Independence hires TMG for AMI study; staff expects RFP late this year

An Independence utilities presenter told the Public Utility Advisory Board on May 21 that the city has engaged TMG as AMI program manager to scope an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) rollout and prepare procurement documents.

The presenter said TMG held two series of meetings with staff across water, electric, IT and finance to document the current state and define a desired future state. "We've brought TMG on board. They have conducted two uh series of meetings with staff," the presenter said, explaining the firm is building the business case and will recommend appropriate meter technologies.

Staff described a priority to avoid overpaying for high-end devices that exceed real needs while ensuring sufficient functionality for customers and business operations. The presenter estimated a procurement timetable that would produce an RFP "later this fall," pointing to late third or early fourth quarter as the likeliest window to solicit vendors.

The presenter said AMI procurement will also consider systems integration with existing billing and customer portals. Staff asked for board input on timing and noted a future presentation to the board once the business case and budgetary analysis are further developed.