EWEB greenlights $16M AMI rollout and major transmission main extensions

EWEB greenlights $16M AMI rollout and major transmission main extensionsThe Oregon utility's board unanimously approved a slate of capital investments on June 2, highlighted by a sole-source smart metering agreement with Sensus USA and over $9.3 million in pipeline upgrades.

A $16 million AMI master agreement was awarded to Sensus USA Inc. for meters, communication equipment, and software over a 10-year period.

Emery & Sons Construction Group secured a $5.53 million contract for the E 23rd Ave 42-inch transmission main extension and 16-inch main replacement.

Pacific Excavation, Inc. was awarded a $3.84 million contract for transmission, distribution, and storm drain improvements on W 23rd Avenue.

The board defended a proposed $11.50 monthly smart meter opt-out fee, noting it covers actual manual reading costs and will be waived for low-income assistance program participants.

On June 2, 2026, the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) unanimously approved a series of significant water infrastructure and technology contracts, advancing over $25 million in authorized spending via its consent calendar. The largest approval was a $16 million master agreement with Sensus USA Inc. for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout. The 10-year, sole-source contract covers the purchase of meters, communication equipment, software, and as-needed project management. The AMI program generated discussion during the meeting regarding opt-out fees. Board members defended a proposed $11.50 monthly fee for customers opting out of smart meters, noting it covers the actual cost of manual meter reading and is lower than fees charged by the vast majority of regional utility comparators. Commissioner Morris confirmed the fee would be covered for low-income customers enrolled in the utility's assistance programs. EWEB also advanced two major pipeline construction contracts totaling over $9.3 million. Emery & Sons Construction Group, LLC was awarded a $5.53 million contract for the E 23rd Ave transmission main extension, which includes a 42-inch transmission main and a 16-inch main replacement. Additionally, Pacific Excavation, Inc. secured a $3.84 million contract for the construction of transmission and distribution water mains, storm drains, and distribution improvements on W 23rd Avenue. Both water main contracts were awarded based on formal invitations to bid. The meeting also marked the formal introduction of new General Manager and CEO John Hairston, who emphasized an upcoming focus on water utility resiliency and critical infrastructure investments. Looking ahead, Hairston noted that the board will review the preliminary design for a second water source in July, followed by the presentation of the water utility's integrated capital and financial plan in August.