HERNDON, Va., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ferguson Meter & Automation Group has selected Apex CoVantage as its sub-contractor to complete installation of a full-scale Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Woodinville Water District. Following successful pilots with Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) and AMI technology, this deployment marks the first complete network overhaul of its kind in the district.

Apex CoVantage will enhance the utility's existing customer information system using its ProField^® technology to automate the data transfer process for the installation of a mixture of full-exchange meters and retrofits for the meters that are less than ten years old as well as the addition of a wireless transmitter.

"We selected Apex CoVantage for the installation because of our confidence in their ability to effectively and efficiently install the AMI system," said Misty Cobb, FlexNet project manager for Ferguson Meter & Automation Group.  "Apex's participation decreases the deployment burden that would otherwise be placed on the district in a cost-efficient and seamless manner."

ProField^® will streamline installation of the system endpoint components. Once the AMI software system is fully operational, Woodinville Water District will be able to efficiently and accurately read customer meters, preventing water loss by quickly identifying potential large pipe breaks and other issues through the visual monitoring of incidents and irregularities. The system will automatically alert utility employees to any potential crises with early notification alarms when a possible irregularity is identified.

This type of automated system further increases Woodinville Water District's efficiency by freeing utility workers from the tedious task of manual meter reading to instead focus on better system maintenance and performance.  This project helps Woodinville Water District continue their goal of providing safe and reliable service at a responsible rate. The project is scheduled to begin in May 2014 and last approximately five months.

About Apex Smart Grid Solutions
Apex Smart Grid Solutions provides meter replacement and network equipment installation powered by ProField^®. ProField eases the road to smart grid for utilities by cost-effectively managing workforces for AMI rollouts -- ensuring reliability, reducing risk, increasing compliance, and enhancing customer engagement. See more at: http://www.ApexSmartGrid.com.

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SOURCE Apex CoVantage