The Biggs City Council approved the final contract with Vision Metering Solutions LLC on Oct. 13, clearing the way for installation of the advanced metering infrastructure, commonly called AMI. Photo courtesy of Vision Metering Solutions LLC

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Biggs will spend $841,606 to modernize its electric and water utility systems with technology that allows meters to be read remotely.

The Biggs City Council approved the final contract with Vision Metering Solutions LLC on Oct. 13, clearing the way for installation of the advanced metering infrastructure, commonly called AMI.

City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the new system will improve utility operations while potentially reducing costs for customers.

The project includes approximately 771 electric meters and 735 water meters, along with communications equipment, software and installation services. The replacement program is expected to be substantially completed by Jan. 15, 2027.

Gauthier said the final price was slightly higher than the company's original proposal because of insurance requirements and adjustments to the number of meters needed. However, the amount remains below the $895,000 limit previously authorized by the council.

The city awarded the contract to Vision Metering Solutions on Sept. 8, subject to final negotiations.

Under the agreement, the contractor must first demonstrate that the technology works throughout the city's service area. A pilot program will place electric and water meters at the northern, southern, eastern and western limits to test communication reliability before full installation begins.

Gauthier said the primary concern is ensuring that meters at the farthest locations can communicate with the system.

The technology will also allow the city to reconnect electrical service remotely, eliminating the need to dispatch workers after regular business hours.

Gauthier said approximately 20 to 40 customers experience electrical disconnections in a typical month, and additional charges for restoring service can create further financial hardship.

He said the ability to restore power electronically should reduce city expenses and potentially provide some relief to customers.

"Every dollar counts," Gauthier said.

Council members also questioned whether the equipment would eliminate the need for Gridley personnel to read meters at Sunwest. Gauthier said the system would substantially reduce the labor required for in-person readings.

The administrator said other municipal utilities are watching Biggs as it implements the technology. He has consulted with utility officials in Shasta Lake and elsewhere to learn from their experiences.

Several communities have expressed interest in the project and may use Biggs' experience to guide similar improvements, Gauthier said.

Funding will come from the city's electric and water enterprise funds through the 2026-27 and 2027-28 capital budgets. No General Fund appropriation is required.

The contract also includes testing, training, maintenance and technical support, with annual operating expenses for system integration included in future budgets.