheet Notes
Annual Sensus RNI and Sensus Analytics SaaS fees are based on 27,060 water services.
Minimum 5-year term for all annual support and subscription services with a 3% yearly price escalator.
Backhaul System – Aqua-Metric is proposing a communication backhaul system with Sierra -Wireless Modem.
BWP would be responsible for all Static IP address(es), RJ45 connection, and monthly SIM card/Data Charge for each Backhauls use. Aqua-Metric will work with the Utility to determine the best options to move forward with; Aqua-Metric prefers AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon Wireless.
BWP will be required to provide an electrical base at and run electricity to each basestation towe r, as well as provide mounting racks and/or antenna mounts, as needed.
Pricing assumes all existing meters will remain in place and are supplied with an existing Itron inline connector.
Aqua-Metric has included costs for integrating the Sensus RNI HES with the Utility’s third-party MDMS, Customer Engagement Portal (CEP), and CIS ; however, these third- party software providers may impose separate fees for extract and integration with the Sensus HES . Aqua-Metric is unable to ascertain additional fees as they are facilitated independently between the third-party software provider and the Utility. We assume the software providers will impose one -time integration charges to the Utility; although occasionally the required services may increase the Utility’s annual fees. Aqua -Metric shall not be responsible for any new or revised fees imposed from the billing software provider.
Performance and Payment Bond pricing has been included within our bid response. Bonding to be valid for a total of 36 months from the date of contract execution and is subject to change based on total contract amount and duration of bond.
Any items beyond what is quoted within our response is subject to price negotiations.
Payment terms are net 30 days.
Freight allowed on individual Sensus Water product orders exceeding $20,000.00. All non -Sensus water products, such as electric meters, Juniper handhelds, meter box lids, etc. are subject to additional freight costs.
Returned product subject to a 25% restocking fee for Sensus product. Electric meters are subject to a 100% restocking fee. All non-Sensus product subject to their specific manufacturer’s published return policy.
Sales tax is reflected within our cost proposal at a rate of 10.25% for water product only. Sales tax is subject to change based on the Utility’s actual purchase order.
2. Meter Box and Lid Survey
It is our understanding that BWP is currently performing a meter box and lid survey which will help the selected vendor better understand the meter box type and material that is currently in use. The proposed Sensus FlexNet AMI solution requires our endpoints to be mounted through the meter box lid to perform the communication performance outlined within our propagation analysis. Based on this understanding, our cost proposal reflects optional line item pricing for the potential cost to modify an existing meter box lid or replace and existing meter box lid. However, no quantities are listed at this time. Our quote will be modified to reflect that is truly required
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-130
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
once the Utility has completed their survey. Please note, pricing for the meter box lids themselves are also reflected within Attachment G, Cost Summary, Tab B_Ancillary Costs.
3. BWP and Aqua-Metric Proposal Pricing Sheets
Alongside BWP’s Bid Forms is Aqua-Metric’ itemized quote form. Our quote form follows the same sections as the Utility’s proposal pricing sheet further breaking down each of the Utility’s line items. For example, the Utility is requesting one- line-item, or lump sum, for the AMI System and various other integration / installation components – Aqua-Metric’s version of the quote shows these line items separately with their individual costs.
If selected, Aqua -metric will invoice the Utility for each individual line item, as reflected within our cost breakdown form, rather than as a lump sum.
4. Term of Contract
The terms and conditions outlined within any sample or future agreements provided within the RFP documents shall be subject to the review, negotiation, and mutual agreement by and between Aqua -Metric and City of Burbank Water and Power.
If awarded, Aqua-Metric intends to engage in individual subcontracts with Concord and JME for their respective services of the project . Pricing as provided is based upon our general understanding of the plans and specifications of the City’s RFP and may be subject to additional cost(s) in the event of scope refinement or change. Supplemental third party suppliers included within our response may be contingent on Aqua-Metric’s award, potential scope changes, and/or final mutual agreement(s) between Aqua -Metric and its third -party suppliers.
In recognition of the potential for fluctuation in raw material and inflationary costs, the enclosed base -bid project pricing will be held firm December 31, 2022, after which pricing may be subject to adjustment(s) based upon inflation rates within the current market and potential supply chain constraints. The percentage change between the response pric e and the contract price shall not exceed the percentage change issued by Aqua - Metric’s supplier’s actual cost of increase. Prices for products or services unaffected by verifiable cost trends shall not be subject to adjustment.
As per Sensus, the Company (Sensus) may annually notify to Customer (BWP) and implement escalation adjustments in the prices of Goods ordered pursuant to Customer (BWP) Orders issued after January 1, 2023 and once each calendar year thereafter, by (a) three percent (3%), or (b) the increase in the CPI over the prior twelve (12) month period, whichever is greater. “CPI” means the US consumer price index as published by the US Department of Labor. The CPI is accessible at www.bls.gov/data/.
5. Concord Utility Services Pricing Assumptions
The following project assumptions/exclusions were provided by our installation partner Concord Utility Services (CUS).
a. Pricing valid for 180 days from date of price quote. If project kickoff commences at the expiry of 180 days, the quote price will increase annually by the standard CPI rate at the commencement of Full Deployment.
b. Terms: Invoice weekly NET30.
c. There will be a mutually agreed upon contract upon award of the project. d. Installation Services are warrantied against leaks for a period of 1 year from the work order completion date, as recorded through the work order management system and completed work order installation data. The warranty applies only to the area of work performed by the Contractor, as documented by data and photos within the work order management system, and reasonably attributed to the installation process.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-131
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
e. Project Manager fees are based on the es timated schedule and the monthly fees will be levied over the length of the project. If the project is completed ahead of schedule or extends past the anticipated duration, the fees will be charged accordingly.
f. Excludes Permit fees.
g. Demobilization/Remobilization/Stand Down Contingency: The project mobilization and demobilization is assumed for a single-phase move on and move off for installation and deployment.
If demobilization and remobilization occur during the project due to reasons beyond Concord Util ity Services’ control (e.g., lack of materials and inventory, lack of data or account information), additional contingency fees will be assessed.
I. Demobilization/Remobilization Fees: If CUS is forced to demobilize due to lack of inventory (e.g., meters, registers, endpoint modules, lids, boxes, fittings), CUS will invoice for cost plus 15% to move in and out of the market (i.e., travel fees, cancellation fees, vehicle transportation fees.) II. Stand Down Time: If CUS is unable to perform due to lack of inventory of materials (e.g., meters, registers, endpoint modules, lids, boxes, fittings), and installation resources remain deployed, CUS will invoice at $120.00 per hour, per technician for time CUS is stood down. h. CUS will not be responsible for any community outreach programs or program materials. i. All data for the entire project will be provided at one time prior to mobilization. j. All data sent from the Utility will be accurate and without duplicate data (addresses, meter numbers, radios, accounts, etc.).
k. If information submitted to CUS is later found to be inconsistent with actual information the price may be adjusted accordingly to account for additional set up and programming. l. Excludes additional visits to meter locations after the initial installation and programing, for network communication issues during Route Certification.
m. Meter endpoint installation unit pricing includes all labor, tools, vehicles, & fuel. n. All other materials to be provided by the Prime Contractor or Owner including, but not limited to registers, radios, boxes, lids, box extension rings, in -line connectors, tamper clips, Nicor connector, etc.
o. Meter endpoint installation unit pricing does not include adjusting, resetting, removing, or replacing meter box. If CUS is required to replace setters , risers, valves or fittings, the meter box resetting will be billed separately.
p. Lid replacement price assume lid size know for each address. q. No other direct job costs have been noted (city licenses, permits, etc.). If additional direct job costs arise, they will be added at cost plus 15%.
r. Any badging requirements will be done prior to the start of the project. s. It is expected that all hard-to-find meters will have location descriptions and assistance (mark service with paint) from the Utility.
t. The Utility will provide CUS safe access, including keys and gate codes (gated communities) to all locations.
u. Work will not be performed at locations where it is reasonable that damage may occur to customer's property.
v. CUS will not be responsible for repl acing endpoints on meters that are obstructed by landscape or excessive tree/plant roots in the boxes.
w. Paving or Hard/Solid Surfaces: Excludes removal and replacement of paving or other hard or solid surface locations (concrete, asphalt, pavers etc.).
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-132
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
x. CUS will not be responsible for maintaining, repairing, or replacing existing customer side setters, backflow preventers, irrigation valves, pressure regulators, unions, ball valves, or customer side valves, unless noted otherwise.
y. CUS will not be responsible for repairing or replacing existing City/Water District service side piping or fittings.
z. CUS will not install any equipment (meters, radios, or meter retrofits) or perform any service in vaults or other confined spaces unless noted otherwise.
aa. CUS will pr ovide minimal traffic control devices (cones) for meter exchanges. Any additional traffic control requirements will be invoiced at cost plus 15%. bb. It is assumed that small and intermediate sized meters will not be in vaults or other confined spaces. cc. Any specific requirements not covered under this quote will be reviewed, any additional costs will be a change order or revision to the proposal.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-133
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
XII. Fee Schedule
Fee Schedule
Addendum Acknowledgement
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-134
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Fee Schedule
Please refer to the enclosed Attachment G – Cost Summary Workbook for project pricing and Aqua -Metric’s itemized quote form.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-135
301 EAST OLIVE AVENUE , STE. 305 P.O. BOX 6459
BURBANK, CA 91502 BU RBAN K, CA 915 10 -64 59
TEL: 8 18 238 5466 B URBANKPURCHASI NG@BURBANKC A.GOV FAX: 818 238 5457 BURBANK CA.GOV
ADDENDUM NO. 1
September 28, 2022
RFP NO: 2 022-028-BWP
SUBJECT: AMI Network, Software, and Installation Program DUE DATE: October 21, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M.
Please note the following additions/deletions/clarifications to the above Quotation:
Questions / Answers
x Response to questions submitted prior to 4:00 P.M., September 22, 2022 are attached.
NOTE: Proposals already submitted on PlanetBids will become invalid . Ple ase resubmit your proposals, acknowledge the addendum in PlanetBids and provide a signed copy of this addendum with your bid uploaded to PlanetBids.
Respectfully,
Lisa Villegas
Senior Buyer
LV:lv
The undersigned proposer acknowledges receipt of the following adden dum issued for the above RFP. Failure to ac knowledge receipt of addendum MAY disqualify the B idder. IF
YOU HAVE A LREADY SENT IN YOUR PROPOSAL AND THIS ADDENDUM IS NOT ENCLOSED, PLEASE CONTACT THE PURCHASING DIVISION AT (818) 238-5466.
COMPANY NAME:
SIGNED: DATE:
PRINT NAME: TITLE:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NO.: ( ) FAX NO: ( )
EMAIL:
Thirkettle Corporation dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company
October 20, 2022
Christopher Newville Manager
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside CA 92505
951 967-1400 951 637-1500 [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-136
301 EAST OLIVE AVENUE , STE. 305 P.O. BOX 6459
BURBANK, CA 91502 BU RBAN K, CA 915 10 -64 59
TEL: 8 18 238 5466 B URBANKPURCHASI NG@BURBAN KC A.GOV FAX: 818 238 5457 BURBANK CA.GOV
ADDENDUM NO. 2
September 29, 2022
RFP NO: 2 022-028-BWP
SUBJECT: AMI Network, Software, and Installation Program DUE DATE: October 21, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M.
Please note the following additions/deletions/clarifications to the above Quotation:
Questions / Answers
x Response to questions submitted prior to 4:00 P.M., September 22, 2022 are attached.
NOTE: Proposals already submitted on PlanetBids will become invalid . Ple ase resubmit your proposals, acknowledge the addendum in PlanetBids and provide a signed copy of this addendum with your bid uploaded to PlanetBids.
Respectfully,
Lisa Villegas
Senior Buyer
LV:lv
The undersigned proposer acknowledges receipt of the following adden dum issued for the above RFP. Failure to ac knowledge receipt of adden dum MAY disqualify the B idder. IF
YOU HAVE A LREADY SENT IN YOUR PROPOSAL AND THIS ADDENDUM IS NOT ENCLOSED, PLEASE CONTACT THE PURCHASING DIVISION AT (818) 238-5466.
COMPANY NAME:
SIGNED: DATE:
PRINT NAME: TITLE:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NO.: ( ) FAX NO: ( )
EMAIL:
Thirkettle Corporation dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company
October 20, 2022
Christopher Newville Manager
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside CA 92505
951 967-1400 951 637-1500 [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-137
City of Burbank
Q & A for Project AMI NETWORK, SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION PROGRAM (BWP-2022-028) Issued on 09/15/2022
Bid Due on October 21, 2022 2:00 PM (PDT)
Exported on 09/22/2022
NO. Submit
Date Question Answer
1 09/20/2022
11:15:25 AM
Can we Bid for only one task? For example, can we bid for Task 3 only? (Task 3- Installation of Registers and
Transmitters)
No.
2 09/22/2022
9:28:33 AM
(Ref: “Attachment_F_TechnicalSpecifications” / Tab G –
Installations / Installation Schedule) Please confirm the in- field installation related deployment term, including
anticipated start and end dates.
Limited installation will coincide with Beta Testing currently scheduled to begin July of 2023 with full production starting early October of 2023 and continuing for 12 months or less.
Quantities for Beta Testing installation will be determined during the Alpha Phase agreeable to BWP and the
Contractor.
3 09/22/2022
9:28:54 AM
(Ref: “Attachment_F_TechnicalSpecifications” / Tab G –
Installations / Installation Schedule / G13) With the
understanding that BWP’s download file to the Contractor will mimic that of their manual meter reading routes / route sequencing structure, is the current meter reading route sequencing structure considered as efficient allowing for optimal in-field productivity (e.g. contiguous, “premise-to- premise” with no skips and minimal “dead walks”/downtime)? If no, please provide associated details.
Route/sequencing is not optimal. Our current routes are used for billing and when the read will be requested from the MDM. Contractor will be responsible for any route
optimization.
4 09/22/2022
9:29:05 AM
(Ref: “Attachment_F_TechnicalSpecifications” / Tab G –
Installations / Transmitter Installation / G35) Is the Contractor to be responsible for pre-existing damages to customer
water lines? If yes, will this be a billable item to BWP? No, contractor shall report any abnormal water service
conditions to BWP prior to transmitter installation.
5 09/22/2022
9:29:13 AM
(General) Will the Installation Contractor be required to physically enter underground meter vaults / pits to upgrade existing metering applications (ref: “2 person” confined spaces regulations)? If yes, please provide the total number of anticipated sites.
No, all transmitters on water services located in
subterranean vaults (typically services >2”) will be retrofitted by BWP
6 09/22/2022
9:29:18 AM
(General) Does the BWP intend to apply SLA, performance- based penalties and/or liquidated damages for the purposes of this contract? If yes, please provide associated details, including penalty / LD amounts.
BWP to negotiate penalties and liquidated damages, if any, with the Contractor.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-138
NO. Submit
Date Question Answer
7 09/22/2022
9:29:26 AM
(General) As part of BWP’s download file for the Installation Contractor, will there be account specific notes (special instructions) and codes indicating physical meter locations, access issues, safety issues/alerts, etc. (e.g. “key” numbers, “bad dog”, “meter in backyard”, etc.)?
BWP will retrofit water meters not located in the public right of way. The CIS download file does include customer
specific notes. There are specific notes but are maintained manually and are dependent on updates from both
customers and BWP staff.
8 09/22/2022
9:29:38 AM
(General) As part of the BWP’s download file for the
Installation Contractor, will all meters be “blended” within the same route/route sequencing structure (ref: residential and small commercial metering applications)? If no, please
provide the associated details regarding metering
applications that are to be downloaded as a separate file for the Contractor.
Yes, all meters have a Service Cycle and route and are not separated based on class.
9 09/22/2022
9:29:45 AM
(General) Is the Installation Contractor required to utilize unionized installation personnel for the purposes of this contract? If yes, what Union / Local?
No
10 09/22/2022
9:29:53 AM
(General) Is it acceptable for the Contractor to include pricing notes for clarity purposes as part of their RFP response?
Yes
11 09/22/2022
9:29:59 AM
(General) Are there any unique transmitter installation related service requirements (e.g. boats, ferries, ATVs, etc.)? If yes, please provide associated details including total applicable metering applications.
No, some transmitters are located on private property. All water transmitters located on private property will be
retrofitted by BWP.
12 09/22/2022
9:30:04 AM
(General) Within BWP’s associated service area, what is the current approx. meter saturation percentage of the total available customer base (e.g. 90% of all available customers have water meter)?
Less than half of the BWP customer base has a water
service.
13 09/22/2022
9:30:09 AM
(General) Please provide the approx. total number and/or percentage of urban metering applications which would be considered as “hard to access” and/or inaccessible (e.g. inside metering applications, backyards, gate access
required, etc.).
All water transmitters located on private property will be retrofitted by BWP.
14 09/22/2022
9:30:16 AM
(General) Please provide the approx. total number and/or percentage of small commercial metering applications (e.g. strip malls, convenience stores, etc.).
There is an approximate total of 5,400 small commercial meters.
15 09/22/2022
9:30:23 AM
(General) Are there any mandatory BWP hosted training
sessions for the Installation Contractor’s field personnel (e.g.
BWP hosted “health & safety orientation”)? If yes, how long is the session or sessions (e.g. ½ day)?
Safety orientations are expected to take approximately 1 hour.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-139
301 EAST OLIVE AVENUE , STE. 305 P.O. BOX 6459
BURBANK, CA 91502 BU RBAN K, CA 915 10 -64 59
TEL: 8 18 238 5466 B URBANKPURCHASI NG@BURBAN KC A.GOV FAX: 818 238 5457 BURBANK CA.GOV
ADDENDUM NO. 3
October 4, 2022
RFP NO: 2 022-028-BWP
SUBJECT: AMI Network, Software, and Installation Program DUE DATE: October 21, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M.
Please note the following additions/deletions/clarifications to the above Quotation:
Questions / Answers
x Response to questions submitted prior to October 3, 2022 are attached.
NOTE: Proposals already submitted on PlanetBids will become invalid . Ple ase resubmit your proposals, acknowledge the addendum in PlanetBids and provide a signed copy of this addendum with your bid uploaded to PlanetBids.
Respectfully,
Lisa Villegas
Senior Buyer
LV:lv
The undersigned proposer acknowledges receipt of the following adden dum issued for the above RFP. Failure to ac knowledge receipt of adden dum MAY disqualify the Bidder. IF
YOU HAVE A LREADY SENT IN YOUR PROPOSAL AND THIS ADDENDUM IS NOT ENCLOSED, PLEASE CONTACT THE PURCHASING DIVISION AT (818) 238-5466.
COMPANY NAME:
SIGNED: DATE:
PRINT NAME: TITLE:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NO.: ( ) FAX NO: ( )
EMAIL:
Thirkettle Corporation dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company
October 20, 2022
Christopher Newville Manager
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside CA 92505
951 967-1400 951 637-1500 [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-140
City of Burbank
Q & A for Project AMI NETWORK, SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION PROGRAM (BWP-2022-028) Issued on 09/15/2022
Bid Due on October 21, 2022 2:00 PM (PDT)
Exported on 09/28/2022
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
1 09/27/2022
11:53:27 AM
Is the RFP response to be formatted as per the instructions on page 6 (2.2 Submission Requirements) OR page 7 (2.3-
2.11)?
Format per the instructions on Page 6 adhering to the
submission requirements, but include all requested content associated with 2.3-2.11 of the RFP.
2 09/27/2022
4:03:14 PM
Would the City of Burbank be open to providing a 2-week extension on this RFP? Thank you for your consideration! No 3 09/28/2022
8:38:30 AM
Since we are no longer in a state of emergency with
regards to Covid-19, has the City Manager repealed the
vaccine mandate policy in Exhibit B?
City Manager has not repealed the vaccine mandate policy. 4 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM Can you provide quantity by meter size?
5/8x3/4": 14,170; 1": 6,067; 3/4": 3,814; 2": 1,342; 1.5":
1,189; 4": 83; 3": 73; 6": 33; 8": 8; 12": 2; 14": 1; All meters above 2" will be retrofitted by BWP
5 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
What percentage of services are Residential, Irrigation, Commercial, and Industrial? 83% Residential, 17% Commercial, 1% Irrigation 6 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
Can you provide a breakdown of residential vs non
residential services? Approximately 70% are residential services 7 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM Are there MBE/WBE requirements? No
8 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
Are there any customer notification/outreach requirements other than a call center?
BWP will communicate project updates. Service
interruption is not expected for water customers so no
additional communication should be needed. Should BWP
expand the project to include electric customers, a separate notification/outreach plan will be cooperatively developed. 9 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM What are the required hours for the call center? 9 am to 5 pm PST 10 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM What are the required languages for the call center? English, Spanish, Armenian 11 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM Are the services in contiguous complete routes? No 12 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM Will the Utility assist in locating difficult to locate meters? Yes
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-141
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
13 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
What percentage of services are Residential, Irrigation, Commercial, and Industrial? 83% Residential, 17% Commercial, 1% Irrigation Number or percentage of meters in the following locations? See Attachment C to the RFP. All transmitters located on private property will be retrofitted by BWP.
a. Indoors
b. Curb and gutter
c. Front yards
d. Backyards
e. Behind locked gates
f. Alleyways
g. Driveways
h. Roadways
i. Rural Areas
j. Confined spaces: Please provide the location and quantities of the confined spaces
All transmitters located in Confined Spaces will be
retrofitted by BWP
k. Hazardous areas, please describe the potentially hazardous conditions, quantities, and locations
Services located in potentially hazardous areas shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis with BWP.
15 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
Will any portion of the project require traffic control? Please describe potential traffic control conditions and permit requirements.
Services where traffic control may be required shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis with BWP. In cases
where traffic control is required, BWP will assist the
contractor with traffic control.
16 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
What are the soil characteristics (clay, rocky, hard, sandy etc.,)? Sandy with rocky to coarse gravel
17 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
It is expected that a small amount of dirt/debris will be removed with typical meter replacement, is it anticipated that meter boxes will require substantially cleaning (dirt higher than bottom of register)? What percentage?
Box cleaning may be required in order to properly install through the lid transmitters for proper seating in the box.
BWP does not have any information on the percentage of
services requiring dirt/debris removal.
18 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
What is the typical depth (in inches) to the top of the meter register? Typically 3" - 4"
Lid replacement:
a. List all sizes of lids that are currently in the system. See meter box attachment for list of all known meter box types in City.
b. Are specific lid sizes known for each service location? If so, please list. No, however a meter box and lid survey is currently ongoing c. Is the lid material type known per service? If so, what materials? No, however a meter box and lid survey is currently ongoing d. Are you planning to replace all lids? No
19 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
14 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-142
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
e. What is the material for the replacement lids? Composite f. Is there an existing hole in the current lids? If so, what is the size of the pre-drilled hole?
Lids with pre-existing holes have a 1-13/16" to 1-7/8"
diameter hole.
20 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
Please list any parking areas that may be difficult during deployment.
Parking may be difficult in high traffic areas near the Burbank Town Center.
21 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
Are there parking pass requirements in commercial areas? If so, will passes be issued by Burbank? Parking passes are not required. 22 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
What will the process be if a service is too high, and the new endpoint radio will not fit under the lid? Return to utility Was there a system audit performed during the
development of the RFP (meter type, meter size, meter
manufacturer, quantity, box condition, lid condition,
dirt/debris condition, etc.)?
No, however a meter box and lid survey is currently ongoing and is conducted by City staff
a. What was the audit outline, and will the results be shared? N/A
b. What entity performed the system audit? N/A
24 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
During installation services, will there be a third-party auditor performing QA/QC for the project owner? If yes, what entity will be performing the QA/QC services?
Yes, a separate RFP will be issued for this Service.
25 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM Are we retrofitting 3” meters and above? Services larger than 2" will be retrofitted by BWP. 26 09/29/2022
4:23:55 AM
Is it anticipated the registers will have to be replaced in addition to the endpoint No
27 09/29/2022
4:23:55 AM What type of connectors are on the existing endpoints. Itron Inline Pigtail Connector 28 09/29/2022
4:23:55 AM Will splicing be required? If so, will it be 2-wire or 3-wire. No- all connections will be required to utilize existing Itron Inline Pigtail Connectors.
29 09/29/2022
10:56:02 AM
Is the RFP response to be formatted as per the instructions on page 6 (2.2 Submission Requirements) OR page 7 (2.3-
2.11)?
Format per the instructions on Page 6 adhering to the
submission requirements. Content should include the
elements of Sections 2.3 to 2.11 within the 2.2 outline. 30 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
If BWP were to select a mesh network architecture for AMI, mesh will require deploying hundreds if not thousands of electric meters to achieve 100% coverage and specified
read rate requirements for water meters. This means BWP will be procuring, installing, maintaining, and managing a second electric AMI systems to go along with your existing Trilliant system. Is that something BWP Electric Dept is willing and prepared to do as a potential result of this RFP? The electric AMI meter is optional in this RFP and the water AMI system should be submitted as a standalone solution.
BWP Electric Division will likely have to maintain two
systems to transition if the next successful bidder is not Trilliant.
23 09/28/2022
12:58:46 PM
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-143
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
31 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
For such a solution, is there funding to pay for the electric meters? Where will such funding come?
The electric AMI system is likely to be transitioned over a span of 3-5 years, funding is to be included in the next budget cycle and not in parallel with the Water AMI
deployment.
32 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Given electric meters will be deployed if mesh selected, what role will the Electric Department play in making an AMI decision for the Water Department?
As stated in the RFP, 5% of the RFP evaluation is based on the electric AMI proposal. The evaluation team will all have to evaluate the electric AMI submittal and provide their rating on that 5%.
33 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Since this is a water only bid, yet will require electric meters for any proposed mesh solution, will the Electric Dept have an equal say in selecting the AMI network for water?
Electric is on the multi departmental evaluation team.
34 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Does the Electric Dept have approved budget to replace the Trilliant network?
BWP Electric Division does not have approved budget for a full AMI replacement in FY22/23. However, budget for the replacement over a span of 3-5 years will be in future
budget proposals.
35 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
When does the current contract for the Electric Dept.
Trilliant system expire? There is no Trilliant 'system' contract. 36 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Is the Electric Dept experiencing issues with the Trilliant network requiring them to look for an alternative within 2 years?
The bulk of the electric AMI meters in the Burbank system will be reaching 15-year life in the next several years. BWP Electric Division is doing their due diligence to be proactive about proper lifecycle replacement.
37 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Why doesn't the Water Dept leverage the investment made by BWP in the Trilliant network to read water meters with Trilliant water endpoints?
If Trilliant and their partners make such proposal it may be considered.
38 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Please provide location of all streetlights that are constantly powered that can accommodate a NEMA lighting control.
All non-candlestick lights in the City of Burbank can
accommodate a 3 or 7-pin photocell. The location of all streetlights that are constantly powered that can
accommodate a NEMA lighting control will be provided to the contractor if appropriate once a solution has been
selected.
39 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
How willing is the Lighting Dept to deploy network devices in photocell socket? Photocell functionality remains in tack.
There are current BWP network equipment utilizing
photocell power. If the option is proposed, it will be considered.
40 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Is deploying network devices in NEMA lighting
control/photocells an acceptable solution? There is added benefit for lighting Dept and electric department in doing so.
If the option is proposed, it will be considered.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-144
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
41 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Besides reading water or electric meters what other
applications does the Water Dept, Lighting Dept, Electric Dept Or Other Depts have planned for the network today, tomorrow, 5 years from now?
Distribution Automation and DERMS are being considered, however these technologies will likely use the backhaul directly. BWP intends to leverage AMI technologies to
support water conservation, resource management,
operational efficiencies, and enhanced customer service although specific applications have not been defined.
42 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
Regarding Outage Management System requirement for
electric meters, how does BWP use the Trilliant system
today for outage management?
Last gasp signal from the electric meter is sent to the OMS which is used by grid operators to dispatch field crews. 43 09/30/2022
9:40:28 AM
What are the requirements for the Outage Management
System on page 62?
A clarification on the OMS, the intent is for the meter to be compatible with typical OMS. Proof of last gasp signals from the electric meter should satisfy this requirement. 44 09/30/2022
9:40:37 AM
*HQHUDO
,VLW%:3¶VLQWHQWSUHIHUHQFHWRUHSODFH
of their existing legacy meter pit lids with new pre-drilled lids? If no, please provide details regarding the estimated total number and/or percentage of existing legacy meter pit lids that are to be replaced by the Installation Contractor.
No. The intent of BWP is to complete the meter lid survey and the coordinate a drill or replace program with the
selected Contractor. Estimated number of drilled lids or lid replacement will be provided at the conclusion of the lid survey expected by Q1 of 2023.
45 09/30/2022
9:40:47 AM
*HQHUDO
:LOOWKH,QVWDOODWLRQ&RQWUDFWRUEHUHTXLUHGWR
drill existing legacy meter pit lids? If yes, please provide the projected total number and/or percentage of legacy meter pit lids that are to be drilled.
Yes, it is expected the Installation Contractor will be required to drill a percentage (to be determined) of existing water meter pit lids. A meter box/lid survey is currently on going and detailed information on the number of drilled lids or lid replacement will be provided at the conclusion of the lid survey expected by Q1 of 2023
46 09/30/2022
9:40:58 AM
(General) Who is to be responsible for the Beta Phase in- field transmitter replacements (ref: BWP or Installation Contractor)?
The Installation Contractor will be responsible for Beta Phase installations. BWP will install Alpha Phase
transmitters.
47 09/30/2022
9:41:09 AM
(General) Please provide the anticipated total number of transmitters that will be installed during the Beta Phase.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 transmitters. This is dependent on system performance and the field quality program.
48 09/30/2022
9:41:40 AM
(General) What will the total in-field transmitter installation deployment term be for the Beta Phase (e.g. 2 months)?
Approximately two months depending on the final quantity of installations determined to be conducted in Beta Phase.
For planning purposes, Responders should consider 5% of all water meters to be a target quantity for Beta Phase installations.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-145
NO SUBMIT DATE QUESTION ANSWER
49 09/30/2022
9:41:55 AM
(General) Sub-meter accuracy for the capturing of GPS
coordinates for installations contracts is very rare (and expensive). To reduce the associated costs, would BWP
consider revising this requirement to the typical standard requirement of +/- 10 feet?
BWP seeks precise location data for its meter assets.
Responders may provide an alternative pricing proposal for stated accuracy less than sub-meter.
50 09/30/2022
9:42:18 AM
(General) If the Installation Contractor is required to replace and/or drill existing legacy meter pit lids, is it acceptable to provide additional line item(s) to the pricing sheet submission for said additional service requirements? Yes
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-146
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-147
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-148
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-149
301 EAST OLIVE AVENUE , STE. 305 P.O. BOX 6459
BURBANK, CA 91502 BU RBAN K, CA 915 10 -64 59
TEL: 8 18 238 5466 B URBANKPURCHASI NG@BURBAN KC A.GOV FAX: 818 238 54 57 BURBANK CA.GOV
ADDENDUM NO. 4
October 6, 2022
RFP NO: 2 022-028-BWP
SUBJECT: AMI Network, Software, and Installation Program DUE DATE: October 21, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M.
Please note the following additions/deletions/clarifications to the above Quotation:
Questions / Answers
x Response to questions submitted on October 3, 2022 are attached.
NOTE: Proposals already submitted on PlanetBids will become invalid . Ple ase resubmit your proposals, acknowledge the addendum in PlanetBids and provide a signed copy of this addendum with your bid uploaded to PlanetBids.
Respectfully,
Lisa Villegas
Senior Buyer
LV:lv
The undersigned proposer acknowledges receipt of the following adden dum issued for the above RFP. Failure to ac knowledge receipt of adden dum MAY disqualify the Bidder. IF
YOU HAVE A LREADY SENT IN YOUR PROPOSAL AND THIS ADDENDUM IS NOT ENCLOSED, PLEASE CONTACT THE PURCHASING DIVISION AT (818) 238-5466.
COMPANY NAME:
SIGNED: DATE:
PRINT NAME: TITLE:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NO.: ( ) FAX NO: ( )
EMAIL:
Thirkettle Corporation dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company
October 20, 2022
Christopher Newville Manager
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside CA 92505
951 967-1400 951 637-1500 [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-150
City of Burbank
Q & A for Project AMI NETWORK, SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION PROGRAM (BWP-2022-028) Issued on 09/15/2022
Bid Due on October 21, 2022 2:00 PM (PDT)
Exported on 10/03/2022
NO. Submit Date Question Answer
1 10/03/2022
1:03:46 PM
If the network is to be installed by BWP, are the sample Project Scope on page 45 and Attachment H: Network
Acceptance Plan on page 51 of the original RFP still
relevant?
Yes
2 10/03/2022
1:33:32 PM
The future state topology from Attachment K shows the
future HES only integrates with the Siemens MDM. Do we
need to also integrate with Oracle CIS as the System of Record?
Yes
3 10/03/2022
1:33:32 PM
Did the 200w Itron AMI system require external antennas? If so, do the existing meter box lids in the field have a 1.75" hole for an external antenna? If yes, can we reuse the
existing meter box lids?
Yes, some but not all services required through-the-lid antennas with a 1.75" to 1-7/8" hole. Existing lids with holes may be reused.
4 10/03/2022
1:33:32 PM
Can BWP provide the meter box lid specifications and
quantities of each size lids that need to be replaced? A meter box and lid survey is currently ongoing. 5 10/03/2022
1:33:33 PM
Is the contractor responsible for recycling Itron ERT's removed from the field? Yes, along with proof of proper disposal. 6 10/03/2022
1:33:33 PM
Is the contractor responsible for disposing any meter box lid removed from the field? Yes, along with proof of proper disposal. 7 10/03/2022
1:33:34 PM Can existing meter box lids be drilled or modified? Yes, however some may have to be replaced as well. 8 10/03/2022
1:33:34 PM
Since no water will be turned off as a part of this project, is there any sort of customer notification process required by BWP? If so, will BWP be in charge of the public outreach communication?
Yes, BWP to conduct public outreach. No customer
contact will be required ahead of transmitter installation by Contractor.
9 10/03/2022
1:33:35 PM
Can BWP define "Connector Tamper Sleeves" from Table
D: Ancillary Equipment & Software?
The connector tamper sleeve is used on an Itron Pigtail Inline Connector to secure the male end of the connector to the female end. A tamper sleeve is optional, to be
determined by BWP, and assists in the prevention of the register from being disconnected from the transmitter
without authorization.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-151
NO. Submit Date Question Answer
10 10/03/2022
1:43:44 PM
What is the location of valves and the procedure for
inoperable valves?
Meter box assemblies typically have an angle stop valve and a customer gate valve. No water shutoffs are planned for this project. Any valve or piping operation/maintenance will be handled by BWP.
11 10/03/2022
1:44:24 PM What is the required license type for this state? The prime contractor is expected to have a Class A
License. Meter technicians may require a Class C license if applicable. Contractor assumes all responsibility to meet all licensing requirements by the State of California and
provide evidence as such.
12 10/03/2022
1:48:58 PM
Will we be installing any additional product, i.e. broken stop valves, dual check valves, meter lids, meter boxes, set box to grade?
New meter box lids may be required when existing lids are unable to be retrofitted. Any piping or meter issues will be handled by BWP.
13 10/03/2022
1:49:09 PM
What is the age and primary make-up of service lines?
(copper, plastic galvanized)
Ages vary, most service lines are copper but approximately less than 1% are expected to be galvanized and plastic. 14 10/03/2022
1:49:42 PM
Are the meters in setters, or are they connected with
straight meter couplings? No meters are in setters.
15 10/03/2022
1:52:19 PM Who will be providing customer notifications? BWP will be responsible for customer notifications through coordination with the Contractor on project scheduling and updates.
16 10/05/22 via
email
Respectively requesting an extension of the due date from Oct. 21 to Oct. 28 at the same time as the original due date.
No extensions are to be granted
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-152
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
XIII. Sensus FlexNet AMI System Overview
Sensus FlexNet AMI System Overview
Competitive Advantages of a FlexNet System
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-153
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Sensus FlexNet AMI System Overview
Industry-leading Sensus FlexNet AMI solution stands apart from competing offers because it represents the only fixed radio frequency (RF) network, two-way solution that has already demonstrated its performance and resiliency throughout the world. BWP and its future Smart Grid initiative aligns perfectly with Sensus’ proven technology, market leadership, and ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive conservation solutions and ensuring operation excellence.
Sensus FlexNet Fixed Network AMI system is truly the best on the market with unmatched reliability achieved by overlapping receiver coverage of metering end-points, data/message redundancy, and failover backup provisions.
FlexNet is an established, fixed -base solution for dense urban to sparse rural meter densities in any terrain. It is field proven in the dense urban/suburban Birmingham, AL network and in the mountainous terrains of Hawaii, northern Georgia, and British Columbia. FlexNet was designed from the outset for elect ricity only, gas only, and water only applications or for any combination thereof.
An Introduction to FlexNet
The FlexNet system is point -to-multipoint communication network that uses FCC -licensed, primary- use RF spectrum. It is the most complete communica tion network solution on the market today that is capable of supporting multiple applications. Sensus develops and manufactures a complete complement of AMI communication network products. This includes electric, water, and gas meters, communication modules, solutions for distribution automation (DA) communications, lighting control, and communication products that support third- party products and applications to meet the business and operational requirements of utilities.
The following diagram shows the hi gh-level system architecture of the FlexNet system, in which FlexNet -enabled endpoints communicate wirelessly to long-range FlexNet Basestations via the FlexNet communication network. The basestations pass the data to the FlexNet Head End System software, which interfaces with the utility’s existing software systems and passes the appropriate data, such as billing and outage data, to each. FlexNet system communication is completely two-way from end to end.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-154
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
The FlexNet system is distinguished from competitive offerings through expandability, performance, efficiency, security, and experience. The solution is purpose -built to meet utilities’ needs today and in the future. Sensus is committed to providing systems and solutions that enable utilities mit igate the risk of utilities of stranded assets.
Sensus avoids obsolescence by developing products that bring in new applications while maintaining backward compatibility to network devices in the field for the life of the FlexNet system.
FlexNet Communication Network
Sensus’ industry-leading, two-way wireless AMI communication network consists of multiple synchronized, high - performance, 900 -MHz, FCC -licensed, primary- use RF bands. The FlexNet system operates on FCC -protected, extended-range, and e xtended-penetration Personal Communications Service (PCS) frequencies. Top -level specifications of the wireless solution include the following:
• Protected FCC-licensed, primary-use spectrum.
o No one else will be allowed to use the RF frequencies that Sensus licenses to your utility. • FlexNet-enabled endpoints communicate directly to the FlexNet communication network. • Fewer network collectors (FlexNet Basestations) mean less infrastructure. o FlexNet-enabled endpoints communicate at up to 2 watts of power, result ing in the fewest number of collectors of all AMI systems.
• Deploy network collectors on hardened vertical assets that stay up during storms • Best-performing AMI system for small and large outage events like hurricanes, storms, and ice and wind events.
• Forward-looking development roadmaps and backward compatibility for our customers mean no endpoint obsolescence.
o The FlexNet communication network, and the endpoints you install, will be supported for the life of the FlexNet system.
• Basestations operate at up t o 20 watts of power, enabling overlapping RF coverage of endpoints in the field.
• Management and troubleshooting of the network is provided by advanced, industry -leading status dashboards, with drill-down capabilities to analyze network basestations and endpoints. • The FlexNet communication network design supports the ability to divide assigned RF spectrum up into separate channels, which separate different kinds of messages from each other. o This reduces congestion on the network and speeds up message throughput.
The following diagram shows how FlexNet-enabled endpoints communicate with FlexNet Basestations over the air via the FlexNet communication network.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-155
4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
Greater Range
FlexNet SmartPoints ensure reliable, safe, and virtually interference-free meter reading. Compared to conventional radio signals, primary use licensed frequencies minimize interference from outside radio transmissions and produce very little interference of its own. The high -powered, two-way Sensus FlexNet Smart Point modules provide for expanded reading range and can dependably function in difficult transmission locations such as inside buildings, under meter box lids, in basements, or from meter pits. Expanded reading range translates to greater efficiency and safety when reading meters. The SmartPoint modules include an unobtrusive built -in antenna. Unlike narrow band modulation, primary-use licensed technology provides higher rates of data transmission plus greater range and reliability.
FlexNet’s FCC-Licensed, Primary-Use Spectrum
Like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and other mission -critical data communication networks, FlexNet uses FCC -licensed, primary-use spectrum. The FlexNet communication network boasts five key range and performance criteria:
• Use of existing vertical assets and efficient high-gain antennas. • Sensus’ acquisition of clear, nationwide, primary-use radio spectrum with a low noise floor years ago. • Design and use of high- power SmartPoint communication modules (up to 2 watts) with state- of-the-art, all-digital modulation techniques that can be updated over the air. • Design and use of highly sensitive ( -120 dBm to -130 dBm), all-Digital Signal Processor (DSP) -based transceivers (basestations) that can be updated over the air.
A key to achieving high-quality performance from for the FlexNet system was the acquisition of FCC -licensed, primary-use spectrum for the best and most reliable network operation. To that end, Sensus obtained nationwide and local licenses. This RF spectrum is 100% primary-use, meaning that Sensus has primary rights to its RF spectrum, with no other entities allowed to use the channels without our permission. Additionally, RF interference is regulated and prohibited by the FCC.
Another advantage to the licensed frequency band is that the limits for total RF output power are higher than those for systems using the unlicensed ISM band, where many different communication solutions have to coexist. The ISM band is typically limited from 100 mW to 1 watt. Sensus’ FCC -licensed spectrum operates at higher power levels, and this power translates directly into a greater range for our radio system, with one basestation capable of covering tens of thousands of meters. This, among other advantages, means that FlexNet system costs can be amortized over several more devices than is typical for other AMI systems.
Interference
One of the constant threats to which RF -based AMI systems have traditionally been subject is radio interference, either deliberate or accidental. Typical AMI systems on th e market use unlicensed frequencies for their radio communications. The FCC regulates this unlicensed spectrum, and devices operating in this spectrum are required to accept any unwanted interference and to not produce any interference themselves. In other words, the band is free, but manufacturers must use this band at their own risk, have no legal recourse, and may not interfere with licensed users who have paid for the privilege. The ever increasingly heavy usage of these bands has the overall effect of increasing the noise level in band, which reduces the overall range of the system and causes time periods of data outages.
A separate issue involves interference due to specific radio products. A city such as Chicago typically experiences RF noise floor elevation by 20 db in the 902 to 928 MHz Part 15 unlicensed spread spectrum band. Spread spectrum technology cannot reduce the effects of broadband background noise. This 20 dB noise increase would decrease the range of a competitive AMI system by four. Ra nge affects the needed collectors exponentially; therefore, 16 times as many collectors could be needed. This is a both a short term and a long -term risk. No part 15 FCC unlicensed AMI vendor can guarantee that range will not significantly decrease in the future, requiring massive deployment of additional collectors.
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Conversely, the FlexNet system uses exclusively licensed radio frequencies that are strongly protected. Detection of interfering sources and other interferers is part of the daily system check and can be reported to authorities together with the jamming signal’s approximate location as determined by tower signal levels. The very strict FCC rules that govern type acceptance of devices using licensed frequencies adjacent to the ones used by FlexNe t ensure clean narrow band sources that do not affect the noise floor of the FlexNet channels.
This also means that the FlexNet radio modules themselves are subject to a much higher level of scrutiny by the FCC. Each radio module model and version is subjected to strict FCC compliance testing to ensure compliance with the laws regarding out-of-band transmissions, power output, etc. The FCC is bound by law to act against frequency interferers in the licensed FlexNet spectrum, and we stand ready to protect ou r valuable dedicated spectrum through a variety of legal methods.
In the multiple cities in which FlexNet systems are currently deployed, in-band interference has not been detected and noise floors are measured at near theoretical limits. In one market, a 1000-watt paging network is operating in a band immediately adjacent to the FlexNet frequency with no impact on FlexNet system range or performance.
The FlexNet trials have demonstrated virtually 100 percent of hourly reads to all installed meters, including areas where cell phones will not operate. No data loss has ever occurred due to RF jamming or elevated noise floor. This performance would not have been possible without the use of FCC primary use licensed spectrum. The patent pending modulation has been approved by the FCC to operate under Part 0, part 101 and part 24 which enables use of a number of primary use bands from 890 to 902 MHz and 928 MHz to 960 MHz. This modulation and approvals required eight years of development.
Solution Architecture
Sensus FlexNet provides utilities with the essential services of metering and measurement of electricity, gas, and water under a single network infrastructure. FlexNet solutions are purposefully designed and built to meet the needs of small and large utilities and adapt to changing business drivers as AMI requirements evolve over time. The solution supports the latest industry standards for software integration, network communications, Internet access, advanced security, electric, gas, and water metering , Home Area Network (HAN), Distribution Automation (DA), Demand Response (DR), and lighting control.
Capacity
Expansion
•The only solution able to provide metering functionality for electric, gas, and water endpoints under a single AMI network with a single head end system. The FlexNet network design includes capacity to meet current needs and allows future functionality to be added to the existing FlexNet infrastructure.
True Two-Way
Communication
•Time-synchronized, top-of-the-hour meter readings; over-the-air SmartPoint configuration to enable system control and optimization without truck rolls; and on-demand reads within a minute to enable time-dependent services.
Immediate
Bandwidth
•Readily accomodate future bandwidth needs upon installation without service interruptions or costly network reconfigurations.
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FlexNet System Components
The FlexNet System is the AMI management system that sits atop the FlexNet AMI communications network, providing open, standards-based interfaces and Application Programming Interfaces (API) to the utility’s back-office systems. Within the head-end system’s Regional Network Interface (RNI) resides a number of servers and databases that support the interfaces to back -office systems and provide the business logic and services that comprise the AMI management system.
The data flow begins with the collection of meter reads from the SmartPoint modules. The SmartPoint modules collect the meter reads on an hourly basis and transmit the reads to the basestation at scheduled intervals (e.g., every four hours). The basestation is responsible for retrieving data from the endpoints and passing the data to the RNI. Using standard TCP/IP connections, the RNI connects to FlexNet basestation via a wide area network to form the AMI communications network. High powered, two -way, long -range radio communication modules called SmartPoints connect smart water meters, smart electric meters, smart gas meters, Distribution Automation (DA) devices, street lighting, and load control devices to the AMI communications network.
The RNI provides enough network capacity for all of the basestations in one local RF Network. The Data Concentrator (DC) is responsible for elimination of duplicate EMD messages received simultaneously by multiple basestations. Various backhaul methods are available to connect the basestations to the RNI. Any connection that will establish a TCP/IP connection (Wi-Fi, GPRS, Fiber, DSL, Cable, phone modem, etc.) will work to provide that link.
Filtered data from the DC is sent to the UIP software, which formats the data for the Database Management System.
The RNI provides billing and account management, network management functions, data warehousing, and hand- off functions to the customer.
The meters communicate via an eight-Kbit channel using packets that are 108 bytes in length. From there the data travels to the tower and through the backhaul channel that has been selected. It is at this point that the overall flexibility of the system show s. The basestation is capable of communicating back on a single analog modem at a rate of 33.6Kb or greater, or if other communication links are available, the tower is also equipped with a standard 10 MHz Ethernet card. Towers are installed with both a di gital line and a POTs line for out of band management and emergency communication failover. Packets are routed back through the selected backhaul to a routing system where packets are separated and routed to appropriate owner RNI’s. From the routing sites to the RNI communications are through single or redundant T1 or partial T1 links, depending on the data requirements. Finally, the RNI is interconnected via dedicated switches for both the customer and Sensus Metering Systems to provide monitoring.
FlexNet Basestations
Long-Term
Risk
Management
•Primary-use, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed Radio Frequency (RF) guarantees unobstructed communications with recourse against illegal interferers. No other RF technology can offer this critical, long-term mitigation of risk, which gives the Utility sole right of way to its RF airwaves.
Flexibility for
the Future
•Over-the-air SmartPoint firmware upgrades to enable new feature and latest meter and network device support.
Quality of
Servce
•Multi-channelization allows various message types to have priority within its respective RF channel, eliminating the risk of latency or network overcrowding.
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FlexNet Basestations can be installed in substations, on existing vertical assets, on water towers, on poles, and on buildings. Sensus basestations provide field-proven, overlapping, high -bandwidth communications to all FlexNet endpoint in the field.
The FlexNet system is recognized as being the highest- performance, highest-bandwidth, and most reliable and resilient AMI communication network on the market today, providing predictable and reliable service for dense urban, suburban, and rural applications – even in extended power outage situations. FlexNet uses multiple wireless modulations; multiple packet sizes; multiple simultaneously operating, FCC -licensed spectrum bands; multiple RF frequencies; and multiple RF subchannels to expedite low-latency, full-duplex, two-way communications in a wide variety of AMI and smart grid applications.
FlexNet-Enabled Endpoints
Our SmartPoint communication modules provide two-way wireless communications capabilities for water, gas, and electric meters. They can be programmed for anywhere from 5 -minute readings (for electric metering) to daily readings. SmartPoint modules transmit and receive data via the FlexNet communication network to provide meter readings, on-demand information, remote disconnect and reconnect functionalities, and diagnostic data, and to receive and validate configuration changes, new protocols and modulations, and firmware updates.
Installation on the network is accomplished via a hand-held set up device or self-discovery, depending on the type of endpoint and the requirements of the utility installation. The SmartPoint uses Sensus FlexNet IP communications or native FlexNet communications to communicate with the network. These are configurable parameters. Future protocols can be supported via firmware download. Additional information on the SmartPoint transmitter includes:
• High-power, two-way radio transmission for expanded reading range and reliability, which provides for more efficient and safer meter reading
• Reliable operation from within buildings to flooded meter pits • 20-year published warranty on SmartPoint and battery
• Migratable WalkBy/DriveBy RadioRead® and FlexNet AMI System FixedBase system capability • MultiRead expansion capability
• The use of cycle codes, class codes and passwords to enhance system integrity and flexibility with the system The following diagram shows the FlexNet-enabled endpoints that can be deployed as a part of a FlexNet system.
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The FlexNet RNI Head End System
The FlexNet RNI Head End System (RNI) software is a secure, web-based portal to the FlexNet system. The portal is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption via HTTPS.
The RNI receives meter and other endpoint messages from the field via the FlexNet network (basestations).
The RNI provides reports, diagnostics, deployment information, and on -air meter configuration and firmware upgrade capability for the two-way FlexNet endpoints as well as other functions that are part of the FlexNet system.
It also monitors FlexNet basestation performance and status.
The RNI provides role-based access to its functions to ensure separation of duty and restriction of access to critical functions. This design provides a granular level of access control to support the utility’s ability to assign various roles within the software. The system features a default configuration with a variety of predefined roles that have various levels of permission (for example, administrator, read -write, or read-only) and can be further customized by the utility to meet your specific needs. Utilities can create unlimited roles with an unlimited number of permissions, depending on their needs. In addition, the RNI records an audit log of all transactions, including date, user, and a description of each transaction for record keeping. This audit trail is valuable to ensure someone with the proper user permissions is not misusing their access control.
Any number of users can concurrently access the RNI. Additionally, role-based access control is enforced within the system through Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Active Directory (AD); it extends into solutions that support multiple operating companies and customer types.
Backhaul Communication
The FlexNet Basestations are designed to be as flexible as possib le when dealing with backhaul communications.
Each Basestation supports Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) via a standard Register Jack 45 (RJ-45) Fast Ethernet connection permitting a virtually limitless variety of backhaul options. Common backhaul options include Ethernet, Frame Relay, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), 3G/4G cellular, and microwave. The majority of installations are DSL, cellular, and direct Ethernet connections. It is noted that any backhaul solution must provide less than 100ms latency for efficient system operation.
There are two Internet-connected pieces of equipment within the enclosure: the transceiver and the power system.
The most straightforward method of connection is to provide two IP addresses; however, other techniques can be used, such as port-forwarding with a router, which allows only one IP address to be used. The power system is a standard web browser interface and uses standard web browser access methods. The enclosure is not supplied with IP equipment because it varies depending on installation. Sensus equipment provides two RJ -45 standard Ethernet jacks; however, the Utility will be re quired to provide the RJ-45 ethernet connections. If the Basestation is set up behind a private network, there must be a provision made to give Sensus remote access to the Transceiver and the Power System.
Because of the many solutions that can be used by a Utility, our preference is to work with the Utility to determine the best solution for each site. All sites do not need to have the same Backhaul solution; however, each site must have a Static IP Address and be available to connect from the Utility data center. Aqua-Metric will help the Utility discuss and develop the best backhaul option.
FlexNet System Performance
Deployed FlexNet communication networks consistently deliver an average read success of greater than 99.5%.
Overall, FlexNet communication network performance statistics are extremely reliable, with fluctuations of less than 0.02%.
The long-range, clear channel FCC-licensed frequencies and robust All Paths Always (APA) network topology of the FlexNet system are critical factors that deliver the FlexNet communication network’s superior read interval success
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performance. The licensed frequencies also ensure that the network performance remains consistent over time.
The FCC has repeatedly advised that utilities aspiring to protect the performance of critical infrastructure networks should use licensed RF spectrum-based solutions.
The FlexNet communication network also enhances read interval success and improves network scalability by using dedicated, full-duplex communication channels for different message types. The FlexNet solution is unique in its ability to provide multiple parallel channels for various applications, such as normal AMI reading messages, priority alarms, and DA messaging. This channelization is achieved by the use of licensed spectrum.
A FlexNet system can send, receive, and process multiple message types simultaneously, and make long -range transmissions, providing exceptional network
scalability and value that other networks cannot.
Data Security
The FlexNet system is designed with total data security in mind, and meter data security in particular is an
integral part of this design. Sensus is acutely aware
that meter reads, customer data, and telemetry data
is highly confidential, and extends every effort to
ensure the protection and integrity of that data. For
the protection of customer meter read data, all meter
data is encrypted at the meter and remains encrypted
throughout the entire communications path until it is
inserted into the utility database , safely inside the
utility customer firewall.
All portions of the FlexNet Wireless network and its associated command, control, and data delivery networks are protected using industry best practices, including strong cryptographic functions, multiple leve ls of security, and role- and user-based access control.
Sensus has built a secure, end -to-end system architecture based on best practices and industry standards. In our security architecture, the various components are segmented into separate security do mains, threats/risks are analyzed, and the associated security controls for each component are applied. This provides a layered approach to security. Through this architecture, we have built in-depth defense with a combination of Sensus and third-party security controls. These controls provide the confidentiality (encryption), integrity (authentication), and availability (redundancy and resiliency) throughout the entire FlexNet solution. The diagram below illustrates the typical security architecture for our solution.
Endpoint Security
The FlexNet radio is designed to integrate directly into the registers of the host meter. Register values are read from the meter and encoded into a message inside the radio module. Access to the meters via the RF network is controlled through the use of over-the-air encryption keys that prevent a third party from intercepting, decoding, and then reproducing the command or data communications between the modules and the back -end system.
Meter modules will only respond to authorized messages that are encrypted with the correct key and are delivered from a known address.
Each message is mangled in a convolution algorithm and then encrypted with the system WEP key, 128 -bit, for transmission. In addition, each RF packet is tagged with a sequence number that allows detection of attempted tampering. The proprietary Sensus Metering Systems 7- and 13-FSK modulations are not a public domain. It is not recognizable by a spectrum analyzer and no off-the-shelf equipment can be purchased to demodulate it.
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Basestation Security
The Basestation (basestation) microprocessors employ multiple levels of access control to ensure that only authorized users access the system. Access, Authentication, and Authorization at the basestation is controlled via a username/password that uses a centralized RADIUS server to control access to the system. Users attempting to access a basestation will submit their username and password via a standard Secure Shell login. This username and password is then passed via SSL/TLS to a RADIUS server, which will either authenticate or deny the attempt. In all cases the login attempts are logged at the RADIUS server. In case of a loss of communications with the RADIUS server, a single set of public-key SSH authentication data is maintained on each basestation, allowing an authorized (key-bearing) user to gain access to the system via a secure shell.
Once data has arrived at the basestation, additional security measures are added. Data is stored for only the period of time needed to ensure accurate transmission over the backhaul link to the RNI. Data stored in the basestation remains encrypted, and the encryption keys are never stored on the same device as the data. All communications between the basestation and the RNI occurs over encrypted channels. No data is ever sent over any network, public or private, in clear text. All backhaul network interactions are conducted over SSL tunnels using AES-256 encryption.
RNI Security
The meter data stream is terminated at the RNI, where it is received via a secure, encrypted tunnel from the basestation. The actual meter readings are decrypted at this point using the WEP keys and inserted into the utility customer-controlled meter-read database.
Sensus Managed Services are monitored 24/7 in s ecure data centers, so utility personnel can depend on high availability and reliability. Utility information is safe and guarded by rigorous testing procedures, quarterly third - party audits and security testing by certified cyber security partners. Additionally, Sensus data centers eliminates the Utility’s need to maintain a separate disaster recovery environment.
Separation of Customer Data
Another unique feature of the FlexNet system is the separation of customer data from network telemetry. This separation, which occurs at the RNI, ensures that customer data is directed to the utility database, and network telemetry and housekeeping data is directed to the network operations database. Personal customer data, such as names and street addresses, are never mixed into the network operations database, ensuring that utilities control the access to information that can personally identify customers.
System Reliability
The design of the FlexNet system provides a system in which there are few parts where data can be lost or held for extended periods of time. Since the FlexNet modules read the meter themselves, the meter reading is never lost.
From the meter, data is moved to the tower and then routed to the RNI located in a securely hosted Sensus data center or within the customer premises. The towers have data storage for 30 days’ worth of readings should an extended outage occur. Should the tower be denied communication for extended periods of time, a secure method of extracting the data from the tower is available using a laptop computer.
Since the flexibility of the basestation is great it is more likely that alternate communications would be enabled before having to resort to this level. The routing system is a redundant architecture using Linux computers to perform the routing. Should communication be established with the towers but not with the customer the data is held on the routers until communications are re -established at which time the routers automatically forward the packets previously held. Data storage, at the points where communication failures may occur interrupting data flows, is designed to store at a minimum of one full billing cycle of 30 days.
Disaster Recovery
FlexNet’s superior disaster recovery capabilities have been proven in the field. One prime example of FlexNet’s reliability was demonstrated in the New Orleans area after it was hit by Hurricane Katrina; nearly 600 square miles of service was restored after the disaster. Because of the FlexNet’s unique design, this restoral did not require any
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field visits to the tower-based basestation equipment. Although a tidal surge washed away a basestation in Biloxi, coverage for 300 square miles was recovered after a single site visit to reattach a basestation to an undamaged tower. Just ten days after this severe natural disaster, FlexNet was able to deliver water, gas, and electricity meter reads and commands while hard- wired telephone service and cellular voice com munications were nearly impossible.
A short-range RF system located on poles also would have not recovered as quickly; this kind of network lacks the strength of towers. Also beneficial to utilities, FlexNet recovery is performed by telecommunications personnel and does not place additional strain on the distribution personnel that are on the ground restoring power to customers.
FlexNet’s single-tier, minimal infrastructure system is located at secure locations. Built to withstand bad weather and designed with back-up power, FlexNet can meet the security and reliability requirements of the Smart Grid whether facing natural or man-made disasters.
Response to Outages
The FlexNet system facilitates disaster recovery in areas subject to storms or other sources of potential damage.
The design of FlexNet does not necessitate reconfiguration because of its single tier and redundant construction. If damage is incurred to a Collector (basestation) station, a second station with overlapping coverage to the endpoints affected will continue to collect data over the LAN.
There is no need to reconfigure or re-optimize the system due to the dynamically redundant feature accomplished by this design plan. Additionally, the stateless nature of the system, i.e., no routing tables to incorporate and follow, designates that each endpoint may utilize two different communication mechanisms to deliver the data.
At the Meters
• A FlexNet Meter Module provides data redundancy in the message and retransmits multiple copies of the message that include a lossless compression of the past 18 to 60 readings. For example, in daily read mode, if a catastrophic event destroyed a FlexNet outfitted tower or if a new one was installed in the past two weeks, no metering data would be lost. Eve n so, overlapping, redundant basestation site coverage and Buddy Mode will recover a great number of the reads from a lost tower site. • The on-air protocol protects the data from tampering with packet sequence numbers, and 128-bit encryption. • On-air data reliability is improved with a powerful CRC -32 error detection algorithm and Viterbi forward error correction that can repair error rates as high one out of every three bits. • The patent pending Sensus Metering Systems modulation is immune to errors caused by Doppler and short- term frequency deviations.
At the Base Transceiver Station (Basestation)
• The basestation provides battery backup for up to eight hours of primary power failure. • If backhaul communications are lost, an internal solid-state hard drive will store meter reads for 30 days. • The internal Linux-based computer has card slots for fallback communications, if warranted. • The total loss of a basestation can be in part recovered by neighboring basestations. • If a channel processor fails a spare can be re -assigned by remote command. The frequency and filtering characteristics can even be remotely adjusted.
• The basestation is remote accessible to Sensus Metering Systems via VPN, allowing for remote firmware updates to 100% of the basestation software and FPGAs.
• Sensus Metering Systems Services provides 24x7x365 field maintenance dispatch and stocked spares via an agreement with the national tower provider.
Network Routing
• Redundant routing is utilized between the primary routing site and the secondary routin g site. No data is held back, but data is segregated by owner and routed as appropriate • Multiple routers are utilized to allow for load balancing
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• Single router outages are managed through load balancing algorithms • Routing centers are connected and communicating to determine which routing system is performing routing tasks.
At the Regional Network Interface
• The Network Controller (NC) maintains a 60-day deep image of all raw data collected from the basestations. This information is stored on dual redundant 160 GB hard drives. • If the NC fails or loses communications with the basestations then the basestations will automatically store up to 30 days of metering data. The basestations automatically download the saved data to the NC once communications are re-established.
• The Utility Information Platform (UIP) collects the raw meter data from the NC. The UIP uncompresses the information from each message and stores the most current data in its SQL database. The UIP also uses that information to fill in any missing meter reads. The SQL database is 60 days deep and is stored on dual redundant hard drives. In the unlikely case that data on both drives is lost, the UIP can rebuild 30 days of SQL database by using the raw data stored in the NC.
• The RNI is accessible to Sensus systems software engineers via VPN who provide remote support. The 24x7x365 maintenance team of the tower provider and the responsible Sensus systems software engineer are both available for onsite service if needed.
AMR / AMI Relationship
Sensus has designed each of their systems to have the ability to work in unison with one another. Specifically, the AMR Drive-By System can be used as a backup system within AMI. Sensus is unique in the fact that they have the only AMR system that can affordably and realistically migrate to an Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system with minimal infrastructure requirements and without revisiting each endpoint. SmartPoints are capable of operating in either AMR (walk- by/drive-by) or AMI (fixed based) mod e. These transmitters utilize high- powered two-watt radios to communicate directly with AMR or AMI systems. SmartPoints will transition to and from each system type with a single command given by the head end system. This feature provides a clear area of cost savings versus other technologies.
Sensus Interoperable Metering Solution
The FlexNet AMI solution supports a broad range of industry -leading water meter solutions from Sensus, Badger, Neptune, Elster, and more. FlexNet water SmartPoint modules transm it at two watts of power for inbound transmissions from the endpoint to the network without the need for external components. Outbound transmissions from the network to SmartPoint modules are up to 30 watts (up to 30 times the power of any other system). T his wattage ensures robust and reliable two- way communications with the minimal amount of infrastructure. The FlexNet system provides two-way communications directly to stand-alone water meters without the need of supporting electric meters. This level of system performance streamlines business operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner while also providing value added functionality for business operations.
FlexNet two-way SmartPoint technology for water utilities provides:
• High powered (two watt) licensed transceivers that can establish a two-way communications network for water without requiring an electric meter backbone or a local network of additional data collectors and repeater nodes to support network communications.
• Nationally published 20-year warranty.
• Monitors for potential leaks at the customer site (both major and minor leaks) and identifies backflow conditions.
• Hourly reads transmitted six times per day.
• Dual port SmartPoint modules provide the ability to monitor two registers. • Single SmartPoint module platform for residential, commercial, and industrial meter solutions.
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The FlexNet system detects a small leak, or continuous consumption, in a number of key ways, including software analytics, individually configurable SmartPoint leak alarm flags, and individually configurable leak flags. SmartPoints feature an individually configurable broken pipe alarm, which can be set to default or user -defined values during installation. Additionally, the broken pipe alarm settings can be changed remotely using the FlexNet’s two -way capability. If the meter’s consumption exceeds the threshold set in the SmartPoint in a single reading interval, the SmartPoint will send a broken pipe or high consumption alarm.
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Competitive Advantages of a FlexNet System
Aqua-Metric is proposing the Sensus FlexNet AMI solution to BWP in response to their RFP for an AMI System.
While the Sensus FlexNet solution exceeds the requirements listed within the Utility’s appendices, we wanted to provide a comparative analysis to other types of AMI solutions.
The FlexNet communication network forms the backbone of the FlexNet AMI solution. Operating over FCC-licensed, primary-use RF spectrum, it is the most complete AMI communications network solution on the market today. The FlexNet system is distinguished from competitive offerings through its scalability and expandability, performance, efficiency, security, and customer experience – all benefits that the primary-use RF spectrum enables.
Network Advantages
FlexNet’s FCC-Licensed, Primary-Use Spectrum is Exclusive to Sensus’ Utility Customers The FlexNet communication network serves as the foundation of the FlexNet system and enables the many financial and operational benefits that Sensus’ 1,300 water, electr ic, and gas utility customers enjoy. Years ago, Sensus purchased the exclusive (primary -use) rights to the local and nationwide RF spectrum that your utility’s FlexNet communication network will use – meaning no other person or company may use those RF channels, as enforced by the United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Today, Sensus continues to add more RF spectrum to our portfolio to provide more capacity for our utility customers.
This exclusivity enables long-distance communication across miles of your service territory with high performance, and ensures low noise floors, enhancing communication performance for the life of the system. Using exclusive frequencies also enables Sensus to use highly sensitive transceivers in its network equi pment, which further increases the range and reliability of the FlexNet system – with the fewest number of network devices needed to establish your AMI system. This technology enables the point -to-multipoint network architecture of the FlexNet system, with its many advantages.
FCC-LICENSED, PRIMARY-USE SPECTRUM THAT OPERATES IN THE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE (PCS) RANGE
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The Long-Range FlexNet Communication Network Supports Multiple Applications on the Same Network A new AMI system is a big investment, and with the Sensus FlexNet solution, utilities can achieve all their business needs with one network. FlexNet easily supports multiple applications on a single network while offering the unique ability to operate different solutions on separat e, dedicated RF frequencies. These applications include electric metering, water metering, gas metering, superior outage detection and reporting, alarming, remote connection and reconnection, distribution automation (DA), pressure readings, demand response (DR), Distributed Energy Resources (DER) solutions, lighting control, cathodic protection, and others.
In addition to ensuring high performance for all applications, using separate, dedicated frequencies allows for solution expansion and avoids conflicts between applications used by different teams at your utility. These benefits make the FlexNet solution particularly well-suited to combination networks, where utilities operate a combination of solutions simultaneously.
Using a single network that supports multiple applications is the most cost -efficient and lowest total cost of ownership option over the 20-year lifespan of your system. The FlexNet communication network is the foundation of the Sensus Smart Utility Network, which utilities can build on over the years as they, grow, expand, and add new solutions.
The FlexNet System’s Network Architecture Enables Superior Standalone Water and Gas Solutions One key advantage of the FlexNet system, unlike other AMI systems, is that it provides superior water-only and gas- only solutions. The FlexNet system has a point- to-multipoint network architecture, in which endpoints communicate individually on the network. This design means that FlexNet-enabled water and gas endpoints do not rely on an electric meter for communication.
This network design enables utilities to plan upgrades without working around the constraints that are found with other systems, many of which require a series of meters communicating together send or receive messages. With a FlexNet system, your team can plan your meter upgrades – water, electric, and gas – depending on what works best for your needs, and those upgrades can occur anywhere in your service territory.
Protection from RF Interference with Primary-Licensed Communications on the FlexNet Network Sensus utility customers experience the full protections and advantages that primary -licensed RF spectrum provides. The FlexNet communication network is protected from RF interference by the FCC, with a fine of $10,000 per day for user interference. This protection ensures that your company has enforceable recourse in the case where an entity interferes with your RF transmissions – a benefit that other public frequency -based AMI systems cannot offer.
Superior Network Performance Distinguishes the FlexNet System from Competitors Protection from interference on your utility’s network enables numerous performance benefits. Your utility is the only user of your assigned RF frequencies in your service area. This means that the system’s RF noise floor is very low, allowing for clearer communications over long distances. In addition, the FlexNet Basestation’s advanced receiver design has high sensitivity, allowing excellent message reception across long distances. Along with the low noise floor, this design enhances the range and reliability of the FlexNet system.
Channelization Enables High RIS Rates
The ability to separate different AMI solutions on different RF channels is one of the important ways the FlexNet system is consistently able to deliver the highest overall performance and Read Interval Success (RIS) rate in the industry. The FlexNet system is the only system capable of dedicating applications to separate RF channels within your assigned RF spectrum to ensure that all applications are supported properly and do not impede each other.
For example, one frequency can be dedicated for normal metering operations, another for alarms, and another for SCADA control signals and alerts. These techniques speed up message throughput and reduce congestion o n the network.
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CHANNELIZED SPECTRUM ALLOWS PRIORITIZATION OF MESSAGES
Overlapping Network Coverage Adds Reliability and Security Another advantage of the FlexNet system’s ability to communicate over long distances is that it enables the network to be designed with overlapping RF coverage. This network design provides meters and other endpoints with permanent, always-on, duplicate communication routes for sending their messages to the head end system. Instead of a meter having a primary route to get its billing messages out, multiple paths are continuously used. We call this approach “All Paths Always.”
This approach ensures high performance for your system on calm summer days as well as during the stormy ones.
Built-in redundancy makes the FlexNet system a reliable, resilient solution you can depend on, especially when you need it most – like during and after severe storm events.
THE FLEXNET SYSTEM’S POINT -TO-MULTIPOINT DESIGN, IN WHICH ENDPOINTS COMMUNICATE 24/7 TO ALL NEIGHBORING NETWORK DEVICES
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FlexNet’s Ease of Deployment and Maintenance Improves Utilities’ Efficiency The point-to-multipoint architecture of the FlexNet communication network requires far fewer network devices than competitive offerings, while offering significantly more reliable and effective overlapping communications to endpoints in the fields. Less infrastructure in the field means the FlexNet system is easy to deploy and to maintain.
This dramatic reduction in network devices also results in very low initial setup costs and reduc es operating, maintenance, and support costs throughout the life of the FlexNet system. This savings allows your team to focus on serving your customers rather than maintaining a large population of network devices in the field.
By installing the FlexNet Basestations first, your network will be established up front, enabling an easy transition from your current billing collection to the FlexNet system anywhere you choose. This “drop -in” network design enables you to conduct meter changeouts at your own pace, as time and resources permit.
The FlexNet system’s single-network design and superior solutions enable utilities to plan upgrades without working around typical AMI system constraints. Instead, you can decide to move forward with electric, water, or gas meter upgrades anywhere in your service area to best meet your deployment needs once your FlexNet communication network has been set up. In addition, new solutions can be easily added to your network over time to provide ever- expanding benefits.
Looking Forward and Backward: Sensus’ Ongoing Commitment to Customers and Backward Compatibility Backward Compatibility : Sensus stands alone in coupling forward -looking, ongoing research and development (R&D) investment and industry -leading performance with a commitment to backward compatibility. Sensus is committed to providing systems and solutions that help utilities mitigate the risk of stranded assets. Put simply, the endpoints you deploy today will continue to be supported throughout their lifetime. Your te am can rest assured knowing that your FlexNet system will never become obsolete or strand any deployed FlexNet -enabled endpoints for the life of your system.
FlexNet Basestations and the FlexNet Head End System communicate with endpoints independently, enabling your team to take advantage of Sensus’ ongoing innovations in technology, products, and applications – while continuing to support the products you have already deployed in the field. In the FlexNet system, Sensus’ latest endpoints, with new features and capabilities, can be deployed in the system along with your existing ones, which may have been deployed years ago.
Room to Grow: All our full-duplex FlexNet transceivers in the field support over -the-air upgrades using software - defined, state-of-the-art, all -digital modulation techniques. These techniques are field -proven to permit future advancements in radio modulations and RF spectrum via over -the-air updates. Sensus has used this feature over time to dramatically improve the performance of our utility customers’ installed systems in the field.
We are committed to bringing superior technology to market that focuses on enhancing the overall utility customer experience. We consistently invest more than 10% of our annual revenue in research and development (R&D). A key driver of these investments and product development decisions is customer feedback, such as that provided by our customer-led user group, which is called the Sensus Partner and Advisor Network (SPAN).
Engineered to be secure and scalable, and proven across more than 1,300 deployed systems, the FlexNet communication network provides a foundational platform for your AMI needs for today and tomorrow. Choosing the best network today ensures you will have the best results going forward.
A True Two-Way System
Sensus FlexNet is a true-two-way communication solution broadcasting at two-watts of power at all times. Sensus FlexNet and its MDM Software, Sensus Analytics, can provide utilities with data on a fixed schedule, on demand, or in response to alarms. FlexNet’s true two-way solution will allow the Utility to directly communicate to, or “ping”, any meter within their distribution system at any time, and receive up -to-date meter readings, alarm/alert information, and flagging information. Cellula r solutions typically only offer a set number of transmissions daily, with one transmission always fixed at midnight. This allows the Utility to only receive three “customizable”
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transmission times for the remainder of the day. This feature does not allow for a true two-way solution, since the data can only be retrieved at set times.
Additionally, cellular solutions are not made to capture metering information on weekends, due to their primary functionality of working during set business hours. Due to th is, weekend readings are only captured at midnight.
This is disadvantageous because alarm information will only be captured at midnight. However, the Sensus FlexNet solution an provide an open-ended number of information transmissions daily, weekly, and monthly, allowing the Utility to be notified promptly and be proactive with their customers.
Direct Communication
When performing on-demand reads, the Utility will be able to communicate directly with each prompted meter.
Alternate AMI solutions which have the ability to perform on -demand reads only allow communication with their collectors, and not the endpoints/meter themselves. This only allows retrieved information to only be as up to date as the collector’s most recent reading – which may be hours prior to the “ping”. The Sensus FlexNet solution allows direct communication with each transmitter, who will provide up-to-date information, including alarms, alerts, and flags. This will allow the Utility to be immediately notified of any potential issues. This is all provided without effecting the SmartPoint’s warranty.
Network Guarantee and Endpoint Warranty
It has become common nomenclature within the utility industry to hear of a fixed -network guarantee of a 98.5% read-success rate. As the ind ustry’s leading metering systems provider, Sensus was one of the first companies to provide this guarantee due to their confidence in the strength of their AMI System. However, there are AMI providers who are unable to place a guarantee on their systems due to differentiating factors.
Alongside Sensus’s marketplace influence with infrastructure guarantees, they also are the only manufacturer who offers a complete endpoint warranty for fifteen years with an additional five-year proration (totaling a twenty-year warranty). Most other endpoint manufacturers offer a ten -year full, ten-year prorated warranty, while cellular endpoints charge their customers re-activation fees for all RMA radios.
Limited Infrastructure Requirements
Due to Sensus acquiring a primary-use FCC licensed frequency, we are able to broadcast using two-watts of power.
Alternate metering solutions who use unlicensed frequencies are regulated by the FCC and limited to one -watt of power. This extra wattage given to Sensus gives us twice the amount of strength as our competitors. This, coupled with the power and height of each basestation, results in far less infrastructure requirements and exceedingly less maintenance costs over time.
AMR and AMI Relationship
Sensus has designed their mo bile and fixed network systems with the ability to seamlessly migrate from AMR to AMI while continuing to work in unison with one another. Sensus is uniquely positioned in the industry with the only system capable of accomplishing this migration with mini mal infrastructure requirements and without revisiting each endpoint. The Sensus VGB M4700 Drive -By System can be used as a backup system in the event AMI communications network has been disrupted for an extended period of time. If this situation arises, Aqua- Metric will provide loaner equipment BWP in lieu of the Utility investing in additional products, if desired.
SmartPoints are capable of operating in either AMR (walk- by/drive-by) or AMI (fixed based) mode. These transmitters utilize high-powered two-watt radios to communicate directly with AMR or AMI systems. SmartPoints will transition to and from each system type with a single command given by the head end system. This feature provides a clear area of cost savings versus other technologies.
Contrarily, cellular solutions do not offer a fallback mode with their walk-by and drive-by solutions. To allow a ten- year warranty for fixed based radios, it is typical for cellular providers to turn off ISM bands (which allow for fallback modes). ISM bands can only be activated at the factory level, so this cannot be reversed in the field. For Sensus
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520M migratable SmartPoints, this is not the case. Our SmartPoints can fall back to walk -by or drive-by modes at any time, without the need to go to each endpoint, and without affecting the warranty.
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XIV. Beyond Water AMI
Beyond Water AMI – FlexNet’s Expansion to Electric Metering
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Beyond Water AMI – FlexNet’s Expansion to Electric Metering FlexNet is the most flexible and scalable AMI system in the industry, with field-proven modularity and configurability designed to reduce utility risk and easily accommodate future growth. It is the only AMI solution available in the market not installed on an end-of-life communications platform. FlexNet communication network will continue to operate as effectively in year twenty as it does in year one without adding or moving network collectors. Through its unique design, FlexNet offers utilities network expansion options while alleviating common product and outdated technology concerns found with other AMI technologies. Successfully working in the field for many years, network communication devices expand functionality with the existing AMI infrastructure and accommodate network expansion needs with simple, remote configuration changes.
The FlexNet AMI System accommodates utilities’ future bandwidth needs upon installation without service interruptions or costly network reconfigurations. Its unique network design incorporates state-of-the-art, software- defined radios for the meter endpoints and basestations. This equipment eliminates the risk of future network redesigns, extensive overhaul of the existing network equipment, and associated costs to utilities. It also provides peace of mind to know that the same AMI network deployed today will meet future applications for at least 20 years without adding any new infrastructure or making unnecessary field visits.
Additionally, FlexNet is the only network that can increase bandwidth in the future through the addition of spectrum. Unlicensed systems fully occupy all available bandwidth and cannot expand their spectrum beyond what is offered today. By acquiring nationwide protected spectrum, Sensus customers have access to 625 kHz of bandwidth, plus the highest RF power in the industry, twice the power of all other solutions.
Sensus has served the utility market continuously in North America for more than 140 years. With over 1,2 00 separate full duplex AMI deployments, including well over 100 combination electricity and water AMI deployments in North America to date, no other vendor is more experienced or better suited to serve BWP. Furthermore, over 25% of all two- way enabled AMI electric meters in North Ameri ca today operate on a FlexNet communication network. As a relative newcomer to the electric metering market in 2006, Sensus’ significant electric AMI market share is the direct result of the reliability and effectiveness the FlexNet network, the quality of our products, and – perhaps most importantly – Sensus’ commitment to utility customers. A few of the neighboring electric, and electric & water combination utilities in California that have selected Sensus recently are The City of Palo Alto, The City of Industry, and Azusa Light & Water.
Advantages of a Combined System
With FlexNet, utilities can use a single infrastructure for an electric AMI system, a water AMI system, or a combined electric and water AMI system. In fact, the basestations that Sensus is proposing in the engineered propagation study provide coverage across your entire service territory, regardless of whether you opt for a single or combined electric and water solution. Meaning, should BWP decide to expand their water AMI solution to include electric metering, no additional infrastructure will be required.
The Sensus FlexNet system is the solution that performs well throughout all of your service territory. Using a single network for a variety of solutions is the most cost -efficient and lowest total cost of ownership option for your electric and water needs for the life of your system. No additional infrastructure is required for the FlexNet system to cover multiple service types, or to add future applications on the same network.
Using FlexNet communication topography, a utility can deploy a smart metering system, and then add various smart endpoints, such as demand response endpoints, as needed – often with little to no modification to the existing network.
Electric System Upgrade
It is our understanding that BWP is interested in implementing an AMI solution that can start with water and easily add electric metering in the future. The Sensus FlexNet AMI solution is the industry leader when it comes to
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combination utilities and can seamlessly integrate the Utility’s electric services without the need for additional infrastructure (i.e. basestations). This capability showcases FlexNet’s sheer power and ability to be a fully scalable and expandable solution.
Essentially, BWP is investing in the foundation of a combination water/electric AMI system now, but only initiating water upon commencement. Based on the enclosed propagation analysis, Sensus guarantees the ability to read BWP’s listed electric meters when they are ready to launch this feature. This is a key feature of Sensus FlexNet AMI and its proven modularity and configurability to accommodate future growth. The FlexNet system is the only AMI system that can accommodate future bandwidth needs upon installation, without service interruptions or costly network reconfigurations. To extend to electric AMI , we would need to understand the additional scope, system requirements, and integrations necessary to include electric into the water AMI System. Our priority will be to obtain a further understanding of the Utility’s electric system expectations and aspirations.
While Aqua-Metric’s enclosed response provides information on expanding the proposed water AMI system to include electric metering at a later date, the contractual relationship for the system expansion beyond water, including implementation and deliverables, would be handled through Sensus’s electric division directly. In the event BWP would require AMI electric services expansion to be provided through Aqua-Metric, a transactional fee may apply.
Sensus Electric Solution Overview
Sensus has BWP’s electric customers covered: from the most remote customers to the densest populations, the FlexNet communication network provides a private, high- powered system that covers everyone – with less infrastructure required, and the lowest RF exposure over time. And with advanced smart meters, such as the Stratus IQ, intelligent decisions can be made at the grid edge.
Go beyond billing by harnessing the power of distribution automation (DA), and remotely monitor and control grid assets such as voltage regulators’ automated feeder switches, reclosers, and capacitor banks. Sensus’s electric solution enables utilities to take advantage of grid edge capabilities such as Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR), phase detection, and much more.
Electric Meters
The FlexNet system supports two residential meters, the Sensus Stratus IQ and the Aclara I -210+c, and two Commercial & Industrial (C&I) electric meters, the Aclara kV2c and the Honeywell A3 ALPHA. All meters support full two-way communication as well as over-the-air configuration and firmware downloading.
SENSUS STRATUS IQ ELECTRIC METER
ACLARA I-210+C ELECTRIC METER
HONEYWELL A3 ALPHA ELECTRIC METER
ACLARA KV2C ELECTRIC METER
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Sensus Stratus IQ Meter
Building upon the best -in-class Stratus metering platform, the Stratus IQ residential meter combines grid edge intelligence with precise energy measurement into one powerful package. This meter was designed to provide utilities with the data visibility and control needed to quickly adapt to a rapidly evolving smart grid.
Key features include:
• Software-defined metrology: The Stratus IQ takes measurement to the next lev el by gathering 8,000 samples per second for increased accuracy and flexibility. • C&I power in a residential meter: Four-quadrant metering is just the beginning. By simultaneously measuring real, apparent, and reactive energy, the Stratus IQ provides your t eam with the competitive knowledge necessary to be more efficient in the generation and distribution of power. • Three temperature sensors: Sensus’ Stratus IQ meter utilizes sensors on both load -side stabs, as well as a third temperature sensor at the top of the meter, in conjunction with advanced algorithms that report accurate, continuous, real -time temperature data. The multiple sensors allow industry -leading data for comparing temperatures at the meter base and top of the meter, enabling better detection of temperature increases resulting from meter socket conditions.
• Data, data, and more data: The Stratus IQ currently provides eight channels of load profile data, along with advanced voltage measurement, and many other measurements. This data provides insights never before possible in older meters. At Sensus, we believe that better data means better decisions. The Stratus IQ is currently being updated to add three more sets of load profile and 24 more load profile channels, for a total of four independent load profiles and 32 channels. Each load profile supports its own interval length setting. Utilities can put their billing data in one, voltage measurements in another, and power quality registers in a third. Stratus IQ meters in the field support the ability to download this expanded functionality over the FlexNet system.
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Optional disconnect switch with load limiting: The Stratus IQ is equipped with a 200 -amp service switch capable of disconnecting the customer’s load side from the utility’s line side. With Load-Side Sensing (LSS), the service switch and associated circuitry can detect whether an external voltage source has been applied to the load side while the switch is in an open state. When LSS is active, the Stratus IQ prevents closure for safety.
FlexNet Transceiver Capabilities in Electric Meters
Sensus has designed our FlexNet transceivers to support:
• Full-duplex communications directly to the FlexNet system. • All FlexNet transceivers in endpoints and basestations fully support AES 256-bit encryption for end-to-end (endpoint to head end software) security.
• FlexNet transceivers broadcast their messages to all neighboring basestations per our All Paths Always architecture.
• FlexNet transceivers in electric meters are powered by their onboard su percapacitors for 10 minutes following a permanent outage, enabling four outage alarms to be transmitted to the FlexNet system at randomized times to inform the utility of the location of each meter outage. • Fully upgradable to support continued FlexNet system improvements releases. • FlexNet transceivers for endpoints support deep integration with Sensus and third-party meters. • Ability to communicate (receiving and transmitting) over different RF frequencies, supporting the FlexNet system’s ability to assign different message types – like billing messages, alarms, demand response, and DA – to their own RF channels, ensuring each message type does not impact others. • FlexNet transceivers for electric meters are fully integrated with their respective meters and can retrieve the meter’s data and pass it to the FlexNet Head End System software per its program configuration. • Both the endpoint itself (e.g., the electric meter) and the FlexNet transceiver support fully over -the-air FlexNet system configuration updates and firmware upgrades.
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• FlexNet transceivers in electric meters can report their position to nearby meters, which supports the ability to find a meter that has been stolen and relocated for use as a second meter to steal power. • FlexNet transceivers in endpoints support a wide variety of real- time alarms and diagnostic reporting, acting as the utility’s eyes and ears on the distribution lines to keep the team aware of conditions in the field.
• Tamper reporting is supported. As an example, the Stratus IQ meter supports the ability to inform the utility when it has been removed from its meter socket when powered.
Electric Utility Benefits
Sensus’ solutions for electric utilities provide a comprehensive package of benefits to make your utility smarter and more efficient.
Customer Billing Data and Options
• Implement new rate structures by increased interval data (5-, 10-, 15-, or 60-minute intervals) • Customer Portal to provide usage and communication for your customers • Remote demand reset
• Prepayment solution option
• TOU and real-time pricing rates
• Customer-preferred day billing
• Customer consolidated billing option
• On-request verification reads
• On-request move-in and move-out reads
Operations & Engineering Benefits
• Detect over-voltage and under-voltage issues
• Substation, bus, and distribution feeder loading and balancing • Remote data and control of capacitor banks, reclosers, regulators, switches, pumps, gates, lift stations, and other distribution equipment
• Load control of water heaters, A/C units, pool pumps, irrigation pumps, and others • Phase identification
• Identify overloaded and under loaded assets – distribution transformers, lateral fuses, reclosers, substation breakers, and transformers
• Gather information that allows for predictive maintenance and repairs before outages • Improved tree trimming using voltage blink information • Locate outages faster to get your customer’s lights back on faster (Faulted Circuit Indicators (FCIs)) • Improved system power factor
Outage Management
By a wide margin, FlexNet systems provide the fastest, most complete, and most reliable outage and restoral notification of any available AMI solution. FlexNet’s unique, FCC-licensed, point-to-multipoint architecture features dedicated priority alarm channels and direct meter -to-FlexNet network communication for all FlexNet -enabled endpoints.
Electric meters report permanent outage conditions to the battery backed-up basestations multiple times once the power goes out, ensuring your operations team has the best information available on where customer outages are occurring, to best deploy your restoration crews and get your customer’s lights back on faster.
Since the FlexNet Basestations have onboard battery backup, and because electric meters do not rely on neighboring meters – which are also likely out of power during an outage – to communicate, FlexNet systems have repeatedly demonstrated the highest percentage of outage and restoration alarm message success in the industry, during the times when utilities need help the most.
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Perhaps most importantly, the FlexNet system architecture does not require any time to re -form after an outage; instead, communication between endpoints and the FlexNet network is available immediately. This design ensures that your operations team will have the very best information about where to send crews to restore power as power restoration work is performed. This capability translates into dramatically lower operating costs through reduced truck rolls, and better customer service and satisfaction – resulting from sending crews only where they are needed and helping to find nested outages before the crew leaves the area.
Support for On-Site Switching to Support Delinquent Accounts With the additional remote-control capabilities available with the FlexNet system and o ur service switch-enabled electric meters, your team will have the ability to reduce truck rolls for turn- ons and turn-offs anywhere in your service area, saving time and money. Sensus has utilities performing hundreds of thousands of these operations per year, providing faster service restoration for their customers when an account is made current and achieving substantial cost savings for the utility and your customers through lower operations costs.
While Remote Disconnect and Connect Capabilities have traditionally been available primarily for Electric Services, with Sensus this same capability and more is available of all service types, Electric, Water and Gas services.
Measurement beyond Billing Data
Electric meters have the power to measure many important registers beyond kWh, and utilities can use the FlexNet system to access these extra capabilities to assist in operating and better understanding how the distribution system is performing. Meters can be thought of as sensors scattered across your service territory – monitoring, measuring, and then reporting their findings in ways previously not possible.
High Temperature Detection
Safety is important for both utility personnel and your customers. The Stratus IQ meter has been designed for safety from the ground up. Coupled with the power of the FlexNet system, the meter continuously monitors temperatures in the meter socket and reports back to the utility if an issue is determined. Optionally, the meter can be programmed to initiate an open switch command to immediately interrupt current flow if an unsafe condition is detected. An alarm is transmitted to the FlexNet Head End System reporting this event.
Tamper Detection
Electric meters support tamper detection and reporting. In addition, Sensus is currently working on several market leading tamper detection capabilities, which will be able to be downloaded to Stratus IQ meters over the air to better help utilities detect on-going tampering in the field.
Demand Response
The FlexNet system supports multiple solutions to help your utility reduce maximum demand usage, including prepayment program support, Zigbee in -home control, Load Control Modules (LCMs) for direct control independent from the meter, Time of Use (TOU), dual service control, and Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR).
One or more of these programs can be implemented on your FlexNet communication network to reduce your peak demand during system peak times – with added solutions providing additive benefits.
CVR enables utilities to reduce the voltage on their distribution feeders during peak load events, lowering utility peak demand usage during peaking events while ensuring your customer’s voltages are still at proper levels. As a part of this solution, Stratus IQ meters are configured to act as bellwether meters and transmit 1 -minute average voltage readings every 5 minutes. These fast voltage readings are used to ensure that all your customers continue to have voltages above the minimum supply voltage of 114 volts during the peak event.
Phase Detection
FlexNet is the only RF AMI solution that offers phase detection without any special equipment deployed other than the electric meters. Phase detection is used to identify a meter’s phase, which helps utilities double -check their internal system mapping database, maintain better load balance on distribution, and understand more accurately which meters are being impacted by outages.
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Sensus’ phase detection solution will help your operations team confirm the actual phase connection of your Stratus IQ meter and laterals, improving load balancing on your distribution feeders. In addition, after a big storm event when electric lines have been rebuilt, utilities can use phase detection to re -balance distribution feeders to optimum levels accurately and in record time.
Improved Electric Distribution System Reliability for SCADA Applications The FlexNet system delivers very granular usage and power quality data from your distribution system assets faster and more reliably than other networks, and the FlexNet system can continue to deliver that information during and immediately after outage events – something other networks cannot do.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distribution Automation (DA) Our DA solution provides FlexNet system interfaces with any DNP3 or Modbus-enabled Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) using the Sensus Remote Telemetry Module (RTM II+). Hundreds of equipment types have been integrated into our DA solutions over the years from vendors such as Cooper/Eaton, SEL, ABB, Schneider, QEI, GE, Siemens, S&C, and many more. With the experience we have gathered since 2000 providing DA and SCADA solution to our customers, as well as integrating in real time with their SCADA systems, Sensus is confident th at we can provide your team with market-leading control and monitoring to augment your SCADA system’s value to your operations teams.
Sensus is confident in our interoperability to support your SCADA system. This interoperability is key in allowing your SCADA system to extend its reach out on your distribution systems, which will allow you to better monitor and control key equipment out in the field. Our highly experienced and dedicated SCADA/DA support team will work with you to set up your solution easily and quickly. Existing Sensus customers are achieving a variety of business cases on their FlexNet system for both their SCADA/DA, and these solutions are improving utility system operations performance and efficiencies.
This functionality is supported with our purpose-built, highly available AutomationControl software for managing DA endpoints and our native DNP3 interface SCADA -Xchange, which integrates our real -time control and data acquisition functionality into your existing DMS and SCADA systems. We w ork with all major SCADA systems in North America, with proven integrations from an array of SCADA/ADMS/OMS/EMS vendors.
To ensure the critical speed and reliability of DA performance, we separate AMI and DA devices on separate RF frequencies. A standard c apability of Sensus’ primary -use, licensed RF spectrum is its ability to dedicate data transmissions over separate RF communications channels. This ability enables a utility’s FlexNet system to expand and grow – adding new applications when needed – without impacting your existing solutions.
Sensus continues to grow our interoperability and plug-and-play functionality. A utility recently utilized Sensus’ DA solution to fulfill an important DER integration to their EMS system, and was able to create a completely automated solution for utility-scale solar that was emerging in their territory. Sensus’ interoperability allowed the utility to be successful and use existing solutions to solve new problems.
We know that SCADA applications are a critical system at your utility. That is why we have invested millions of R&D dollars making our system a highly available solution that will provide you superior performance day in and day out – just like you do for your customers.
Sensus Analytics for Electric Applications
Voltage Insight
• Monitor voltage in near-real time
• Identify out-of-band voltages
• View by transformer, feeder, or substation
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• No SCADA integration needed
OUT-OF-BAND REPORT
Outage Management
• Leverage Power Fail/Restore alarms
• View current outages
• Prioritize where crews are sent
• Verify that services are restored
VIEW OUTAGES AND RESTORATIONS IN SOFTWARE
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VIEW CURRENT OUTAGES BY TIME PERIOD
Load Insight
• Estimate load on utility equipment
• Identify overloaded assets
• Avoid outages
• Plan better
VIEW LOADING HISTORY AND GRAPH WITH TEMPERATURE
Support for Electric Billing
• Highly flexible support
• Multiple units of measure
• Peak demand
• Time of Use (TOU)
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Proprietary and Confidential
Billing with Sensus Analytics
BILLING WITH SENSUS ANALYTICS
Demand-Based Billing
DEMAND-BASED BILLING
VantagePointTM Street Lighting Control Solutions
The Sensus VantagePoint lighting
control solution enables public
service providers --including cities,
municipalities, and utilities —to
remotely monitor and control
street and area lights.
VantagePoint is a highly reliable,
secure and cost effective lighting
control solution which leverages
the FlexNet Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) network.
To give our customers greater
control and automation of their
street lights, Sensus offers an
intelligent solution that uses the
FlexNet communication network, a
lighting control module, and
lighting software to help you
conserve energy, manage assets,
ATTACHMENT 2
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4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
reduce maintenance costs, and promote public safety. The ability to securely manage street lights from an operations center, or even mobile applications, will provide BWP greater control over your daily operations where and when you need it.
The VantagePoint Lighting Control Module works for both LED and legacy area lights. That means utilities can immediately achieve greater control of their lighting system and reduced maintenance costs without having to change their entire network to LED technology. The flexibility and modularity of the VantagePoint Lighting Control solution allows providers to take full advantage of smart lighting control with LEDs, better manage legacy area lights, and upgrade to newer lighting fixtures at your own pace.
VantagePoint Lighting software gives authorized users full control over lights equipped with VantagePoint modules.
Easy- to-understand dashboards and interfaces will enable users to quickly manage the lighting system and analyze valuable data. The software includes a full ana lytics suite to measure and report power consumption, even down to individual lights.
• Key features of the VantagePoint Lighting Solution include:
• Real-time monitoring and alarming, and intelligent dispatch • Sunrise and sunset management and savings – no photocells • Dimming control energy savings
• Grouping and flashing safety control
• GIS mapping
• Chase lights safety control – event flashing
• Disconnect for slow- or no-pay
• Integrated metrology compliant with the ANSI C12.20 0.5 accuracy class • Point-to-multipoint network supports several applications and strategic deployment A key benefit of the FlexNet Head End System for VantagePoint is the ability to leverage the standar d Smart Grid database structure to capture the actual energy consumption of each fixture, and to provide that consumption in an industry standard CMEP file to your other 3rd party systems. This feature is only possible in a head end system that supports multiple Smart Grid applications, such as the FlexNet Head End System. Thus, VantagePoint benefits from a common Smart Grid head end system database structure that supports multiple applications, and can repurpose common database structures and network encryption across the various applications.
Smart City Solutions
Building intelligence into every
endpoint is essential for smart
infrastructure. With the industry’s
most reliable, scalable, and secure
multi-application communications
network, the Sensus Fle xNet system
will allow utilities and cities to get
much more out of their resources and
assets.
The traditional smart grid is expanding
to include smart lighting. The figure
below shows how the smart services
platform integrates with other smart
grid applications and modules.
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4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
A Smart City starts with smart infrastructure. Sensus has a robust network and insightful solutions to enable our customers to improve efficiencies. Some of our technology solutions include the Sensus VantagePoint Lighting Control, Sensus Smart Gateway, and SentryPoint for cathodic protection and our distribution automation and SCADA solutions.
Sensus is currently working with the City of Mesa AZ , an electric, water and gas combination utility with roughly 275,000 services to deploy FlexNet and develop a Smart City Deployment strategy to continue to benefit the community and utility as they upgrade their network.
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4050 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 637-1400 Fax: (951) 637-1500
Proprietary and Confidential
XV. Attachments
Product Data Sheets
Warranty Documentation
ATTACHMENT 2
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Network Communications System
Redefining Intelligent Utility Communications
ATTACHMENT 2
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Technology that takes you
from today to tomorrow.
ATTACHMENT 2
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FlexNet
™
– Technology you can trust
FlexNet is a robust, high-powered solution
based on open standards. It gives electric,
gas and water utilities a communications
network that is designed and built
specifically for smart grid applications.
Working with smart meters, FlexNet
provides utilities a dedicated and secure
two-way communications highway over
which to transmit and receive customer
usage data – the hallmark of Advanced
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions.
Utilities can more e ffectively monitor
and manage the distribution and use of
electricity, water or gas.
With automatic delivery and analysis of
consumption data, utilities are able to
match supply with consumer demand,
resulting in much better utilization of
resources with the least amount of waste.
Customers can be billed based on actual
usage patterns and be encouraged to use
resources more wisely. They can receive
early notification of water or gas leaks,
tampering, equipment problems or outages.
With these advantages and more, Sensus
is redefining the standard for utility AMI.
In the FlexNet environment, smart meters
communicate data throughout the day –
such as electric power consumed from the
grid and returned to the grid by customers
who generate alternative energy – or water
leaks in a home or business. In-home
devices inform customers of their energy
or water usage patterns. Utilities gain
new visibility through infrastructure
monitors that can sense trouble conditions
and trigger an alert to the need for
corrective action.
Customers are empowered to participate
in demand response programs that save
them money while conserving resources.
A Dedicated and Protected
Communications Highway
Reliable, secure and cost-e ffective.
Unlike other utility networks that operate
on costly power line infrastructures or
low-powered, shared radio frequencies,
FlexNet uses primary use radio spectrum,
protected by law from interference and
bundled into the network solution. This
strategy presents essential advantages that
other systems cannot o ffer.
No frequency sharing, no interference,
no problems – period. While other
systems fight interference and signal noise
in shared bands, FlexNet transmits with
a clarity and security that is protected by
federal law.
The highest signal power and range in
the industry. FlexNet wireless devices can
transmit at up to two watts, potentially 10
to 100 times more power than devices on
unlicensed spectrum. High signal power
and low noise combine to significantly
extend network reach. Instead of a fraction
of a mile between endpoints, a FlexNet
network can transmit up to 40 miles from
point to point.
A simpler, more manageable
infrastructure. One tower gateway can
cover 30 to 300 square miles, depending
on population density and terrain. In
hard-to-reach areas, smart meters can pass
along data for each other. That means less
equipment to buy, deploy and operate.
More reliable communications.
FlexNet’s dedicated highway for data
transmission makes communication more
reliable than other systems that require
channel hopping over radio frequencies.
Cost-effective, rapid build-out.
FlexNet systems have access to more than
4,000 tower sites covering more than 90
percent of the U.S. population. The tower-
based architecture can be quickly deployed
without concern for easement and access
issues. And because FlexNet transmits
stronger over a wider signal area, initial
infrastructure build-out and ongoing
maintenance costs are reduced.
Multilayered security to protect
data privacy and integrity. Federal law
prohibits infringement on licensed
spectrum. On top of that, the FlexNet
system adds multiple layers of built-in
security, from strong AES-256 encryption
to multilevel authentication, access controls
and more for premium protection. With
less traffic to interfere with communication,
data is transmitted more securely.
Meeting utility needs today and
tomorrow. FlexNet gives gas, water
and electric utilities the ability to add
functionality to keep up with utility
growth. Demand response, distribution
automation, home area network and new
applications can easily be incorporated
into a utility’s operations over the FlexNet
network, a future-proof investment.
Conserve capital while
maintaining flexibility
and ensuring scalability,
whether you want to serve
a few thousand homes or
a few million.
ATTACHMENT 2
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Sensus Smart Meters at customer premises
communicate consumption, status and
diagnostic data to the FlexNet network for
monitoring and billing purposes.
Energy meters also accept control instruc-
tions and software upgrades from the utility
to intelligently manage consumption and
remotely upgrade features and services.
Wireless communication between meters
and towers is securely carried on licensed
radio spectrum for distances of up to 40
miles, depending on the environment.
Sensus Tower Gateway Base Stations
(TGBs) installed on existing towers
(50–600 feet tall) communicate with
SmartPoint meters and with the
Regional Network Interface (RNI).
Backhaul communication between towers
and the utility data center can be wireless,
wired or satellite, whichever best suits the
utility’s business case.
Sensus Regional Network Interface
(RNI) servers at the utility’s data center
manage network communications and data
storage and processing.
Sensus FlexWare software provides an
intuitive, Web-based interface to manage
the system and its data.
The Sensus FlexServer Web-based portal
enhances utility monitoring and manage-
ment, expands consumer participation and
improves public outreach.
FlexNet
™
– Technology that delivers
• The highest data
transmission power
in the industry
• No interference from
other broadcasters
• Blanket coverage of
your entire area
• Maximum range,
reliability and security
• Minimal infrastructure for
flexible and rapid build-out
• Robust, direct, secure
communications
Sensus is redefining
the standard for utility
AMI systems.
ATTACHMENT 2
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FlexNet
™
– Technology without limits
FlexNet gives water utilities
an acoustic leak detection
solution that saves not only
valuable natural resources
but also lost revenue due to
leaks in utility lines.
FlexNet SmartPoint M2
series transceivers offer
water utilities two-way, fully
migratable, AMR-to-AMI
solutions and unprecedented
freedom to expand and modify
system capabilities without
having to replace or revisit
meters and equipment.
Smart utilities are using
FlexNet data capabilities
to inform and interact with
customers and promote good
conservation practices.
The Sensus Smart Grid
solution provides electric
utilities with a standards-
based, secure, dedicated,
two-way, long-range wireless
data communications network
that will future-proof their
AMI investment.
Electric utilities of all sizes
benefit from our FlexNet
dedicated RF spectrum with
the ability to assign separate
communications channels for
discrete applications, such
as distribution automation,
demand response and SCADA.
The unparalleled RF design
and operational efficiencies
of Sensus can blanket a
utility’s entire service territory
to deliver ubiquitous coverage.
FlexNet allows gas utilities
to increase meter reading
accuracy, reduce overhead
costs and enhance customer
service – all while keeping
more utility trucks off the road.
The innovative gas product line
produced by Sensus combined
with the FlexNet secure, reliable
communications network
delivers a gas AMI solution that
expands easily and meets the
requirements for safety and
accuracy. Minimal infrastruc-
ture means lower maintenance
cost and ease of installation.
FlexNet lets gas utilities
excel in safety, reliability,
efficiency and environmental
responsibility, because no
one has energy to burn.
FlexNet Water FlexNet Electric FlexNet Gas
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We’re not just promising results.
We’re delivering the smart grid today.
With roots that go back more than a century, Sensus is redefining the way utilities think about metering. Not only are we the world’s largest manufacturer of water meters, we are now a leading innovator and installer of utility communications and automation systems that put the “smart” in smart metering.
We are literally building on that foundation every day as we manage hundreds of deployments and install millions of endpoints in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Whether your utility is rural or urban – electric, gas, water or a combination – a FlexNet solution can deliver superior communications on a secure network that scales to meet your current and future needs.
Find out more about how the Sensus FlexNet system redefines the possibilities for intelligently managing costs, resources, infrastructure and customer engagement.
Visit us on the Web at www.sensus.com or call 1-800-638-3748. © 2010 Sensus. All rights reserved. FlexNet is a trademark of Sensus. AMI-120 R3 8601 Six Forks Road, Suite 700
Raleigh, NC 27615
1-800-638-3748
www.sensus.com
www.sensus.com/ flexnet
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SOLUTION BRIEF
FlexNet:
Redefining Smart City Communications
Building smart cities takes technology and networking solutions with in-depth views and infrastructure control. The Sensus FlexNet® communication network is a long-range radio network that provides scalable and reliable two-way infra- structure. The system receives data not only around customer usage, but also from meters and other sensors that assist in optimizing the operation of electric, water, gas, and outdoor lighting systems to reduce costs and improve safety and customer satisfaction.
When compared to mesh, FlexNet has fewer points of failure and utilizes hardened network infra- structure. Redundancy is built into the network topology for proactive management, and unlike costly power line infrastructures or low-powered, shared radio frequencies, FlexNet offers primary use radio spectrum (protected by law from interference.) We bundle the spectrum into our network solution to deliver better performance to you—and your customers.
Smart City EcosystemSolution Overview
Applications &
Analytics
Network
Management
Software
Licensed Spectrum
900 MHz Bands (U.S)
Wide Area Network
PLATFORMSPRODUCTS ANALYTICS
RoutingDatabase
SCADA-
XchangeTM
Automation
Control
TM
Lighting
Control
Sensus
Analytics
Device
Manager
SENSUS HOSTED
or
UTILITY HOSTED
Stratus
Electric meter
LCM Smart
Gateway
ally
Water
MeteriPERL
Meter
Gas Meter
*3
rd Party
Sensor/
controls
Vantage
Point
SentryPoint
DA RTM
SmartPoint
ZigbeeTM
FlexNetTM
Sentry-
Point
Analytics
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©2017 Sensus. All products purchased and services performed are subject to Sensus’ terms of sale, available at either sensus.com/TC or 1-800-638-3748. Sensus reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions in its own discretion without notice to the customer.
The Sensus logo is a registered trademark of Sensus.
This document is for informational purposes only, and SENSUS MAKES NO EXPRESS W ARRANTIES IN THIS DOCUMENT. FURTHERMORE,
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED W ARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, W ARRANTIES AS TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY . ANY USE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED HEREIN IS PROHIBITED. 8601 Six Forks Rd, Ste 700
Raleigh, NC 27615
1-800-638-3748
sensus.com
Features
The highest signal power and range in the industry:
Transmit at up to two watts (10 - 1000X more power
than devices on unlicensed spectrum), and up to 40
miles from point to point.
Consistent, quality communications: A
dedicated highway for data transmission makes
communication more reliable than systems requiring
channel-hopping.
Large geographical footprint: FlexNet operates on
900MHz spectrum owned by Sensus, which carries
inventory to support future data requirements.
Extensive device Support: FlexNet supports a wide
variety of devices and meters—even if battery
powered, which can be problematic in mesh
networks.
Benefits
Improve operational efficiencies and quickly identify
leaks, tampering, equipment issues, outages, or
other abnormalities using collected customer data.
Update/upgrade SmartPoint® modules remotely,
conduct on-demand readings, and disconnect/
connect devices.
Integrate current systems and easily add new
services and solutions to create a multi-application
network.
Reduce infrastructure costs and strengthen network
performance by leveraging a point-to-multipoint
design and tower-based architecture for redundancy.
Leverage open standards and APIs to easily
interface with third-party applications and platforms.
Ensure accurate billing and help customers to better
understand usage behavior.
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DATA SHEET
ADS-10012-03
Regional Network
Interface (RNI)
The nerve center of your FlexNet® communication
network
The Regional Network Interface (RNI)™ is the head end system for the FlexNet communication network. The RNI manages communications by reading and delivering near real-time data, providing a window into the field. Communicating with end points, the RNI continuously gathers and processes device and network data, providing you with status updates and storing or sending data to other systems including your CIS, MDM, OMS and Sensus Analytics. From the data received, you can monitor the operation of meters, base stations, and the various RNI components to ensure timely and accurate billing for services. Priority alarms are delivered immediately, and onboarding diagnostic tools optimize performance by monitoring and managing system health.
RNI software applications
The RNI software applications are used to monitor and maintain the FlexNet AMI communication solution. Core functions include:
Configure: set up of the devices and network settings; manage user access and security settings.
Monitor: observe, detect and record network status using charts and graphs.
Tune: make adjustments for proper system operation.
Troubleshoot: analyze monitoring data and alerts to maintain proper network operation.
Optimize: perform firmware and configuration downloads, and maximize the efficiency and speed of your network.
COMPONENTS
Hardware: Whether licensed and hosted
onsite at your facility, or in one of our
data centers through a managed services
partnership, servers are part of the RNI,
used to host multiple components.
Configuration varies with the size,
structure and data needs of your network
(e.g. number of end points, number of
base stations, message duplication rate,
base station to meter density).
Database: This is the primary system of
record for information consumed and
produced by FlexNet. The database
contains data such as meter read
information and end point configuration
information.
Software: a suite of intuitive applications
used to manage FlexNet.
BENEFITS
Receive reliable, accurate device data to
support billing and data analytics.
Configure end points over the air.
Operate more efficiently.
Monitor and optimize system
performance.
Manage system security.
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SENSUS | 637 Davis Drive | Morrisville, NC 27560 | 800.638.3748 ©2020 Sensus. All products purchased and services performed are subject to Sensus’ terms of sale, available at either sensus.com/TC or 1-800-638-3748. Sensus reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions in its own discretion without notice to the customer. The Sensus logo is a registered trademark of Sensus.
This document is for informational purposes only, and SENSUS MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES IN THIS DOCUMENT.
FURTHERMORE, THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES AS TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY. ANY USE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED HEREIN IS PROHIBITED.
Xylem.com | Sensus.com
Regional Network Interface (RNI)
The nerve center of your FlexNet® communication network Optional Managed Services
You have choices for hosting and managing the RNI. We can install the RNI at one of your data centers or other climate controlled environment. Or, with our Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, Sensus hosts the RNI through a secure cloud- based solution. When you select a SaaS model, we provide all the hardware and software required to operate the RNI through world-class, Tier IV data centers.
Regional Network
Interface (RNI)
AMI
FIXED
BASE
Billing
System
Base Station Sensus
Analytics
Customer
Portal
FlexNet
SaaS
NaaS
T o take it a step further, you have the option to own and manage your base stations or allow Sensus to do it for you with our Network as a Service (NaaS) offering. With NaaS, all network base stations, firmware RF spectrum and system health are managed and maintained 24/7/365 by our Network Operations Center (NOC) engineers.
ATTACHMENT 2
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SDS-10001-01
SERVICE BRIEF
Software as a Service
A cloud-based solution offering
utilities peace-of-mind.
Managing and maintaining software is a key component of all businesses and is even more crucial for utilities. Our Software as a Service (SaaS) solution places the Regional Network Interface (RNI) into your own private cloud-based environment.
You receive the benefits of a Sensus communications network while removing many of the traditional headaches associated with traditional software deployment.
A turnkey solution that makes sense.
We provide all of the hardware and software required to operate the RNI through our world-class data centers, eliminating the need for additional capital expenditures such as IT, office space and specialized resources.
You can achieve the business outcomes you require with a low total cost of ownership.
We monitor your servers and network connections around the clock to ensure 99.9% availability and reliability. Our data center team performs all hardware maintenance as well as software patches, updates, and upgrades to ensure you have access to the latest features. In addition to standard security testing procedures, we perform quarterly third-party audits and security testing by certified Cyber-Security partners to ensure your information is safe. In addition, we eliminate your need to maintain a separate disaster recovery environment using our geographically separated data center locations.
To learn more, please contact professional services at 1-800-638-3748
FEATURES
� 24/7 system monitoring
� Security testing and auditing by industry-
leading partners
� Software and server hardware managed,
maintained and monitored by Sensus IT
professionals
� All software maintenance is included
� Annual fee includes all hardware and
software licenses
� Disaster recovery included
� Hosting conducted in world-class data
centers (SAS-70 type II, SSAE16 certified)BENEFITS
� Reduces IT capital and operational
overhead
� Provides full and continuous access to
servers via web portal
� Reduces risk associated with system
configuration and maintenance
� Reduces risk in planning for business
continuity through disaster recovery
� Increases and strengthens your IT
systems’ security
� Accelerates time to market with new
technologies
� Increases operational efficiency leveraging
our Network Operations CenterWorld
class security and reliability with remote
Tier IV level data centers
Customer Sensus
RNI License X
Connection from BaseStation to Data Center X
Hardware
(servers, storage, etc.)
X
Software
(Operating System, Third-party, RNI)
X
Disaster recovery
(Hardware, Software, etc.)
X
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©2017 Sensus. All products purchased and services performed are subject to Sensus’ terms of sale, available at either sensus.com/TC or 1-800-638-3748. Sensus reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions in its own discretion without notice to the customer.
The Sensus logo is a registered trademark of Sensus.
This document is for informational purposes only, and SENSUS MAKES NO EXPRESS W ARRANTIES IN THIS DOCUMENT. FURTHERMORE,
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED W ARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, W ARRANTIES AS TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY . ANY USE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED HEREIN IS PROHIBITED. 8601 Six Forks Rd, Ste 700
Raleigh, NC 27615
1-800-638-3748
sensus.com
ATTACHMENT 2
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SOLUTION BRIEF
True Available Bandwidth
Myriad options lead to difficulty in assessment
The true available bandwidth of a radio system is always difficult to assess when dealing with the myriad options available. Often designers will sacrifice range for speed, knowing that adjustments may be made to ensure a reliable link. When connectivity is the primary requirement, the radio requires that the speed be lim- ited to ensure sufficient link margin between the target and the device attempt- ing to communicate.
Sensus is unique in the market in that it offers a robust, hardened enterprise class point-to-multipoint network design. Potential customers are often challenged with comparing network performance of this architecture as compared to a mesh implementation. Marketers of mesh systems often claim very high data throughput, and while this may be achieved on a single link between two close nodes, the actual realized throughput is far lower. When evaluating a mesh network, it is necessary to determine what is realistic. A mesh network claiming to achieve a high data rate of 1,200 kbps may do so but only for very short distances of 100 meters. To gain any network efficiency, the node must hop through several other nodes to an access point for aggregation and communication with a central control system. Alternatively, the mesh node data throughput may be lowered to gain a more real world range. When comparing to a licensed FlexNet
® system operating at 57.5 kbps per channel an
unlicensed mesh system would have to reduce its data throughput to less than 500 bps to achieve a similar range.
Mesh systems often attempt to talk about raw speed from one device to another while neglecting to properly provide details on the impact of moving through multiple radios. At each hop, the receiving radio must successfully decode the incoming message, determine the appropriate steps with regards to the incoming packet and if need be forward to the next device to move through the mesh. This hopping, along with node latency, impacts the true bandwidth available to a single point at any time.
One additional factor is that the common use of the unlicensed spectrum band (ISM) dictates that the devices must run in half-duplex, and may only listen or transmit data at any point in time. To truly measure the data capability of a mesh network, it must first be determined how deep a given mesh is designed to operate, and then determine how many meshed endpoints will be serviced by a given access point. Below is a short evaluation that uses network throughput formulas that have been developed by mesh vendors like Silver Spring Networks.
There are two common formulas used to determine the throughput in a mesh system. The first simply defines that each hop imparts a throughput that is inverse to the number of hops. That is, if there are two hops, the throughput is ½ and if there are three hops the throughput is 1/3, etc. While not overly accurate, for estimation purposes it does provide a quick, and usually overstated estimate
ATTACHMENT 2
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of throughput. A more stringent algorithm estimates that at each hop, ½ of the available bandwidth is lost which aligns with the nature of a half-duplex network. Thus, at each hop, the bandwidth is multiplied by ½. So, for two hops ½, for three hops (1/2) * (1/2) leading to the formula of (1/2) N-1 where
N is the number of hops. Finally, the radios in the mesh themselves need to successfully receive a message and determine the appropriate measure of what to do with the message. This processing time is not negligible in a low power network and in fact can have a profound effect on throughput.
The following tables summarize the above formulas.
123456789 1 0
Best Case 1/n 100% 50% 33% 25% 20% 17% 14% 13% 11% 10%
Worst
Case (1/2)n‐1 100% 50% 25% 13% 6% 3% 2% 1% 0% 0%
Best Plus
Latency
Lag
1/n‐
n*Processing
100% 49% 31% 22% 16% 12% 8% 6% 3% 1%
AP Throughput
Capacity
Number of Hops
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Best Case 1/n 600 300 200 150 120 100 86 75 67 60
Worst
Case (1/2)n‐1 600 300 150 75 38 19 9 5 2 1
Best Plus
Latency
Lag
1/n‐
n*Processing
600 294 188 132 96 70 50 33 19 6
AP Throughput
Capacity
Number of Hops
When applying to a real world system advertising to have a throughput of 1,200 kbps, the half-duplex nature of the network forces the first hop down to a realistic bandwidth of half of what is available.
The following table provides real throughput values for a varying number of hops in the network.
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©2017 Sensus. All products purchased and services performed are subject to Sensus’ terms of sale, available at either sensus.com/TC or 1-800-638-3748. Sensus reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions in its own discretion without notice to the customer.
The Sensus logo is a registered trademark of Sensus.
This document is for informational purposes only, and SENSUS MAKES NO EXPRESS W ARRANTIES IN THIS DOCUMENT. FURTHERMORE,
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED W ARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, W ARRANTIES AS TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY . ANY USE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED HEREIN IS PROHIBITED. 8601 Six Forks Rd, Ste 700
Raleigh, NC 27615
1-800-638-3748
sensus.com
By graphing the resultant data sets, it is very apparent that any extension of the mesh network results in a rapid degradation in available bandwidth to a single point.
per channel is always available, with the 10-channel
system providing 575 kbps throughput at all times.
Finally, since one channel is all that is available from a single collector, this bandwidth must be shared
amongst all the endpoints. To achieve any reasonable
RF (radio frequency) coverage (or range), the actual RF modulation is far lower than that which may be stated,
as the noise that is permitted into the radio requires
that the transmitter and receiver be in proximity such
that it is not cost effective. Thus, the actual data rate used is far less to ensure a reliable link.
The FlexNet system operates at full duplex rather
than half duplex as the mesh providers do, meaning
FlexNet can both transmit (talk) and receive (listen)
at the same time, nor does it hop. Thus, the stated
available bandwidth and modulation is available to all
endpoints at any time. In a scenario where 10 data
channels are provided, the data rate for each channel
is 37.5 kbps at all times and the downlink provides
20 kbps capability, so for each endpoint 57.5 kbps
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
123 456 789 10
Available Throughput (kbps)
Number of Channels
Available Access Point Bandwidth
Throughput Available
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
1 2 3 456 789 10
Throughput available (Kbit)
Number of Hops
Access Point to Endpoint
Each endpoint shares BW
Best Case 1/n
Worst Case (1/2)n-1
Best Plus Latency Lag 1/n-n*Processing
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
123 456 789 10
Available Throughput (kbps)
Number of Channels
Available Access Point Bandwidth
Throughput Available
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
1 2 3 456 789 10
Throughput available (Kbit)
Number of Hops
Access Point to Endpoint
Each endpoint shares BW
Best Case 1/n
Worst Case (1/2)n-1
Best Plus Latency Lag 1/n-n*Processing
To achieve a similar coverage and link reliability, a mesh system would require that it either reduce its data rate from the access point to a low enough data rate to ensure
the same signal-to-noise ratio between the endpoint
and access point or alternatively provide enough hops
at a high data rate to provide the same coverage. Upon
examination, it is realized that the result is the same and the effective true throughput for equivalent coverage on a mesh network is less than 25 kbps total, despite the
advertised 1,200kbps bandwidth claims.
What this effectively means is that to appreciate the
advertised bandwidth claims of a mesh network (from
Silver Spring) field equipment (such as distribution
automation devices) requiring the higher bandwidth
would have to be placed very close, if not directly
adjacent to, the access points, thereby limiting the
number of hops required. While this may work for a
limited number of devices, it does not deliver reliable deterministic performance across the entire architecture in the same manner as a true point-to-multi-point design as presented in FlexNet.
ATTACHMENT 2
A2-199
Designed to work. Built to last.
The Archer 3TM Rugged Handheld blends new technology with time-tested features from the Archer 2TM Rugged Handheld to create a powerful new force for efficient mobile data collection. Its lightning-fast quad-core ARM Cortex processor, AndroidTM 7.1 operating system, and ultra-rugged ergonomic design combine to offer users a powerful option for frequent single-handed data entry. © Copyright Juniper Systems 1/19. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are registered or recognized by its respective owners. allegro™
3 Features
Built Juniper Rugged™
Designed to meet IP68 and MIL-STD-810G
standards, the Archer 3 is built waterproof,
dustproof, and shockproof. Rest assured rain,
cold temperatures, and dust won’t stop a
productive workday.
All-day usability
From its ergonomic enclosure, to its sunlight-
readable display, down to its 20-hour battery
life, the Archer 3 is built for long workdays
wherever the job takes you.
Greater speed
Users can expect impressive load speeds all
day long with the Archer 3’s lightning-fast
ARM Cortex processor.
Reliable mobile operating system
Compatible with most Android
applications, its Android 7.1 AOSP operating
system provides users with a reliable platform
for running popular data collection software.
Android TM 7.1 operating system
Powerful ARM
Cortex processor
Backlit numeric keypad
Ultra-rugged IP68 design
& optional Class I Division II certification