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Board backs AMI contract amendment for DCU ownership; AMI installation and meter orders underway
Summary
Harvard Electric agreed to amend its AMI contract so utilities own communication devices (DCUs) while VPSA retains the FCC license; the board heard that ~47–49 DCUs are ready, 5,000 meters were ordered, and integration with the Meridian billing system is underway.
Harvard Electric Department commissioners voted Feb. 17 to proceed with a contract amendment for the advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) project that would transfer ownership of communication devices (DCUs) to member utilities while keeping VPSA responsible for maintaining the FCC license.
The Chair explained the change comes after members raised concerns about maintenance and long-term responsibility: "In the original contracts, they were going to be VPSA's property ... along the way ... we're gonna amend this contract, proposed amendments so that the utilities own their own DCUs and VPSA just maintains the license," the Chair said, noting that owning DCUs puts the asset on the utility's books and allows depreciation.
The board discussed installation status and integration needs. The Chair said DCUs are in inventory and crews are performing make-ready pole work; the utility expects to place roughly 47–49 DCUs and has ordered about 5,000 meters with delivery anticipated around April or May. He stressed meters cannot be widely installed until the meter vendor and the Meridian customer-information system complete integration: "You can't really start installing the meters until you can integrate," he said.
Board members agreed the amendment offers an economic benefit by recording the devices as assets rather than leaving them off the books. Commissioners also emphasized a staged installation approach to manage office workflow and billing; the Chair recommended a street-by-street rollout to prevent gaps in service and data handling.
The board approved the contract amendment motion and directed staff to finalize the amendment paperwork and continue vendor integration work. Staff will report back with the contract for signature and a detailed implementation timeline.
