Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Better communication between CWLP and its customers is the goal of a $20 million system Mayor Misty Buscher is asking aldermen to approve Tuesday.

However, a proposed amendment could take the project cost down to $14.1 million.

“The (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) readers is [sic] a really huge win for the community,” said Buscher.  “When we had the derecho in 2023, we had a large number of citizens without power at one time — over 40%.  We do not know you have no power unless you call and tell us — still the system today.”

Buscher says using the AMI system, proposed by Landis+Gyr, will be a huge improvement.  According to its website, “We measure and analyze energy utilization to generate empowering analytics for smart grid and infrastructure management, enabling utilities and consumers to reduce energy consumption.”  The company is 125 years old, and makes smart meters for electric, gas, and water.

“The AMI readers are smart readers.  It will tell us immediately when you have no power, which will be a huge advantage to our consumers,” said Buscher.  “It’s really important that we do that for our citizens.”

Landis+Gyr’s original proposal was for $20.1 million.

The Springfield City Council meets Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.