1. APPA 2004 Business & Finance Conference Meter Reading & Field Technology Update September, 21, 2004

2. Agenda Basic Overview Books vs. Handhelds: Why Invest the Money? What’s Out There? Features vs. Fluff Features to Look For Current Providers

3. Meter Reading Basic Terminology EMR = Electronic Meter Reading. First step from meter books. Involves using handheld computer and may include some probes. AMR = Automatic Meter Reading. Term refers in general to automating meter reading using a variety of technologies including RF, PLC, Touch Reads, etc.

4. Basic Components of a Handheld Meter Reading System Handheld Computer Docking/Charging Device Route Management Software Billing System Interface

5. Route Management Software

6. Why Use Handhelds? Accuracy Hi/Lo Audit Checking Automated Data Transfer Meter Reader Tracking Meter/Account/Premise Search Resequencing Efficiency

7. Myths Handhelds will improve meter reader efficiency by 50% Handhelds will eliminate all meter reader errors Handhelds never fail Handhelds are all the same Handhelds make good dog clubs

8. Handheld Examples

9. Features vs. Fluff Memory Large MB’s of data storage are largely just overkill 8 MB will typically hold 20,000 accounts Processor Speed Even the slowest models are significantly faster than previous models Data Transfer Speed How fast do you need it? “Ruggedized Case” All models are built to rigid specifications All will break

10. Features to Look For Operating System – CE or DOS Data Entry Storage Stored on Hard Drive –or- Stored on Flash Card High Resolution Screen Test the unit in bright sunlight, dark closet Computer connections USB Support? Serial Port?

11. Features to Look For (cont) Intuitive keyboard Upgradeable How long has the model been out? Configurable screen Multiple security level options Battery type NiCad Lithium Ion Other Probe support Support

12. Route Management Software Features to Look For Ease of Use Interface to Billing System Upgradeable AMR, Mobile, Fixed Error Tracking Reporting Capabilities Custom Reports? Support

13. What About Cost? Typical entry-level system ranges from about $6,000 - $10,000 Variables include billing interface & training fees

14. Major Suppliers Itron Schlumberger Datamatic Radix Meter Manufacturers

15. Further Information Hometown Connections Bill Smart National Sales Director – West 303-940-7331 bsmart@hometownconnections.com Steve VanderMeer National Sales Director – East 970-221-4494 svandermeer@hometownconnections.com