5.3b ERMUSR 02-13-2024Highlights, Challenges, and Results from the 2023 Strategic Plan Initiatives
• Underground feeder tie between substation 14-4 and Otsego
As the City of Otsego continues to grow, early in the summer of 2023, ERMU finished
installing a new 500 MCM underground feeder line (F44) from substation 14-4 in Elk River
to Otsego (F52), which is near Rockwoods. With this, ERMU can assist if anything was to
happen to our Otsego substation. Currently we have a feeder line from substations 14-4 and
14-3 to support services. There is a new substation transformer due to arrive in 2026 to
replace the existing equipment which is over 43 years old.
ESRI GIS Mapping - Transition field staff to ESRI maps.
Work continued on this initiative by many staff members during 2023. We hoped for a full
transition to GIS maps in 2023, but realized mid -year this would stretch into 2024-25 to
ensure a complete and accurate GIS map for our staff to work with. Our current CAD
mapping is strong, and we are working to proof, transfer, and proof this data again against
the GIS map build. In the end, the ESRI GIS mapping product will be more accurate, contain
more information, and maps will be more easily shared among employees and outside
contractors such as tree trimming and pole testing firms. In addition, a one map system will
free up resources currently used to maintain two.
• Evaluate Water Model — Convert old water model to modern software.
A water model is a very useful tool, allowing staff to see how our water distribution system
behaves in different scenarios, how it reacts to operational changes, and how it should grow
as population and demand increases. We investigated the possibility of using the ESRI
software we already had and used in mapping the water model but found that it would only
support basic parts of the model, not many of the essential features we were looking to
utilize. The best option was to purchase the updated software that the water model was
currently running on and update the information. Completing this initiative took the efforts
of many staff members and was a needed step into the current initiative of planning for
future wells, treatment, and storage. With this information we will create a long-term plan
for the installation of needed infrastructure to support the northeast expansion of the
urban services area.
• Develop/Create a Communications Plan for Employees — The Recharge - Internal Newsletter
This initiative focused on increasing employee engagement, sense of value, and
understanding of ERMU's Mission, Vision, and Values. To accomplish this staff set out to
implement an internal newsletter which reports monthly on accomplishments, major
events, and employee profiles, creating a stronger community within ERMU to better serve
the community we support. The publication was named "The Recharge" in reference to
both electric and water services (i.e. recharging an aquifer) as well as it's intended goal to
provide positive, fun information that recharges staff with a new appreciation for their
colleagues and workplace. The first edition of The Recharge was sent on December 28,
2022, ran through 2023, and will continue going forward.
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ComDletion of AMI / NISC Module Integration
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project will provide end -of -life replacement of
our existing Automated Meter Reading system with the latest AMI technology in our service
territory. In addition to the replacement of infrastructure, AMI technology offers ERMU
access to National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) modules such as Meter Data
Management System (MDMS) and SmartHub. AMI will provide improved service,
operational efficiencies, and better billing information for our customers.
During 2023, the two project leads made up of the administrations director and the
technical services superintendent created an AMI implementation team that included
subject matter experts across ERMU to evaluate and finalize the SENSUS AMI Master
Service Agreement with Core & Main.
Once the AMI system was selected, the AMI implementation team began the next step of
the integration process by holding weekly meetings with NISC project managers to take a
deep dive review of current processes. These weekly meetings allow the subject matter
experts the time and space to discuss, test, and work through the logistics of implementing
an AMI system while tying the new AMI system to our current NISC billing software. A
subset of the team provided analysis of AMI installation vendors and selected Allegiant
Utility Services, LLC to provide meter installation services for water and electric meters.
A huge part of a successful implementation includes frequent and accurate communication
both to our internal and external customers. Part of the communication process was to
create a FAQ AMI project page on our website for customers to find the most up to date
information. In addition, at the request of the Commission, a presentation was provided to
the City Council in October, outlining AMI and its benefits to the community and ERMU.
The AMI implementation process has been a long journey, but well worth the wait as we
build the foundation for future programs and services for our valued customers.
• Mosaic Utilization — Research updates in Mosaic and find ways to utilize its resources
We are currently using Mosaic on an as needed basis. With the implementation of MDMS
and AMI, there will continue to be more data available to utilize reporting from Mosaic. We
would still like to create some useful dashboards for some users to be able to have quick
information available to them.
Network Communications Plan
Staff has been working to transition from radio to fiber communications and on supporting
the growth of future facilities. We have coordinated with city staff to plan for expansion to
support three wells and two water towers on the east half of Elk River. We have also been
working with multiple vendors to design the best network for switching redundancies to
allow for the uptime requirements of our operational technology. Installation of fiber is
beginning this spring and is a multi -year process to install laterals to all identified sites.
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