Testing of Richmond water meters under way; Schneider Electric to perform Investment Grade Audit

The Richmond City Council authorized Schneider Electric to perform an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) to test a sample of the city’s water meters and to analyze whether a citywide meter-replacement program could be financed through guaranteed savings.

City and committee discussions noted that the meter fleet includes many brands and vintages; mechanical meters—particularly larger meters—can under-register usage as they age. Schneider Electric’s IGA proposal, presented to the Finance and Public Works committees, would test meters, catalogue equipment and estimate savings; the $24,500 audit fee would roll into project financing if the city proceeds with the full program.

Councilors described the potential benefit as reducing unaccounted-for water and avoiding unnecessary treatment/production capacity investments. The Finance and Public Works committees recommended proceeding with the IGA, and the council authorized the audit.