2002 AGN DEC 03 I08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT For Council Meeting of December 03, 2002 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Thomas IC Clarke, Electric Utility Director 0?___ Item #8 SUBJECT: Request for approval for RFP for pre -paid electric metering services and web -based meter data program DATE: November 26, 2002 BACKGROUND: The Electric Utility has developed a list of programs that comply with terms of ABI 890, the legislation that established Public Benefit funds. Two of the programs the utility is interested in developing further are pre- paid electric metering for residential customers and web -based meter data for commercial customers. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: The Electric Utility is requesting approval to send out a Request for Proposal for a pre -paid electric metering program and a program that will provide real-time meter data to customers. The proposal would be sent out to prospective vendors by the end of November, with responses due back by the end of December, 2002. Approval for bid award is targeted for January, 2003, with implementation occurring in the first quarter of 2003. If a cost effective program is selected from the RFP, it (they) will be implemented on a City-wide basis. The major objective of this process is to offer alternative payment options to all residential customers. As it presently stands, there is no alternative to the existing consume -pay procedure. A pay -consume plan would protect revenues, provide instant customer feedback, allow for customer selected conservation measures, and reduce a considerable cost for shut -offs and collections. This matter, include a presentation of available technologies, was presented at several recent Utilities Commission meetings, and they have unanimously agreed with the concept of payment options, and web -based data distribution, and the use of Public Benefit Funds as part of the strategy. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the RFP 2. Take no action FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact with regards to the RFP. Upon review of respondents to the RFP, the Electric Utility would return to Council with a recommendation and an analysis of the cost of the two programs. Both programs will be funded with Public Benefit funds. ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval to send out a Request for Proposal for these two programs.