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Home My WebLink AboutRES2025-119 Landis+GYR - AMI MetersSponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-119 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) METERS, NETWORK EQUIPMENT, AND SOFTWARE FROM LANDIS+GYR FOR CITYWIDE ELECTRIC METER MODERNIZATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $766,389, PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS WHEREAS, the City of Seward Electric Department is committed to improving transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in electric utility billing and system operations for all customers; and WHEREAS, the existing AMR meters obtained from the City of Kodiak in 2018 were already approximately fifteen years old at installation and are now nearing the end of their expected twenty-year service life, resulting in decreased reliability and limited technological capability; and WHEREAS, the Electric Department, in partnership with Util-Assist, completed an exhaustive vendor evaluation and RFP scoring process, during which three manufacturers submitted proposals, and Landis+Gyr was determined to provide the best overall value, technical fit, long-term support model, and pricing for the City of Seward; and WHEREAS, Landis+Gyr's proposed AMI system will allow the City to remotely read meters, improve operational efficiency, reduce estimated billing, enhance outage detection, and give customers access to more transparent and timely information about their electric usage, consistent with the utility modernization benefits described in the Landis+Gyr AMI proposal; and WHEREAS, the advanced usage data provided by the AMI system will also support improved system demand analysis, load forecasting, and the ability to evaluate and refine rate structures to ensure fair, cost-effective, and equitable billing across all customer rate classes; and WHEREAS, Landis+Gyr's proposal also includes a future -ready AMI network platform capable of supporting additional smart -grid applications —such as distribution automation, advanced analytics, and potential grid -edge technologies —in alignment with the City's long-term reliability and modernization goals; and WHEREAS, the total capital cost for the proposed Landis+Gyr solution is $766,389, significantly below the original project estimate of $1,200,000, and a 10% contingency is recommended for unforeseen conditions, bringing the total project authorization to $843,028; and CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-119 WHEREAS, the adoption of a modern AMI system will reduce manual meter reading, improve billing accuracy, increase customer satisfaction, and ensure that the City's electric infrastructure remains adaptable to future technological advancements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with Landis+Gyr for AMI meters, network equipment, and software in the amount of $766,389, plus a 10% contingency, for a total authorized amount not to exceed $843,028. Section 2. Funding in the amount of $843,028 is hereby from the Electric Enterprise Fund Capital Project Account. Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 15th day of December 2025. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA auz 7/ecC'�ii2Z Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Barnwell, Calhoon, Crites, Osenga, Draper, Warner, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: December 15, 2025 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor Subject: Resolution 2025-119: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meters, Network Equipment, and Software from Landis+Gyr for Citywide Electric Meter Modernization in the Amount of $766,389, Plus a 10% Contingency and Appropriating Funds Background and justification: The City of Seward Electric Department has reached a critical point in the life cycle of its existing metering infrastructure. The current AMR meters, acquired from the City of Kodiak in 2018 at no cost, were already approximately fifteen years old at installation and are now approaching or exceeding their expected twenty-year service life. These aging devices lack the advanced capabilities needed to support modern grid operations, customer transparency, and accurate system data collection. To modernize the system and improve customer service, the City of Seward issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. The Electric Department partnered with Util-Assist to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation of all proposals received. Three manufacturers submitted complete proposals. After extensive scoring, technical review, pricing evaluation, and experience comparison, Landis+Gyr was determined to be the best overall fit for Seward's needs. Landis+Gyr's AMI platform provides significant enhancements over the existing metering system, including remote meter reads, improved outage detection capabilities, and increased accuracy and transparency in electric consumption data. The AMI system will also enable customers to better understand and manage their usage, while giving the Electric Department a more robust dataset to support system planning, load forecasting, and future rate analysis. The proposed Landis+Gyr solution includes AMI meters, network equipment, and the software needed to operate and manage the system for years to come. The total project cost is $766,389, well under the original $1.2 million estimate. Staff recommends including a 10% contingency to address any unforeseen conditions during deployment, bringing the total authorization to $843,028. Implementation of this AMI system will improve electric utility operations, reduce manual fieldwork, increase billing accuracy, and support a more resilient and modern electric grid for the residents and businesses of Seward. It will also allow the City to align with industry best practices and prepare for future technological advancements in distributed energy resources and grid management. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: Certification of Funds Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 843,028 This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact X Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable X $ 843,028 Fund Balance Information Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance X Yes SMIC X Electric Parking Water Other Infrastructure Capital Fund Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: Administration Recommendation X Adopt Resolution Other: