Fremont replacing water meters to save energy, money

FREMONT - The city began work this week on replacing thousands of water meters in residences and businesses, as Fremont leaders continue their push to boost the city's energy efficiency efforts.

Fremont is partnering with ABM Energy Solutions and Pedal Valves, Inc. to replace water meters in the city.

MORE: Fremont looks to invest in energy efficiency, save millions

Kenneth Frost, the city's safety service director, said Tuesday the project is part of ABM's wider energy efficiency project designed to save the city millions.

He said water customers, once their meters are switched out, will be billed monthly with readings in gallons as opposed to cubic feet.

"It's easier to gauge your water usage when your usage is measured in gallons," Frost said.

With the new, automated water meters, the city will be able to do readings remotely, Frost said.

Fremont's water meter replacement project comes as the city is looking to spend $8.5 million on energy efficiency improvements in some of its aging buildings over the next 15 years.

The ambitious project could end up saving the city $13.5 million in energy costs over the long haul, Frost said in July.

He cited the replacement of all city customers' water meters as one example of an improvement that would save Fremont and its residents money.

Fremont City Council member Chris Liebold said in July ABM Mechanical Solutions did an in-depth audit on all of the city's heating, air conditioning and electrical units to find areas where the city could make efficiency improvements and save money.

According to a city release, workers involved with this project will be wearing either orange safety vests or blue shirts marked with the logo “PVI Meter Team” along with having an ID badge and a flier.

Trucks marked with the same logo will be used during the meter swap outs.

Starting this week, these workers will be going door-to-door and placing hanging tags notifying residents to call in and make an appointment for a meter change.

Frost said the process of replacing water meters will take an estimated four to six months.

He said some water meters in the city had already been replaced a couple of years ago with the new automated meters.

Workers will start replacing water meters at the city's trailer parks first, with meter replacements beginning this week on Port Clinton Road.

The safety service director said the city is starting with trailer parks first because of they need to get the meters switched out and reinsulated before subfreezing temperatures hit the area.

Frost said the city has put a call center in place for residents to schedule an appointment or get answers to any questions they may have for this project by calling at 419-463-0873.

For residents who work second or third shift, Frost said the meters can be switched out at odd hours if it is more convenient for customers who can't be at home during normal business hours.

dacarson@gannett.com

419-334-1046

Twitter: @DanielCarson7