CWLP Presents Upgrades in Electric and Water Meters, Solar Ordinance

The council discusses the introduction of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, highlighting its benefits for customer experience and energy management. Updates on a 25-megawatt solar ordinance and carbon capture project are also presented, along with public concerns about transparency and communication. 15mins

Budget Energy Health Municipal Services Public Works & Utilities
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Original Meeting

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Springfield City Council on YouTube
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025
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Theresa Grimaldi Olsen
Springfield Illinois
Theresa Grimaldi Olsen is a freelance journalist, writer and teacher. Her work has appeared in several Illinois newspapers and magazines including the State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., Peoria, the Chicago Tribune. and Illinois Issues. She also has worked in public relations and fundraising for non-profit organizations and taught journalism at Illinois State University and Bradley University.
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In This Video
  • Official opening of the meeting. Alderman Hanauer calls the Committee of the Whole to order, leads the Pledge of Allegiance, initiates roll call and minutes approval. This segment sets the agenda for the session. 
  • Doug Brown, CWLP chief utility engineeer, outlines agenda items, giving updates on a proposed 25‐megawatt solar ordinance, progress on a carbon capture pilot project, grant initiatives (Carbon Safe), and legislative factors affecting the integrated resource plan. 
  • Doug Brown, CWLP chief utility engineer, introduces the main topic on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, stressing its potential benefits and hands over the detailed discussion to the Electric Division Manager. 
  • Electric Division Manager Scott Rogers presents the AMI system’s benefits and features. This portion covers real‑time data collection, improved billing accuracy, remote meter readings, enhanced outage management, cybersecurity measures, and greater customer transparency. 
  • Continuation of the AMI discussion. Electric Division Manager Rogers explains technical and operational details, contrasting current AMR meters with the proposed AMI system, describing funding via refinancing, network planning, and a nearly three‑year staged implementation schedule coordinated with building cycles. 
  • Q&A session on the AMI project. Following the presentation, Aldermen (notably Gregory and Rockford) raise questions regarding total meter counts, ward priorities, meter lifecycle (including water meter issues), and implementation logistics. 
  • Alderman Rockford raises questions about the expected lifespan of the new meters. The discussion turns to a 20‐year life expectancy and explores the potential to integrate water meter upgrades into the project. Concerns about outdated automatic readers and issues like leak detection are raised, with Electric Division Manager Rogers and Doug Brown clarifying installation logistics and vendor scheduling. 
  • The discussion returns to the meter infrastructure with a focus on smart metering innovations. Alderman Conley switches the conversation back to the meter update, asking for clarification on the real‐time pricing concept and its implementation timeline. Doug outlines potential approaches involving time-of-use rate adjustments and public input, while Electric Division Manager Rogers adds that a public-facing portal would allow residents access to their meter data. 
  • Alderman Donelan begins the formal Q&A by asking if the AMI proposal will lead to staff reductions. Doug confirms that reductions would occur through attrition, and following that, Donelan inquires about the current number of meter readers. 
  • Alderman Donelan expresses encouragement about more efficient and accurate outage detection resulting from the AMI technology. 
  • Extended Q&A on Benchmarks and Future Updates: Alderman Conley initiates a series of questions regarding benchmarks, periodic updates, and even requests further presentations (such as on Nest thermostat programs). Responses from Doug and Electric Division Manager Rogers indicate that additional updates will follow vendor selection and ordinance progress, stressing the importance of continual, transparent information sharing. 
  • Public Comment on Transparency and Communication: Lori McKiernan criticizes the lack of proper meeting notifications and readily available presentation materials, arguing that CWLP's partial disclosures hinder transparency. CWLP should be keeping the public informed about potential rate increases. McKiernan represents the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association, a nonprofit service organization that represents Illinois municipalities that own and operate public utility systems. 
  • Bookmobile Announcement – Alderman Conley expresses excitement over the arrival of the bookmobile. She notes that pictures have been taken, highlighting enthusiasm about its look, and mentioning potential hosting opportunities in Ward Eight for bookmobile events. 
  • Robert Frazier of Clean Slate Advocates, a nonprofit organization that provides laundry services in Springfield, discusses the lack of a dedicated Health and Human Services department in Springfield to handle concerns such as contaminated laundry and related infections, citing various health risks and cost‐benefit arguments for improved preventive care. 
  • Alderman Roy Williams Jr. explains that the Springfield health board merged with Sangamon County several years ago. The prompts further inquiry among council members regarding intergovernmental agreements and the structure of public health oversight. 
  • Stephen Sybert suggests that people who speak before the Springfield City Council are not treated equally. Selective enforcement erodes public trust and diminishes citizen engagement in local government, he says. 
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