Agenda Item No: N.6
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2026-48 PW Water Enterprise Metron AMI Purchase
Authorization to Purchase Metron Advanced Metering Infrastructure Equipment for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Project
Funding Source: $6,556,687; Water Enterprise Capital Fund
Contact: Michael J. Hether, (707) 428-7493
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
City staff are seeking to purchase Metron Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) equipment to extend AMI throughout the entire water system for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Project (Project; CPW090055).
DISCUSSION
Fairfield Municipal Utilities provides water services to more than 30,000 customers. AMI is the modern iteration of water metering technology. Currently, the City primarily uses Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology which requires staff to drive by the meters with a handheld device to collect meter read data. This information is then imported into the billing system by staff.
AMI meters are connected devices that automatically transmit usage data to designated systems.
These systems collect real -time data, which can be transmitted at intervals specified by the utility. These devices and systems incorporate built -in analytics to assist in detecting potential leaks.
Implementing AMI benefits the utility by enhancing data collection, providing advanced analytics, and reducing the time required for billing processes. Additionally, real-time data supports the
city's efforts in generating state -mandated reports related to water consumption and conservation. As state reporting requirements continue to expand, it is increasingly important for water systems to adopt AMI technology.
Staff previously retained the Shpigler Group (Shpigler) to perform feasibility, systems, and business analyses a s well as provide project management support for the conversion to AMI.
Based on the results of these analyses, staff determined that the appropriate strategy to implement the conversion is to modernize the utility billing system (currently in a Request for Proposal process) along with other supporting systems and to extend the existing pilot Metron system throughout the entire water utility instead of removing and replacing working equipment.
Approximately one -third of the system (a bout 11,000 meters) is already equipped with the Metron AMI which was installed as a pilot in previous years. Moving to a new system would require disposal of existing functional equipment. The aforementioned approach creates the following benefits for the City:
Significantly reduces the apparent water loss in a faster timeframe which is now a State regulatory measure of water utility performance
Reduces revenue loss due to unbilled water consumption caused by reading inaccuracies Allows the City to retain exi sting functional hardware reducing cost of equipment, integration, and implementation costs
Reduction of manual processes by staff which results in increased efficiency and decreased probably of errors
Staff is seeking to purchase Metron AMI equipment to extend the existing Metron AMI system throughout the entire water system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total authorization for this purchase is in the amount not -to-exceed $6,556,687 which is comprised of the metron costs ($5,960,625) and a 10% management reserve ($596,062) to cover freight and the potential need for additional equipment. The cost for this purchase will be paid out of the Water Enterprise Capital Fund (Fund 462).
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The City Council may delay approval of the adjustment so that the staff can address any council concerns.
COORDINATED WITH
N/A
STAFF CONTACT
Michael J. Hether, Assistant Public Works Director - Utilities (707) 428-7485
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
Attachment 3: Metron Price Quote