Cellnet Technology, Inc. and Ameren Corp. have signed a letter of intent for the expansion of the Cellnet fixed-network automated meter reading (AMR) system for an additional 1 million electric and gas meters in Ameren's Illinois service territory.
The planned expansion, slated for deployment over a four-year period, would add AMR capability to approximately half of Ameren's meters in Illinois. The additional installations will result in approximately 2.4 million Ameren meters automated on the Cellnet fixed network, making Ameren one of the leading U.S. providers of real-time automated metering infrastructure services for it customers.
"Our successful relationship with Cellnet over the past 10 years is a key factor in our choosing them to partner with us in expanding our automated metering infrastructure," said Thomas R. Voss, Ameren executive vice president and chief operating officer. "The Cellnet system's functionality has allowed Ameren to realize numerous benefits, including reduced system losses and prompt identification of network outages."
Scott A. Cisel, Ameren Illinois president, said, "The Cellnet network has helped Ameren improve customer service and lower operating costs, and we are eager to bring these benefits to a large portion of our Illinois customers."
