Post on 27-Dec-2015
Water Metering / Pricing ProjectWater Metering / Pricing ProjectLongford’s ExperienceLongford’s Experience
11 May 2005
Tullamore
Story so farStory so far
Background Drivers Inhouse v’s DBO Process
management Methodology
Project costs Outcomes Issues Lessons learned
BackgroundBackground
500 metered accounts 1,500 fixed charge customers Unidentified customers – large number Management system – underdeveloped Revenue collection - 40% Unaccounted for water – 56%
DriversDrivers
Consolidation of technical and revenue services
Water Framework Directive User based charges
Water conservation Consumer demand for more consistency,
fairness and transparency
Inhouse v’s DBOInhouse v’s DBO
CIS & GIS – established and comprehensive
Rural county Inhouse expertise and local knowledge Process control Cost Future management / options
Process ManagementProcess Management
Steering group established Strategic approach Council policy Management support Multidisciplinary
Teams established Engineering, technical and administration Meter installation team Water charge collection team
MethodologyMethodology
Customer database Equipment procurement & review Customer service Revenue collection
Customer DatabaseCustomer Database
CIS & GIS Geo Directory Customer survey Records & files Local knowledge Area based approach Incentives
Equipment ProcurementEquipment Procurement& & Performance Performance ReviewReview
Meters Meter boxes Loggers Meter reading Meter management software Meter billing software Contractors
Customer ServiceCustomer Service
Communications Public briefing sessions Stakeholders “Dummy” bills / leakage alert Backup and support Staffing implications Customer charter
Revenue CollectionRevenue Collection
Historical debt New customers Meter reading Billing issues Debt collection Staffing implications
Project CostsProject Costs
Capital costs Budget Expenditure to date Unit cost per meter
Revenue costs Staff operational costs Collection costs
OutcomesOutcomes
Project commencement date – mid 2003 Customers identified – 3,500 New meters installed to date – 1,500 Anticipated number of meters – 4,500 Completion date – mid 2006
Revenue CollectionRevenue Collection
2002 - €400,000 – 40% 2003 - €700,000 2004 - €1,200,000 – 75.5% 2005 - €2,000,000
Problems and IssuesProblems and Issues
Connections• GWS• Multiple• Illegal• Owner/occupier
Water conservation Water pricing
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Management commitment Customer service & focus On the ground / local knowledge Staff recruitment, training and commitment IT systems Dedicated multidisciplinary teams VFM