Glaciers, Infrastructure, and the Future of WaterEach year, World Water Day highlights the importance of protecting our most valuable resource. In 2025, the theme is Glacier Preservation, an important reminder…

As winter brings snowstorms, high winds, and cold temperatures, outdoor utility crews face challenges that can impact both safety and productivity. At this time of year, it’s essential to stay…

In utility construction, inventory management is essential for maintaining project schedules and controlling costs. An efficient inventory management system ensures that all materials are readily available, helps reduce waste, and…

As December draws to a close, the holiday spirit inspires warmth, joy, and a sense of community. At UPA, we reflect on the fundamental values that drive us, particularly the…

In the realm of utility management and energy consumption, the evolution of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has been a game-changer. AMI technology, originally introduced to enhance metering accuracy and streamline data collection, has now evolved into AMI 2.0. AMI 2.0 is set to revolutionize the way utilities and consumers interact with energy usage data. This next-generation upgrade promises a multitude of additional benefits. Let’s explore the advantages that AMI 2.0 brings to the industry. (more…)

In the realm of urban landscapes, the evolution of street and area lighting services has reached a pivotal point, casting a new light on communities across America. With the advent of LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology, the transformation from traditional lighting systems to energy-efficient, cost-effective LED installations has been illuminating cities, towns, and neighborhoods nationwide. This significant shift not only enhances visibility but also embodies a sustainable future. Let’s delve into the remarkable impact of LED lighting upgrades and their role in revolutionizing the landscape of public illumination.
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Why You Should Outsource Your AMI Installation 

While much of the utility industry has changed and evolved over the years with the advent of new technologies, one facet that remains as true as ever, is that time is money. In an effort to work equally as efficiently as they do effectively–all while upholding exceptional customer service standards–most utilities find themselves consistently on the hunt for new ideas or processes that enable them to excel at all of the above. 

Often, as is the case with the installation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), a wise option comes in the form of an outsourced specialist. Here are a few of the top reasons why a utility should consider hiring a contractor to install AMI over handling it themselves.  (more…)

You can call it a close call or a narrow escape, but the one thing you shouldn’t call a “near miss” is minor. In companies promoting a safety-first culture, these potential incidents are just as important to track as those that actually take place. In fact, to emphasize the importance of near-miss reporting, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides companies with a near-miss incident report form. 

Given the gravity of these events and the impact they can have on the business, we wanted to explore the topic further. Read on to learn more. (more…)

Companies in growth mode in every industry routinely face some of the same questions, touching on subjects like: “What direction are we heading?” “What are our competitors doing?” and “How can we maintain the same level of service with customers as we expand?”

But the question likely to generate the most discussion is, “Should we partner with a contractor or hire additional staff internally?” No matter where they stand in the debate, most people feel strongly about their position, which is probably why advocates for one side or the other have passionately pleaded their case in boardrooms and break rooms across the country for decades. While there are certainly advantages to growing your internal team, we wanted to talk today about the benefits of going with a contractor and the advantages outsourcing can bring to your business. (more…)

There’s no doubt that advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is one of the most popular topics of conversation in the utilities industry today. And given the rapid rise in installations and use across the world, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that nearly 70% of all electric meters have migrated to smart-enabled devices. Meanwhile, research from one analyst firm predicts the installed base of water utility AMI endpoints in Europe and North America will double between 2021 and 2027. 

Yet, despite its prevalence in the marketplace, much confusion still exists—particularly among consumers—regarding how AMI works and the benefits this emerging technology provides. That’s why we wanted to offer up a handful of AMI truths and myths to help clear up any lingering confusion. (more…)